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Funding Care
Routes Healthcare

Funding Home Care in Knutsford

If you're looking into home care in the Knutsford area, one of the biggest concerns you might have is how to pay for it. It's completely natural to worry about this - you want the best care for your loved one, but you also need to know what's realistic for your family.


The good news? You might not have to pay for all of this yourself. Many families in Knutsford receive some form of financial support for their care, and we're here to help you work out what you're entitled to. Whatever your situation, we'll have an honest conversation about what's possible and help you navigate the funding options available in Cheshire East.

Home Care for Knutsford: How Can We Help?
Care Funding Options

How Much Does Home Care Cost in Knutsford?

If you're looking into home care in the Knutsford area, one of the first questions you'll have is "what will this actually cost?" We believe you deserve to know exactly what you're paying for, so here's our honest breakdown.


Home care costs in Knutsford vary depending on the level of support needed. Our home care visits start from £28 per hour, with live-in care from £1,800 per week. We know these are significant figures, which is why we're completely upfront about what things cost from the very beginning.

Routes Costs for Home Care in Knutsford

Our home care visits start from £28 per hour. Live-in care starts from £1,260 per week.

What you'll actually pay depends on how much support your loved one needs - whether that's a quick visit once a day or round-the-clock care.

We're completely upfront about costs - no hidden fees, no surprises. You'll know exactly what you're paying for before any care starts.

Average Costs for Home Care in Knutsford

Based on 2024/25 industry data, typical home care costs in the Knutsford and Cheshire East area are:

Hourly visits: £30-40 per hour
Live-in care: £1,400-2,200 per week

Costs vary depending on the provider, the type of care needed, and when care happens (evenings and weekends can cost more).

Average Costs for Care Homes in East Cheshire

Based on 2024/25 data, residential care homes in Cheshire East typically cost:

Residential care home: From £888 per week (around £3,800 per month)
Nursing home: From £1,027 per week (around £4,450 per month)

Higher-end care homes in the area can cost significantly more - often £1,400-£1,800+ per week.

These costs don't include personal items, hairdressing, activities, or other extras that can add up quickly.

With live-in home care, your loved one stays in their own home - surrounded by their belongings, routines, and memories - often for a similar or lower cost than residential care.

​​Ways to Fund Your Home Care in Knutsford

There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to paying for care. Some families receive council support, others use benefits they're entitled to, and many combine different funding sources to make things work. What matters is finding the right approach for your situation.


Here are the main funding options available to families in Knutsford and across Cheshire East. Don't worry if this feels overwhelming - we'll help you work out what applies to you.

​Council & NHS Funding

Local Authority Funding (Cheshire East Council)

Cheshire East Council provides funding for eligible residents who need care at home. If you're worried about costs, this is often the first place to start. After assessing what care your loved one needs, the council will look at your financial situation to see if you qualify for support.

You might be eligible if:

  • Your savings and assets are below £23,250
  • You have care needs that meet the eligibility criteria
  • You're ordinarily resident in Cheshire East

The amount you receive depends on your financial situation. If your assets are below £14,250, you may receive full funding. Between £14,250 and £23,250, you'll contribute something towards your care costs, but not pay for everything yourself.

We know the assessment process can feel daunting. If it helps, we can attend assessments with you to make sure your loved one's needs are properly understood.

Contact Cheshire East Adult Social Care:0300 123 5010
Learn more about paying for care:www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/livewell/care-and-support-for-adults/paying-for-care

NHS Continuing Healthcare

If your loved one has complex medical needs, they might qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare - which means the NHS pays for all care costs, regardless of savings or income. This isn't something many families know about, but it's worth exploring.

This funding isn't means-tested and covers everything from regular visits to full-time live-in care. A healthcare professional will assess whether the primary need is healthcare rather than social care.

Worth knowing: This applies to conditions like advanced Parkinson's, stroke recovery, or complex care needs - not just end-of-life care. If you think this might apply to your situation, push for an assessment.

Benefits You Can Claim

Attendance Allowance

If your loved one is over State Pension age and needs help with personal care, they could claim Attendance Allowance - even if nobody currently helps them. This is money specifically to help with care costs.

Current rates:

  • Lower rate: £72.65 per week (if they need help during the day or night)
  • Higher rate: £108.55 per week (if they need help both day and night)

This isn't means-tested, so savings don't matter. The money is theirs to spend however helps most - and many families in Knutsford use it toward their home care visits with us.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

If your loved one is under State Pension age and has care needs, they might qualify for PIP instead of Attendance Allowance. Like Attendance Allowance, this isn't means-tested and can be used toward care costs.

The application process can be lengthy and sometimes challenging, but it's worth pursuing if they're eligible.

Pension Credit

If your loved one is on a low income and receiving the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit, there's important news: Cheshire East Council won't include the value of their home when assessing what they can afford to pay for care. This can make a significant difference to how much they'll need to contribute.

Self-Funding Options

Paying for Care Yourself

Many families in Knutsford choose to arrange and pay for care themselves, at least initially. While it's a bigger financial commitment, it gives you complete control over when care happens, who provides it, and exactly what support your loved one receives.

The benefits of self-funding:

  • No waiting for council assessments - care can start within 24-48 hours if needed
  • Complete flexibility with your care plan
  • You choose carers based on who's the best match, not just who's available
  • Everything can adjust quickly as needs change

Even if you're self-funding now, your circumstances might change. As savings decrease or needs increase, you can apply for local authority support. We'll keep you informed about any benefits or funding you could become entitled to as time goes on.

Deferred Payment Agreements

Does your loved one own their home but doesn't have the income or savings to pay for care? Cheshire East Council offers Deferred Payment Agreements - essentially a loan secured against the property that's repaid when the home is eventually sold.

This means they can get the care they need now without having to sell their home immediately. It's not right for everyone, but it's worth knowing about if property is the main asset.

Getting Help with Funding in Knutsford


Cheshire East Adult Social Care
Your first contact for care assessments and council funding.
Call: 0300 123 5010  |  Visit:www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/livewell/care-and-support-for-adults/paying-for-care


Citizens Advice Cheshire East
Free, confidential advice on benefits and funding.
Call: 0808 278 7868


Age UK Cheshire East
Specialist support for older people and benefits checks.
Call: 01270 255255

Ready to Find Out If Home Care in Knutsford Could Work for You?

Not sure if home care is right? Let's talk it through. Ring us and we can have a chat about your situation, and work out the best next steps for your loved one.


Get home care advice from our Knutsford team

Why choose Routes for care Knutsford?

We've been supporting families across the North of England since 2009. Our Knutsford-based care team knows the area, understands the local healthcare services, and brings the clinical expertise you'd expect from a CQC 'Good' rated provider.

Supporting Your Independence

Needing extra support can be difficult to accept

We're here to help you stay independent in your own home: making your own choices, retaining your usual routines, and living life your way. Our home care focuses on keeping you as independent as possible, with you involved in every decision.

Experienced Care Team 

Our Knutsford carers are trained to support you with everything from personal care to medication reminders. All our carers are directly employed and fully vetted to give you peace of mind.

Transparent & Trustworthy

Clear pricing for your home care service -  no hidden fees. We're straightforward about what your care involves and what it costs. You'll always know where you stand with us.

Harriet Woodcock

Care Manager for Knutsford

Harriet brings over 15 years of care experience to her role leading our new Knutsford branch. Care runs in her family - she grew up living and working in her family's residential care home, learning every aspect of the business from the ground up.

HOME CARE FUNDING FAQ

Questions families ask us

Do I have to sell my home to pay for care at home?
No. Unlike residential care, the value of your home isn't usually included in financial assessments for care at home - especially if you have a partner, relative over 60, or dependent child still living there.

Cheshire East Council can also arrange Deferred Payment Agreements if you need them, so you can get care now without selling immediately.
Can Attendance Allowance be used to pay for care?

Absolutely. Attendance Allowance is yours to spend on whatever helps most - and many families in Knutsford use it toward their home care costs with us. It won't cover everything, but every bit helps.

Is live-in care really cheaper than a care home?

Often, yes. Our live-in care starts from £1,260 per week, while care homes in Cheshire East typically cost £888-£1,800+ per week - and that's before extras like hairdressing or activities. Plus, your loved one stays in their own home, which matters enormously to most families.

What if savings are just over the £23,250 threshold?

You'll be self-funding initially, but as your savings decrease through paying for care, you can apply for local authority support. 

We'll help you understand when to reapply and what records to keep. It's worth planning ahead so you know when you might become eligible.

How quickly can we access funding assessments?

Cheshire East aims to complete assessments within a reasonable timeframe, but it can take several weeks. If care is needed urgently, we can usually arrange a care assessment within 24-48 hours and start care while funding is being sorted out. You don't have to wait.

What happens if care needs change?

Your funding can be reviewed and adjusted. If your loved one needs more care, we'll support you through reassessment with the council. If they need less, your contribution would decrease accordingly. Nothing's set in stone - care should flex as life changes.