Clear, honest information
Home Care Costs and Funding
Paying for care can feel complicated, especially when you are arranging it quickly. This page explains what affects the cost of care at home, the main ways care can be funded in Scotland and how we prepare your personalised quote.
No obligation. We explain everything in plain English.
What Affects the Cost of Home Care
Visit length. A short visit suits a simple task such as a medication reminder. Longer visits give time for personal care, meals and company.
How often we visit. Anything from one visit a week to several visits a day.
Time of day. Early morning, evening and night visits may be charged at a different rate.
Weekends and bank holidays. These may carry a different rate.
The support involved. Some needs call for two carers at once or specialist training, which affects the cost.
Travel. [TRAVEL AND MILEAGE POLICY]
Our Rates
We do not publish a single price because no two care plans are the same. After your assessment, we give you a written quote that shows your visit times, what is included and the total cost, so there are no surprises.
Ways to Pay for Care at Home
Paying for care yourself
If you prefer to arrange care privately, or want support beyond what the council provides, you pay us directly. You can still ask Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership for a free care needs assessment and advice.
Free Personal Care
In Scotland, personal care that you are assessed as needing (help with washing, dressing, eating, medication and similar) is free at any age. Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership carries out the assessment and arranges or funds the care.
Self-directed Support
If you are assessed as needing support, Self-directed Support (SDS) gives you four options for how it is arranged, including a direct payment (Option 1) so you can choose your own provider, such as Sunrise Total Care, or asking the council to arrange it for you.
Non-personal care support
Help such as housework, shopping or companionship is not covered by Free Personal Care. The council may charge for it after a financial assessment of your income and savings. The value of the home you live in is not counted for care at home.
Disability benefits
Pension Age Disability Payment (replacing Attendance Allowance in Scotland) is for people over State Pension age who need help because of an illness or disability. Adult Disability Payment is for people of working age. Both are paid by Social Security Scotland, are not means tested and can be spent however you choose, including on care.
Support for family carers
If you look after someone, you can ask for a free Adult Carer Support Plan to find out what help is available to you, and you may be entitled to Carer Support Payment from Social Security Scotland.
Funding We Accept
- Private payment
Useful links
- Free Personal and Nursing Care on mygov.scot (opens in a new tab)
- Self-directed Support on mygov.scot (opens in a new tab)
- Pension Age Disability Payment on mygov.scot (opens in a new tab)
- Social care at Falkirk Council (opens in a new tab)
- Social care at Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership (opens in a new tab)
- Free advice from Age Scotland (opens in a new tab)
This page is a general guide, not financial advice. For advice about your own situation, contact Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership or an independent financial adviser who specialises in care funding.
How We Prepare Your Quote
- 1
Talk to us.
Tell us about the support needed and we will answer your first questions about cost. - 2
Care assessment.
We visit to understand routines, needs and preferences. - 3
Your written quote.
We set out visit times, what is included and the total cost, so you can decide without pressure. - 4
Regular reviews.
If needs change, we review the care plan with you and explain any change in cost before it takes effect.
Request a Personalised Quote
Tell us a little about the care needed and we will be in touch to talk it through. We aim to reply [RESPONSE TIME].
Or call us: [PHONE]
What happens next
- 1
We read your message
A member of the local team picks it up and replies [RESPONSE TIME].
- 2
A friendly conversation
We listen, answer your questions and talk through the options. No pressure.
- 3
We agree the next step together
That might be a home visit, more information, or simply time to think. It is always your decision.