How Much Do Care Homes Cost?
In the UK, there is an increasing demand for care homes and with the cost of care being one of the highest in Europe, it is becoming difficult for people seeking care to understand what they should be expected to pay when it comes to care costs.
Within this blog, we look into the costs of care home fees in the UK, what is included in these fees, the different types of care services available and the financial support that can be offered to individuals needing additional financial help.
Care Home Fees in the UK
In 2023, the average monthly care costs are around £3000, with the average annual figure being between £27,000 to £39,000. These figures are based on residential care services only and can increase considerably for those who need specialised care or nursing care.
A massive contributor to the cost of care homes is the location in which they are based. On average, residential care homes in London or the South of England are more expensive than homes in the North of the UK.
However, these figures are only an average and care home fees can vary greatly depending on the individual care home and what services they provide.
How are Fees Structured in Care Homes?
Care homes across the UK structure their fees differently. The costs of care vary depending on what services are provided; because of this, families may find it difficult to compare fees. Depending on the home, you might find that they offer a fixed term per week or per month. However, other care homes charge on a 'pay as you go' basis.
It is also essential to remember that there may be additional costs to the resident for extras like going to the in-house hairdressers, going on day trips or attending social activities.
Residential Care Home Costs
Residential care is normally a standard rate with additional fees if applicable. If you choose to live in a care home, then as a standard, your fees will include your accommodation, all your meals and your care.
Care homes also provide support with personal care and may also include housekeeping, laundry, and social activities.
Nursing Care Costs
Those receiving nursing care typically require more intense support as well as medical attention. Due to the complexities associated with nursing care, costs for this care type tend to be more expensive.
The fees for nursing care vary but cover the same as residential care as well as allowing for the more complex requirements of this care type.
Respite Care Costs
Respite care is a service that provides short-term support to individuals who need temporary assistance, such as those recovering from an illness or surgery.
It can also offer caregivers a break from their duties and assist people with their daily activities. The fees for respite care can differ depending on various factors, including the duration of the stay and the level of care required.
Normally, respite care homes charge on a daily or weekly basis.
What's included in care home fees?
Living in a care home can entail various expenses, including accommodation, meals and access to medical care, as well as physical and mental support services.
However, it is crucial to confirm with the specific care home what is included in their fees. While some care homes offer an all-inclusive package, others may provide additional services at an extra cost, such as social activities, hairdressing and transportation.
All-Inclusive Living
In the UK, all-inclusive care homes are gaining popularity as they offer a flat fee that includes all services and amenities such as accommodation, meals, personal and medical care and social activities. Whilst they can be typically more expensive than other care homes, all-inclusive options have several advantages, such as providing families with more certainty about care costs and avoiding unexpected charges or hidden fees.
As the cost of living continues to rise, all-inclusive care homes can offer reassurance by providing all the necessary care and support without the added worry of utility bills, household management and other daily expenses.
However, it is crucial to review the fee structure of each individual care home to fully understand what services are included in their care costs.
Paying For Care
Depending on an individual's circumstances, normally the person requiring care or their family will cover the cost of care. However, if they are not able to pay for their care costs, they might be eligible for funding from the NHS or their local authority to help top up the remaining costs. This is all dependent on an individual's assets.
Are You Eligible For Financial Support To Help Cover Your Care Fees?
There are cases where the local authority will help individuals pay for care. One of the first routes you can take is to apply for a means test contribution and you will have to have an assessment done that is based on your income and assets. If your means test results say you are under a certain savings threshold, you might be able to receive this funding.
If an individual's assets mean they aren't eligible for help, you might be able to get a deferred payment agreement from your local authority. This means that the local council will pay for care until the assets are sold or that person passes away.
Another option to consider is to apply for NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) funding. This is available to people who have significant healthcare needs and to get this kind of funding you will need an assessment from a healthcare professional.
Local Authority Funded Care
Local authority funding refers to the financial aid provided by local councils to individuals who are in need of care but cannot afford it themselves. The funding is determined through a means-tested assessment that takes into consideration the person's income and assets.
The amount of funding provided by the council is subject to variation and depends on the individual's circumstances. Basic care home services, such as meals, accommodation, and personal care, may be covered by the funding, but not all care homes accept it.
A top-up fee may be required if the funding does not cover the full cost of care home fees, and additional services or amenities may not be covered. If individuals need these services, they may have to pay for them separately or find a care home that provides them as part of their fee structure.
NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding
NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding (NHS CHC) is a type of financial support offered by the NHS to individuals with significant medical needs. It can cover nursing home and care home fees, as well as other healthcare-related expenses. In order to qualify for NHS CHC, an assessment of an individual's healthcare needs which is not means-tested is carried out.
To be eligible for this type of financial support, an individual must have complex, ongoing medical needs. The eligibility assessment is carried out by a healthcare professional and is based on the complexity of care required, as well as the individual's care needs, such as whether they have a severe disability, long-term illness, or terminal illness.
If deemed eligible for NHS-funded nursing care, the NHS will pay for care fees, including accommodation, meals, personal care, and nursing care, as well as other healthcare-related expenses such as medication and medical equipment. However, eligibility for NHS CHC funding is not guaranteed and can vary depending on individual circumstances.
If an individual is not eligible for NHS CHC funding, there are other types of financial support that can be explored such as local authority funding or deferred payment agreements.
Funding Your Own Care
Self-funding for care homes occurs when an individual or their family pays for their care without any financial assistance from their local authority or the NHS. This means that they are responsible for covering the full cost of their care and cover personal care costs which include accommodation, meals, housekeeping, and any other services or amenities provided by the care home or nursing home.
This form of financial support is a viable option for people who have sufficient savings and assets to finance their care. It can also be a possibility for those who do not meet the eligibility requirements for financial assistance from either the local council or the NHS.
The cost of care home fees can vary based on several factors, including location, size, and amenities of the care home, as well as the level of care required. Self-funding can be a significant financial commitment, and it's important to carefully consider the costs and available options before making a decision.
Care Home Fees Cap 2025
Starting October 2025, the UK government plans to implement a cap on care home fees. The cap will be set at £86,000 and will cover the cost of personal care and nursing care fees, but not daily living expenses such as accommodation or meals.
The goal of the cap is to provide individuals with more certainty and transparency regarding the cost of care home fees and to support them with personal care expenses. The cap will only apply to individuals who are over 18 years old and will not include the cost of social activities, transportation, or other additional services.
Care At Ty Llandaff
Ty Llandaff is located in the suburbs of Cardiff and is an all-inclusive care home, which means the cost of care, services, accommodation, meals, and activities are all covered within the cost of your care.
We provide a range of care types for our residents which include Residential Care, Nursing Care, Dementia Care, and Respite Care. Our care home has been designed to fully support our residents and every individual has access to a number of additional services to ensure that their well-being is supported in every way possible. We employ a number of care industry experts to support our residents living at Ty Llandaff Care Home.
We offer a range of in-house facilities such as our cinema room, salon and therapy room, and outdoor areas. We pride ourselves on offering a warm, luxurious environment for our residents and providing them with a weekly activity programme so they can carry on with their hobbies or pursue new interests.
At Ty Llandaff Care Home, we are here to support our residents and their loved ones and provide a continuum of care, allowing every resident to have the care they need even if their needs change over time.
Find Out More
If you have further questions about living at Ty Llandaff Care Home or the cost of your care, then please contact our dedicated team today by emailing info@tyllandaffcare.com, calling us on 02920 600 100 or filling out our contact form. We look forward to hearing from you.
