Hourly and live-in care in Balsall Common
Safe and supported at home by an expert local team
We provide personalised hourly and live-in care across Balsall Common, Berkswell, and the surrounding area - helping older adults stay independent in the place they know and love. Whether it’s a few hours of support or full-time care, our local team is here to make life safer, easier, and more enjoyable at home.
We’re proud to be part of the Solihull care community, with local initiatives like the Knowle and Dorridge Memory Café helping clients stay connected beyond the home.
Speak to a care expert - No obligation, just free friendly advice:
- The only elderly care provider in Solihull rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission – one of just 2.2% in the West Midlands
- Personalised support that fits your life, from a few hours a week to 24/7
- Caregivers are carefully matched to you for skills, values, and personality
The relief for me, knowing my mum has the care she needs, is just fantastic — they’ve been absolutely invaluable.
Rated 9.8/10 on homecare.co.uk
One of the Top 20 Home Care Groups in 2026 - homecare.co.uk
What is hourly home care?
Hourly care, sometimes called domiciliary care, offers flexible support when you need it - from a daily visit to multiple calls throughout the day. It’s ideal if you’re looking for help with personal care, companionship, medication, or practical tasks, while continuing to live in the comfort of your own home.
You stay in control, choosing when and how you’d like support.
What is live-in care?
Live-in care provides full-time support from a dedicated Caregiver who lives with you in your home. It’s a popular alternative to residential care—allowing you to stay in familiar surroundings with one-to-one support, tailored completely to your needs.
Our live-in team is led by a dedicated Care Manager who works with you to build a personalised care plan, matching you with a Caregiver who fits your lifestyle.
Transparent Pricing
Hourly Care
Live-in Care
Hourly Care
At Unique Senior Care, we're dedicated to providing exceptional care with clear and simple pricing.
Below, you’ll find the rates for our hourly care services. We believe in transparency, so there are no hidden fees like VAT or travel time for our visits.
Weekdays:
From 10am to 4pm: £32.00 per hour.
Reduced rate during quieter times of the day - min 2.5 hours.
From 8am to 8pm: £43.00 per hour
From 8pm to 8am: £44.00 per hour
Weekends:
From 10am to 4pm: £32.00 per hour.
Reduced rate during quieter times of the day - min 2.5 hours.
From 8am to 8pm: £45.00 per hour
From 8pm to 8am: £47.00 per hour
These rates ensure that you’re always in good hands, with Caregivers who know your needs and are dedicated to making your day a little easier.
Reduced Rate for Off-Peak Support or Respite (£32 per hour):
Sometimes you might need a little bit of friendly company during the day to pop out to the shops or give family members a rest.
During our quieter times, between 10am and 4pm, we offer a special discounted rate for companionship calls.
This is currently charged at £80 for a 2½ hour visit and is a great way to get the support you need when our team is more readily available.
Sleepover Services:
Need some peace of mind throughout the night? Our sleepover service is available from 10pm to 7am at £275.00 per night. This ensures you have the reassuring presence of a Caregiver at home with you in case you require any extra support.
However, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of both you and them, your Caregiver must get at least four hours of continuous sleep. If not, the hourly rate will apply for the full shift.
Mileage:
Many of our clients love getting out and about with their Caregiver, whether it's visiting friends, nipping for cake and a cup of tea, or a routine hospital appointment. Our Caregivers are all fully insured to take you out safely wherever you need to go. For services that involve travel in the car, we charge 50p per mile.
Additional Costs
Our fees cover the cost of our care and support services. If you’d like to enjoy hobbies or outings with your Caregiver, we’re delighted to help make these activities happen.
However, any extra costs during these trips, such as coffees, meals, show tickets, or public transport fares, will need to be covered by you. This way, your Caregiver can join in fully, ensuring your outings are as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.
Bank Holidays:
Our Caregivers work hard, even on holidays. To reflect their dedication, we like to ensure they are fully compensated, so on these days, our rates are charged at double the hourly rate.
Outstanding care in Balsall Common - Why it costs what it does
Our hourly care isn’t the cheapest — because we take the time to do things properly. We’re the only provider in Soihull to be rated Outstanding by the CQC.
You’re not just paying for a visit. You’re getting reliable, compassionate care from someone you know and trust. We’ll build you a small, consistent team of Caregivers who understand your routines — and we’ll never send someone you haven’t met.
Every Caregiver is carefully chosen, fully trained, and directly employed by us. They’re supported by our Coventry office team, who stay in regular contact with you and your family.
We manage everything behind the scenes — rotas, training, cover, quality checks, and communication — so you can feel confident your loved one is in safe, capable hands.
Why choose care at home?
Home care means getting the help you need without having to leave the place you know best. Whether it's an hour a day or full-time support, staying at home gives you choice, comfort and continuity.
Familiar surroundings – Stay in your own home, surrounded by everything and everyone you love
One-to-one support – Consistent care from someone who understands your needs and routine
Flexibility and control – Choose care that fits around your life, not the other way round
Emotional wellbeing – Avoid the stress of moving and stay connected to your community
Peace of mind – Families know you’re safe, comfortable and well looked after at home
Meet your local Balsall Common care team
You’re in good hands with our Solihull team. Our hourly care service is led by Registered Manager Kara Cave, and our live-in care service is managed by Sophie Ledbrooke.
Both services have been rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), so you can feel confident you’re receiving the highest quality care — whether it’s for a few hours a week or full-time support.
Kara Cave – Registered Manager (Hourly Care)
Kara started as a Care Supervisor, quickly progressing through her dedication and care. With experience in both home and residential settings, she values safety and empathy. Outside of work, she’s a Community First Responder and enjoys walking her dogs, camping & travelling.
Sophie Ledbrooke – Head of Live In Care
Sophie has worked in care since 2006 and now leads our live-in care teams across the region. She’s passionate about delivering safe, consistent support and making sure every client and Caregiver feels valued.
What can your Caregiver help with?
Whether you choose hourly or live-in support, your Caregiver is there to make everyday life easier, safer and more enjoyable, with care shaped around your individual needs and routine.
Daily routines
Washing, dressing, meal preparation and medication
Housekeeping
Light cleaning, laundry and keeping your home comfortable
Family updates
Regular check-ins and communication with loved ones
Companionship
Friendly conversation and someone to share your day with
Specialist care
Trained support for dementia, Parkinson’s or post-hospital recovery
Overnight help
Support with bedtime routines and reassurance during the night
The Carers who make it all happen
The heart of our care lies with the people who deliver it. Our Caregivers are selected not only for their skills and experience but for their warmth, reliability and commitment to making a difference.
Carefully selected – Every Caregiver passes our rigorous recruitment process and the 'Mum Test': if we wouldn’t trust them to care for our own loved ones, they don’t make the team
Comprehensive training – All new team members complete a minimum four-day training programme at our Stratford-upon-Avon head office, covering personal care, medication, dementia support and more
Ongoing development – We support every Caregiver with continuous training, mentoring and quality checks to ensure consistently excellent care
My mum’s got all her things around her, she’s got more freedom and 1-1 with the carers. She sleeps better, eats better, is more content and can go out when she likes.
"Gail has changed my life, I now feel that in the near future with Gail’s help I will be able to have the confidence to go back outside again which I have not done in 4 years."
- Brian, Balsall Common
Inspected and rated
Outstanding by the CQC
Why choose Unique Senior Care in Balsall Common?
Outstanding-rated care – Recognised by the Care Quality Commission for safe, personalised, and consistently high-quality support you can trust.
Fully managed and regulated – We handle everything, from care plans to payroll and compliance. Learn about the difference between regulated and non-regulated care.
Expert Caregivers – Handpicked, thoroughly trained, and regularly supported to deliver excellent care
Truly local service – Our Solihull-based team knows the area and the people we support
Consistent, familiar faces – We build lasting relationships with continuity at the heart
Staying connected in Balsall Common
Staying connected to the community is a big part of what we do in Balsall Common. Alongside personalised care, we help our clients keep doing the things they love—whether that’s attending local groups, enjoying walks through Lavender Hall Park, or popping into Oakes Farm Shop for a coffee and a catch-up.
The Knowle and Dorridge Memory Café
We run the Knowle and Dorridge Memory Café every Tuesday from 10.30am-12.30pm at Dorridge Methodist Church, offering a warm and friendly space for people living with memory loss and their families.
It’s a relaxed and welcoming place where visitors can talk, share experiences, and feel part of a local community that understands what they’re going through.
In 2025, the café was named Non-Profit Champion at the Solihull Awards, recognising its outstanding community impact and the dedication of our volunteers, local partners, and families who make it such a supportive space for everyone.
Here’s how the café can help:
Friendly conversation and companionship in a relaxed setting
Practical advice and signposting to expert organisations like the Alzheimer’s Society
A supportive space where family Caregivers can connect and feel less alone
Personalised care in just 1 week or less
Simple steps to get the right care in place quickly
1. You’ve found the right care
You’re on the right path to personalised live in care.
You're here
2. Free assessment
Call or enquire online. We’ll start with a chat and arrange a free home visit within days to ensure you get the right care.
3. Crafting your care plan
We’ll create a care plan tailored to your loved one’s needs and lifestyle.
4. Matching your Caregiver
Together we'll find a Caregiver who's a perfect match for your loved one’s needs and personality.
5. Care in place
Care usually starts within a week. Your Care Manager will attend on day one and check in again on day seven.
Frequently asked questions
Find answers to your questions about our care services and how we can help.
Still have questions?
We're here to help you!
Speak to our care experts
Meet Stacey, your friendly expert care advisor
Navigating care can feel overwhelming, and we understand how personal this decision is. We're here to guide you every step of the way—offering advice, reassurance, and ensuring your loved one receives the highest quality care.
- Quick 30-minute call: We'll discuss your situation and provide expert advice on care options.
- Book a free assessment: If you're ready, we can arrange a no-obligation assessment to match your needs.
- Fast, flexible care setup: We can start care within days if necessary, ensuring your loved one receives prompt, personalised support.
Inspected and rated
Outstanding by the CQC
FREE assessment enquiry
Stacey or one of our team of friendly and experienced care advisors, will be in touch as soon as possible by phone or email to discuss your care needs.
Speak to a care expert: 0121 667 5555
We provide hourly and live in care across the Solihull area including:
Balsall Common
Berkswell
Barston
Bentley Heath
Chadwick End
Catherine-de-Barnes
Dorridge
Eastcote
Fen End
Hampton-in-Arden
Hockley Heath
Honiley
Knowle
Lapworth
Temple Balsall
Rowington
Where to find us:
Unique Senior Care
1584-1586,
High Street
Knowle
Solihull
B93 0LF- Office Opening Hours
Monday – Friday 08:30am-5:00pm
Saturday & Sunday - Closed - Phone Lines Open
Monday – Friday 08:30am-9:00pm
Sat & Sun - 8:30am - 5:00pm
To talk to a member of our team about how we can help you. Someone is available to discuss all Care enquiries 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
As well as providing both Hourly Visiting Care and Live-In Care in Balsall Common, we also offer both these services across the neighbouring city of Coventry and town of Solihull.
Page written by:
With over 40 years of experience in the care industry, providing outstanding care has always been Helena’s core mission.
Helena has been a dedicated member of Unique Senior Care for eight years, starting as Care Manager and advancing to Head of Extra Care and now serving as Director of Operations.
She holds a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services (England), as well as a Diploma in Welfare Services. Helena has completed various leadership and management courses, enhancing her expertise in the care industry.
Helena has authored published articles, including one for Skills for Care on managing change through the COVID pandemic. She has a steadfast commitment to advocating for and supporting those in need, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights upheld.