How Much Do Care Homes Cost?

The increasing life expectancy in the UK has led to a growing demand for care homes. However, this has been accompanied by rising care costs, causing families to worry about the affordability of care for their loved ones, particularly amid the current cost of living crisis.

In this blog, we will delve into the average costs associated with care, the various types of care available, and the financial support options provided by local authorities or through NHS-funded care.

Average Care Home Fees Across the UK

Exploring UK care home fees is important, as costs differ between residential and nursing care. According to the UK Care Guide, the average annual fees for residential care range from £27,000 to £39,000, while nursing home costs are higher, ranging from £35,000 to £55,000 annually. The elevated fees for nursing homes are attributed to the specialised care needs provided.

Determining the most suitable care type is based on a needs assessment which is conducted before moving into a care home. Various factors influence care costs, including location, care types, and available facilities. Care homes in popular towns or cities, typically incur higher costs compared to those in more rural areas. You should consider these factors thoroughly to make an informed decision and find the most suitable care option for yourself or your family member.

Care Home and Nursing Home Costs

Care homes and nursing homes across the UK use different fee structures which are influenced by the level of care, additional amenities, and payment methods they provide. Residential care, being a more basic form of care, caters to individuals with lower needs compared to those requiring nursing care. The fee structure may also be affected by residents' choices to participate in local excursions or utilise specific facilities, with each care home employing its own charging system for these services. While many care homes and nursing homes adopt a weekly fee payment model, others may opt for a pay-as-you-go approach.

Upon entering a care home, the fee structure typically encompasses care services, accommodation, and meals. Additional amenities, such as social activities or beauty treatments, are often billed separately from the weekly care cost.

Residential Care Costs

Residential care stands out as one of the most common and cost-effective forms of care. It is well-suited for individuals who can largely maintain independent living but who may need support throughout the day with life tasks like mobility, washing, and dressing. This lifestyle is particularly appealing to many older adults as it allows them to enjoy life at a more relaxed pace in the company of like-minded individuals.

In the cost breakdown for residential care, individuals can generally anticipate the weekly fee to cover accommodation, personal care, activities and meals.

Nursing Care Costs

Nursing care costs are some of the highest you would expect to find in a care home. This is due to the individual requiring specialist care for both personal and medical care needs. If your loved one is unable to live independently in their own home due to having complex needs or a disability that exceeds the capabilities of a caregiver, then receiving around-the-clock nursing care in a care home would be the best option for them.

Similar to a residential care service, a person will receive meals, personal care and accommodation as part of your care home fees as well as medical care provided by a registered nurse.

Respite Care Costs

As respite care provides short-term care, there is usually a premium added to the weekly cost. Respite care is offered to individuals who are recovering from an illness or have recently been discharged from hospital, where they can be monitored 24 hours a day whilst they fully recover. Alternatively, if the carer of a vulnerable person requires a break from their care duties then respite care would certainly be a good option for them.

To determine if respite care is the most appropriate option for you, the care home manager will carry out a needs assessment and the care home fees will be quoted accordingly.

Dementia Care Costs

Dementia care is a care type that often involves higher fees due to the more complex needs of individuals living with dementia. Those receiving dementia care have specific and intricate care requirements, necessitating a higher cost of care. The care team responsible for individuals with dementia undergoes regular specialist training to ensure they can provide tailored and effective care.

In addition to trained staff, each care home offering dementia care is equipped with specialised equipment and activities designed to enhance the quality of life for residents with dementia. These resources aim to address challenges such as reduced cognitive functions, stress, anxiety and confusion which are common symptoms associated with dementia.

Palliative Care Costs

Palliative care, which is similar to end-of-life care, is a comprehensive service provided to individuals living with a serious health condition or illness and who are in the final stages of their life. The need for palliative care can arise due to the natural aging process or as a result of a terminal or critical health condition.

Typically, care home fees for palliative care follow a weekly pay structure. Many care homes and nursing homes may offer this service as part of their care offering.

What is Included in Care Home Fees Per Week?

The cost of care in a care home varies depending on the location and specific services included in the price. Generally, care fees cover daily accommodation, personal care, meals, and activities.

You should note that each care home is distinct, and some may charge extra for additional services. When exploring care homes, you should ask the care home manager about what's included in the fees to avoid unforeseen expenses.

To streamline the cost structure and eliminate unexpected fees, many care homes offer an all-inclusive living option. This means that all care services, facilities, and activities are included in the care home fees, offering residents a comprehensive and transparent way of living.

All-Inclusive Care Homes

All-inclusive care homes are gaining popularity in recent years, due to the ease and convenience they offer residents. While the average weekly cost per week may be more than other care homes, many individuals prefer this option as residents don't need to worry about any additional costs that may arise for certain services or amenities.

The assurance of no nasty surprises is especially comforting in the face of the cost of living crisis. Choosing an all-inclusive care home means residents receive comprehensive care, support, meals, and amenities without the worry of a sudden rise in costs.

It's worth noting that all-inclusive care homes will also have varying levels of care, activities, and facilities. To ensure the perfect find for you or your loved one, you should compare a range of care homes in your preferred location to find the one that best suits the needs of the individual requiring 24-hour care.

Who Pays for Care?

Care home and nursing home fees are normally paid by the person receiving the service or their families, meaning they are self-funders. However, not everyone is in a position to do this. People who aren't in this position can request funding support from local authorities or through NHS funding. To qualify for this financial support, a means test is carried out which looks into the savings and assets of the person who requires care.

If you are able to fund care or your family members can support you, we would advise speaking to a financial advisor to make sure you understand whether you can afford the care yourself, and what options are available if this isn't the case.

What Financial Support is Available?

Eligibility for funding depends on individual circumstances. A common avenue is seeking local council funding, involving a financial assessment to determine if income and assets exceed a specific threshold.

For those with significant care needs or a 'primary health need', a person may be eligible for Complex Clinical Care (previously known as NHS Continuing Healthcare). NHS-funded care will only consider a person's income or assets for accommodation costs. A multidisciplinary team will assess a person's mental and/or physical needs to decipher how complex, unpredictable or intense they are.

If neither NHS-funded care nor local authority funding is applicable for an individual, a deferred payment agreement may be the next best option. This is when the local authority pays for the care home fees, and once the individual's assets are sold (usually a property) to repay the local authority, often with added interest.

You should be aware that financial assistance isn't guaranteed for everyone, and some care homes may not accept funding altogether, so you should enquire about funding acceptance beforehand.

Self-Funding Your Own Care Home Fees

A person is considered a self-funder if they pay for the full cost of their own care independently, and this is usually a person who has sufficient savings and assets to cover care home fees. This means they are fully responsible for the costs of their care. If their care needs change or worsen, they may be eligible for NHS funding later down the line.

As mentioned above, care home costs are subject to factors such as the type of care home, its location, and the range of care services and facilities offered. Moving to a care home is a significant financial commitment that should be carefully considered. For those who have decided to self-fund, seeking advice from a financial advisor is advisable to assess finances and talk through all financial options.

Local Authority Funding

Local authority funding is where financial support is offered by the local authority to financially assist individuals in paying their care home or nursing home costs. Eligibility for this support is determined through a means test, which assesses a person's savings, assets, and pensions.

It's important to note that local authority funding generally covers basic care home expenses, such as accommodation, meals, and care services. Additional services or amenities, such as transportation, social activities, or personal items, may necessitate payment by the individual or a family member, commonly referred to as a top-up fee.

NHS Funding

Individuals with complex or multiple health needs may qualify for NHS-funded care, which covers the entire cost of care in a care home or nursing home. It's important to note that NHS Complex Clinical Care

differs from local authority support in that it only requires financial assessment for accommodation costs.

Eligibility for NHS funding is established through a care needs assessment conducted by a multidisciplinary team. This assessment evaluates a person's healthcare needs, taking into account factors such as the nature, intensity, complexity, and unpredictability of their condition. Typically, individuals with physical or mental disabilities, terminal illnesses, or severe health conditions often meet the criteria for this type of funding.

Experience an All-inclusive Lifestyle at Dalgety Bay Care Home

Dalgety Bay Care Home is nestled in the charming coastal town of Dalgety Bay, Fife, dedicated to delivering outstanding care services. We specialise in Residential Care, Dementia Care, Nursing Care, and Respite Care, ensuring a fully trained team is available 24/7 to support our residents. Our goal is to empower residents to fill their days with activities of their choice, fostering independence and preserving dignity.

Designed for comfort, our facilities feature communal lounges, a diverse activities programme, a hair salon and nail bar, and private gardens, enhancing the overall quality of life for residents. Our dedicated team collaborates closely with residents to support their existing passions and encourage the exploration of new interests.

We understand that financial considerations can be a concern for residents and their families, whether self-funding or seeking assistance from the local authority. Our supportive team is here to provide guidance and address any inquiries you may have. The cost of our care encompasses all personal care services, facilities, and utility expenses, offering peace of mind. At Dalgety Bay Care Home, we are unwavering in our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of care at every stage of our residents' lives, ensuring a comfortable and supportive environment for them to thrive.

Get in Touch With The Friendly Team at Dalgety Bay

If you have any questions regarding our services, facilities, or care home costs, please feel free to reach out to our team. You can contact us by calling 01383 339500 or sending an email to info@dalgetybaycare.co.uk. We will respond to your enquiry as soon as possible.