Home Care vs Care Home: Which Is Right for You?

Supportive guidance to help you make the right care decision

Care Home

or Care at Home

When comparing a care home versus home care, it is important to understand how each option works. Care homes provide accommodation, meals and care in a shared setting, while home care delivers professional support in the individual’s own home. Both options offer benefits, but the right choice depends on personal needs, lifestyle preferences and long term care requirements.

Consideration

AshwellCare (Home Care)

Care Homes

Living Environment

Remain in familiar surroundings with personal belongings, routines and memories

Purpose built environment designed specifically for care and accessibility

Level of Independence

Greater control over daily routines, meals, visitors and lifestyle

Structured routines can provide reassurance and consistency

Care Flexibility

Care can start with short visits and increase gradually as needs change

Care is available around the clock without the need for changes

Personalised Support

One to one care focused solely on the individual

Care delivered by a team supporting multiple residents

Social Interaction

Companionship through carers, friends and family visits at any time

Built in social opportunities and group activities

Family Involvement

Family can remain closely involved in everyday life and care

Families can visit knowing care is always available

Typical UK Costs

Hourly care from around £25 to £35 per hour. Live in care from approximately £900 to £1,500 per week

Residential care from around £800 to £1,200 per week. Nursing care can exceed £1,400 per week

What Costs Include

Care hours only. Household bills remain separate

Accommodation, meals, care and utilities included

Continuity of Care

Often supported by the same care companions, building familiarity

Care provided by a wider team ensuring full cover

Suitability

Ideal for those who value independence and familiar surroundings

Ideal for those who prefer a communal setting or need constant supervision

Home Care Is Best For

Home care is often best for people who want to remain independent, stay connected to their local community, and maintain control over their daily routine. It suits individuals with low to moderate care needs, those living with dementia who benefit from familiarity, and families who want flexible care that can adapt gradually over time.

Care Homes Are Best For

Care homes are often best for individuals who require continuous supervision, have complex medical needs, or feel safer in a structured environment. They can also suit people who enjoy regular social interaction with others and prefer care that is always available without relying on family involvement.

How Home

Care Works

Home care allows people to receive care at home, either through visiting carers or live in care. Unlike care homes, home care does not require moving away from familiar surroundings. Support can be provided for a few hours a week or on a full time basis, making home care a flexible alternative to residential care that adapts as needs change.

Independence

and Choice

One of the key differences between care homes and home care is independence. Care at home allows individuals to maintain their routines, make everyday choices and remain in control of their lives. In contrast, care homes often follow set schedules for meals, visits and activities. For many families, home care offers greater freedom and a higher quality of life.

Familiarity

and Wellbeing

Remaining at home can support emotional wellbeing, particularly for those living with dementia or memory loss. Familiar spaces, personal belongings and established social connections provide comfort and reassurance. When weighing up care home or home care options, the mental and emotional benefits of staying at home are an important consideration.

Personalised

Home Care

Home care provides one to one support that is tailored to individual needs, while care homes typically care for multiple residents at the same time. At AshwellCare, we focus on consistent care companions to build trust and understanding. This personalised approach to home care contrasts with the more structured, shared model of residential care, helping families feel confident they are choosing the right care solution.

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