Moving into home care or supported living
Is there room for a home care service run from our home?
Competition, the council's hourly rate and the older population.
When people use it: When considering a new service alongside the home.
How it works, step by step
Competition
How fast agencies are growing.
The council's rate
Against the industry minimum price.
Agencies near you
Who is already operating in your district.
The views you will use
Ask the data in plain English
A real question and answer from Ask Orrery, the assistant inside the platform, for a care home owner in Kent (October 2026). It answers only from Orrery's data and the subscriber's own documents, and shows its sources.
There may be room, but it is a crowded market, and the council rate is tight.
- Demand: Kent's 85+ population is projected to grow 51% to 2035 (England median 41%). Home care is 29% of care type searches (Google Ads Keyword Planner).
- Competition: Kent has 442 community services, ranked 2nd of 153 and up 75% since 2019 (CQC care directory).
- Price: The council pays £28.05 an hour. The industry minimum price is £34.42 (Orrery guide, DHSC rates). That gap is the main risk.
Private clients usually decide whether a new service works. Kent has 43% self funders, against 33% for England (ONS estimates). A care home already has staff, training and a local reputation to build on.
This is data, not advice. Take professional advice before you decide.
- Private clients usually make or break a new home care service.
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