When a family looks for a home caregiver, price is one of the first questions. But comparing two numbers isn't enough, because the price changes with the type of care, its length and what it includes. This article explains what decides the cost and how to compare offers fairly.
Hours a day
The first thing that decides the price is how many hours the caregiver spends with the patient. A one-hour visit for a specific task differs from a caregiver eight hours a day, and both differ from live-in care twelve hours a day. So start by setting out what the patient actually needs during the day before comparing prices.
Visits, or a weekly or monthly contract
Separate visits suit someone who needs help at set times; a weekly or monthly contract suits someone who needs daily, continuous care. Contracts also differ in working days a week: every day, or six days with a day off.
What does the price include?
Before comparing, ask what the price really includes:
- Does a doctor review the case before care starts and follow it during care?
- Do you choose the caregiver yourself from suitable candidates?
- What happens if you need to change the caregiver?
- Can the contract be paused for travel or a hospital stay?
- Do you receive reports on visits and readings?
VAT and extra fees
Check whether the prices shown include VAT, and whether there are extra fees such as a delivery fee depending on your location. The cheapest offer can end up higher once these are added.
How prices work at the Specialized Medical Care Center
Package prices are shown on the packages page before you start a request. They exclude VAT, which applies to residents only, and some packages may add a delivery fee depending on location, shown before you pay. A doctor reviews every request and shortlists 3 to 4 suitable caregivers for you to choose from, and you only pay after you choose. The final price may change after the doctor's review, an approved special offer or a discount.
Frequently asked questions
Is the cheapest always the best?
Not necessarily. Compare what each offer includes: medical supervision, freedom to choose, the option to change or pause, and follow-up. The price difference may pay for a service the other offer doesn't give.
Are prices different outside Riyadh?
Package prices are the same; some packages may add a delivery fee depending on your location, shown before you pay.
When do I know the final price?
After the doctor reviews the request and you choose the caregiver, the amount due is shown before you pay.
This article is general guidance; up-to-date prices are always on the packages page.