Ultimate guide to private nursing care at home

As more individuals seek care that balances medical support with the comfort of staying at home, private nursing care has emerged as a vital option.

For elderly individuals or those with chronic conditions, this approach offers a flexible, comprehensive solution tailored to unique health needs—all without leaving home.

Around 950,000 people receive home care in the UK. This includes elderly patients with illnesses, those with long-term medical issues, or people who have been discharged from hospital care.

While most people get home care through the council, nearly a quarter (23.5%) pay for it themselves. The figures show just how vital home care is for elderly and vulnerable people living in the UK.

Private nursing care at home is a specialist type of home care which provides expert assistance and peace of mind, allowing patients to remain in their familiar environment with the high-level support they require.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll cover everything from the benefits and costs to tips for finding the ideal nursing care provider.

What is private nursing care at home?

Private nursing care at home is a form of home care which provides professional medical support from registered nurses directly in a person’s home.

Unlike general home care, which may focus on daily activities and basic assistance, private nursing care is a specialised service tailored to meet specific medical needs. It allows individuals to receive clinical care in the comfort of their own home, whether they’re managing chronic conditions, recovering from surgery, or dealing with complex health issues that require close monitoring.

Private nursing care includes a wide range of medical tasks, such as administering medications, wound care, IV therapy, and even more intensive post-operative care. Registered nurses providing this type of care are typically brought on hand to monitor health status, manage pain, support rehabilitation, and respond quickly to changes in a person’s condition. This high level of clinical attention makes private nursing care at home an ideal choice for those needing medical expertise on an ongoing basis, without the need to stay in a healthcare facility.

What are the benefits of private nursing care at home?

Private nursing care at home offers a number of benefits, enhancing both quality of life and the level of care for individuals with medical needs. These include:

Personalised care: Home nursing services are highly individualised, designed to meet the unique health requirements of each patient. This approach allows for one-on-one attention, where nurses can focus on the patient’s specific needs and adapt care plans as conditions evolve—a level of dedicated support that is often difficult to achieve in a traditional care facility.

Comfort and familiarity: Receiving care at home allows patients to stay in their own familiar environment, surrounded by loved ones and personal comforts. This setting not only boosts emotional wellbeing but can also improve recovery rates and overall satisfaction, as individuals often feel more at ease in their own space.

Reduced risk of infection: Staying at home significantly lowers the risk of exposure to hospital-acquired infections, a crucial benefit for those with compromised immune systems or chronic conditions. By receiving medical care in a private setting, patients reduce their risk of complications associated with exposure to other patients.

Convenience and family involvement: Private nursing care at home offers flexibility for family members who wish to stay involved in their loved one’s care. Family and friends can visit freely without adhering to strict visiting hours, fostering a supportive environment that can have a positive impact on the patient’s wellbeing. This convenience also provides peace of mind to family members, knowing that professional care is readily available within the home.

Who can benefit from private nursing care at home?

Private nursing care at home offers personalised, high-quality support for individuals with unique health needs, allowing them to receive essential medical care without leaving their home.

From those managing chronic conditions to patients recovering from surgery or facing complex medical challenges, home nursing can be an invaluable option for enhancing comfort and maintaining independence. Here’s a look at who can benefit most from private nursing care at home:

Individuals with chronic conditions: Home nursing care is ideal for those living with chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, or respiratory conditions. These individuals often require consistent monitoring, medication management, and a tailored approach to care that adapts as their needs evolve. With private nursing care at home, they benefit from regular check-ups and personalised care, reducing the need for frequent hospital visits.

Post-operative patients: For patients recovering from surgery, private nursing care at home provides critical support, offering services such as wound care, pain management, and rehabilitation. This setup ensures a smoother recovery by providing professional assistance with mobility, therapy, and other follow-up care needs right in the comfort of their own home.

Elderly individuals with mobility issues: For elderly individuals facing mobility challenges, private home nursing care can make all the difference. With a trained nurse assisting with everyday health needs, mobility issues become easier to manage, reducing the strain of travelling to medical appointments and offering a safe, supportive environment at home.

Patients with complex medical needs: Patients with advanced or complex medical needs, including those requiring palliative care, can benefit greatly from private nursing care at home. This approach ensures skilled professionals manage their care with customised interventions, symptom control, and emotional support, all within a familiar, comforting setting.

How much does private nursing care at home cost?

There are many factors which impact the cost of private nursing care at home. For example, it will depend on the level of care you use, the location you are in, and the agency you decide to use. The cost of nursing care at home will also depend on the frequency and duration of visits.

Most agencies will typically charge hourly prices, although you may be able to negotiate package deals for long-term care.

You may also be able to finance care through insurance coverage or other assistance programs, which can help offset some of the expenses. Many providers are equipped to guide families in exploring these options.

Average hourly cost of private nursing care at home

Autumna has analysed the hourly cost of private nursing care at home in different regions across the UK. While the hourly cost of this service varies considerably depending on location and the agencies in question, the figures show that the average hourly cost of private nursing care at home in the UK is £21.95 with Scotland having the highest average hourly price for nursing homecare, which comes in at £22.48.

On the other hand, England had the lowest cost for private nursing care at home at £21.61 per hour.

However, if you are wondering how much private nursing care at home costs in your area, then all you have to do is head over to our directory and select Home Care.

Type in your preferred area.

Then it will bring up a list of private nursing care agencies in your preferred location.

Under Care Type, select nursing. Click search again.

You can then filter the results further to show ‘Hourly fees’. This will bring up a list of fees from the lowest to the highest.

Finding transparent pricing information

To help make an informed decision, it’s essential to seek out resources that provide clear and transparent pricing details. Many care providers now share detailed pricing breakdowns on their websites or offer consultations to discuss costs based on individual needs.

You may also want to consider online comparison tools, reviews, or consultations with multiple providers to understand what’s available. Being proactive in gathering pricing information and asking about potential fees upfront can help families budget more effectively for private nursing care at home.

Looking for a home care provider?

If you are trying to find private nursing care at home in your area but you are unsure where to start, Autumna can help. You can use our online directory as outlined in the sections above, or you can use our Shortlisting Tool which can provide you with a more bespoke list of private nursing care at home providers. Our friendly team of advisors are also on hand to help with any additional questions you may have on 01892 335 330.