Clear, honest information
Home care costs and funding
We believe in being open about the cost of care. Every person's needs are different, so home care costs in Dartford and the surrounding areas depend on the support you need. After your care assessment, we give you a clear, personalised quote, with no hidden extras.
What affects the cost of home care?
The cost of your care depends on a few simple things:
How much support you need
Help with companionship and household tasks is different from personal care or support with complex needs.
How long and how often
The length of each visit and the number of visits each day or week.
When visits take place
Early mornings, late evenings, weekends and bank holidays may be charged at a different rate.
Visiting or live-in care
Visiting care is charged by the hour. Live-in care is usually charged as a weekly rate.
What is included in your care
When you choose Smartlinks Care, your fee covers more than the time your carer spends with you. It includes:
- A home visit to understand your needs before care begins
- A personalised care plan, written with you and your family
- Regular reviews to make sure your care stays right for you
- Support and supervision for your carers from our office team
- A named point of contact for questions and changes
Ways to pay for your care
There are several ways to pay for care at home. We can talk you through the options and point you to the right people for advice.
If you are paying for your own care, you will pay us directly for the support in your care plan. We will agree the details and how invoices work before care begins.
Getting advice on funding
If you think you may be eligible for help, the first step is usually a care needs assessment from your local council. It is free to ask for one, whatever your income.
- Kent County Council: adult social care (opens in a new tab)
- London Borough of Bexley: adult social care (opens in a new tab)
- Age UK: paying for care at home (opens in a new tab)
We are not financial advisers, but we are always happy to explain how our fees work.
Questions about care costs
The cost depends on how much support you need, how long each visit lasts and when visits take place. After your care assessment, we give you a clear, personalised quote.
We will agree how invoicing and payment work before your care begins, so there are no surprises.
Please let us know as early as possible. We will explain our cancellation terms clearly before care starts.
If your needs change and your care plan changes, your costs may change too. We will always talk to you first.
Get a clear, personalised quote
Tell us a little about the support you need and we will talk you through the options and costs, with no pressure and no obligation to go ahead.