Most home care businesses do charge a slightly higher rate for evenings or weekends, usually just 5-10% more. But here’s the problem: that tiny bump doesn’t match the higher demand, staffing challenges, or the real value of those peak hours. The truth is, not all care hours are equal and your pricing should reflect that.
If you’re charging the same for a quiet Tuesday afternoon as you are for a fully booked Saturday morning, you’re likely losing money without even realising it.
Time-Based Pricing: The Smart Shift for Home Care
Think about your busiest times.
Maybe it’s weekend mornings or evening care.
Those slots are in high demand. Families often fight for them.
So why are you charging nearly the same during peak hours as if nothing’s different?
Here’s the Fix: Add Time-Based Pricing
Just like gyms, salons, and restaurants, home care can benefit from flexible pricing.
✅ Example 1:
Weekends always booked solid?
→ Add a 15-20% weekend premium for care shifts.
✅ Example 2:
Evenings harder to staff?
→ Charge more for evening or overnight care, your carers are already paid more for it anyway.
Why This Works
When clients consistently want the same busy slots, those hours are underpriced.
By adjusting prices to reflect demand, you create:
- 💰 More revenue from your busiest times
- 🧘 Less burnout for your team (you can afford to incentivise those shifts)
- 📅 Smarter scheduling – clients may shift to off-peak hours if they want to save
Worried About Pushback?
Start small.
Test it for one time slot or day of the week.
If it doesn’t work? You can always adjust back.
But best case?
Your business makes more money doing exactly what you’re already doing, just smarter.