Care Home Fees and Costs
Care Home Prices Vary Across the UK
The cost of care homes in the UK varies based on location, type of care, your savings, property, and the care home provider. Knowing average fees helps in making informed decisions about care.
How Much Are Care Home Fees in the UK?
- Residential Care: On average, self-funders pay £1,160 per week (£4,640 monthly).
- Nursing Care: Costs around £1,410 per week (£5,640 monthly).
- Annual Costs: Residential care averages £60,320 per year; nursing care averages £73,320.
- Specialist Care: Dementia care is more expensive, with residential dementia care averaging £1,205 per week and nursing dementia care at £1,447 per week.
- Regional Variation: Costs vary by location, with care homes in London being more expensive than those in the North West or South West.
Who Pays for Care Home Costs?
Your contribution depends on your financial situation. If you cover all costs, you are a self-funder. Otherwise, your local authority might assist with funding.
How Much Will You Have to Pay?
A financial assessment, or means test, determines your contribution based on your savings and assets. If your assets exceed the upper capital limit, you pay full fees. If costs exceed local authority funding, a third party can cover the difference (top-up fee).
Savings Thresholds for Care Home Fees
For 2024/25, savings thresholds are:
- England: Lower limit £14,250; upper limit £23,250.
- Scotland: Lower limit £21,500; upper limit £35,000.
- Wales: Single limit of £50,000.
- Northern Ireland: Lower limit £14,250; upper limit £23,250.
Below these thresholds, local authorities may help with costs. Some assets, like certain benefits, are excluded from the means test. NHS continuing healthcare funding covers all costs for those with substantial care needs.
Do People with Dementia Have to Pay Care Home Fees?
People with dementia typically contribute to care costs based on their financial assessment. Those with significant ongoing health needs might qualify for NHS continuing healthcare, covering all costs. Alternatively, they may receive NHS-funded nursing care (FNC) in nursing homes.
What Is Included in Care Home Fees?
Care home fees generally cover accommodation, meals, laundry, heating, and utilities. Nursing homes cost more due to higher care levels required by residents, such as those with dementia.
Avoid Surprise Care Home Fees and Costs
Ensure you understand what is included in care home fees and any additional charges for services like hairdressing or toiletries. This helps in budgeting and avoiding unexpected costs.
Further Reading
Transitioning to a care home can be overwhelming. Our care advice section offers information to help you navigate this process, from payment options to choosing the right care home.
- Finding a Care Home: A guide on choosing the right care home, including essential questions.
- NHS-Funded Nursing Care: Information on eligibility for NHS-funded nursing care in nursing homes.
- Dementia Care: Advice on determining the right time for a person with dementia to move into a care home.
- Funding Care: Guidance on what happens when funds run low and how local authorities can assist.
For more details, visit our care advice section on CareDirectory.org.uk.
