PRICE GUIDE · CARE & SUPPORT · 2026–2027
Special Needs Care cost in Ireland
€22–€42 per hour. Typically €30.
A special needs care in Ireland costs €22–€42 per hour, typically around €30. The price is set by level of need, specialist training and hours and regularity.
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HOW MUCH IT COSTS
How much does special needs care cost in Ireland?
| Low end | €22 | a simple job, off-peak, outside the cities |
|---|---|---|
| Typical | €30 | what most people pay |
| High end | €42 | the biggest jobs, short notice, Dublin |
Locufy guide prices for 2026–2027. Updated 2026. A national range, not a quote — enter your town above for real prices from the carers and care agencies near you.
What moves the price
- Level of care required — personal care and mobility assistance need more hands-on time than companionship.
- Caregiver's qualifications — a carer with specialist training in special needs care may charge more per hour.
- Duration of service — longer visits with personal care and educational support add more hours each week.
- Regularity of care — regular weekly hours are often priced lower than occasional or short-notice bookings.
- Complexity of the individual's needs — communication devices or behaviour support need a carer with more experience.
| Lowest | €14.30 | the lowest rate a provider has set |
|---|---|---|
| Average | €21 | across 4 hourly service providers |
| Highest | €27.50 | the highest rate a provider has set |
What it costs on Locufy
These are the rates the 4 hourly service providers on Locufy in Ireland set themselves, as their profiles show them. Locufy's average, €21, is below the typical €30 across Ireland.
Locufy credit lowers these rates further:
- €10 · You get €10 of credit when you finish signing up.
- €10 · You and a friend each get €10 when they complete their first booking.
- €1 · Each review of a completed job earns you 100 points (€1); every 1,000 points becomes €10 of credit.
Example: credit can cover up to 10% of a booking, so at the €21 average an hour costs you €18.90 while your credit lasts.
Other social protection prices in Ireland are up 26% over five years (CSO Consumer Price Index, Other social protection, to 2025 December). Five years ago a typical special needs care would have cost about €25 — an estimate from today's guide price and that index, not a recorded price. Source: CSO CPM18, CPM12 →
WHAT YOU GET
What a special needs care visit includes
Takes: Sessions can vary in length, typically ranging from 1 to 8 hours depending on the individual's needs and the type of care required..
WHAT PEOPLE BOOK
Common special needs care jobs
KNOW THE PRICE? NOW SEE THE REAL ONES
Special Needs Care near you, with prices shown
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How to pay less
- Booking regular weekday daytime hours usually costs less per hour than evening or weekend special needs care.
- Combining personal care and meal preparation in one longer visit costs less than separate short visits.
- Using communication devices and mobility aids the person already has saves buying new ones for the carer.
- Keeping the same caregiver for regular visits saves paid time spent learning the person's care routines again.
- Family covering some hours, such as weekends, keeps the paid special needs care to the hours that need it most.
Before you book
- Information about the individual's medical history and current conditions.
- Details of any specific care routines or preferences.
- Access to the home or location where care will be provided.
- Contact information for healthcare providers or specialists involved in the individual's care.
- You can ask whether the carer is trained in first aid and emergency procedures, and has special needs care experience with similar needs.
Special Needs Care cost: questions people ask
The cost can vary based on the level of care required, the caregiver's qualifications, and the duration of service. Specialised skills or training may increase the hourly rate.
Sessions can vary in length, typically ranging from 1 to 8 hours depending on the individual's needs and the type of care required. It's advisable to discuss specific requirements with the caregiver.
While general caregivers can provide basic support, a qualified specialist may be necessary for more complex needs, especially if medical or therapeutic interventions are required. Caregivers should have relevant qualifications, such as certifications in special needs care or first aid.
Many providers offer same-day services, but availability can vary. It's best to contact providers directly to inquire about their emergency service options.
Yes, many caregivers can accommodate multiple tasks during a single visit, such as personal care and educational support. Discussing your requirements upfront can help streamline the process.
Services like medical procedures, extensive behavioural therapy, or tasks requiring licensed professionals (like nursing) are generally out of scope for standard special needs care providers. Safety is paramount; ensure the caregiver is trained in emergency procedures and understands the specific needs of the client.
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