Care home living costs vary across the entire country. The amount you will need to shell out to pay for your care or that of a loved one will depend on several factors. The factors may include where you live, the kind of care you require, the home care provider, and your property and savings. Having an idea of the costs makes it easier to make meaningful decisions that can impact your care and that of the people you love.
How Much Do Care Homes in the UK Charge?
On average, a care home in the UK charges around £704 per week. Nursing homes charge an average of £888 per week. Nursing care offered in these care homes happens to be a slightly more expensive compared to residential care. Additionally, the care homes licensed to provide specialist care, e.g., dementia care, will typically charge higher fees. It's worth noting that the average cost of nursing or residential care can be lower or higher depending on your location. For example, when you look at England, the care homes in South West and North West England are cheaper than those in London. You should focus on finding out how much the care homes closest to you are charging instead of looking at the entire industry.
Who Is Responsible for Paying for the Care Home Costs?
As a resident, the amount you have to pay in the form of care home costs and fees depends on your assets and finances. Those who have to shoulder all the expenses are referred to as 'self-funders.' When the local authority steps in to assist you in paying some of the expenses, this type of care is known as state-funded.
Costs of Paying for Nursing and Residential Home Care in the UK
In some cases, you may have to pay for all your care home costs depending on your financial situation. The local council determines this by conducting a means test immediately after completing the needs assessment. A means test focuses on your capital and looks into how many clients you have left and whether they can pay for the care home fees. When conducting the means test, the council will consider factors like your state and private pensions, your home's value, and the existing savings. It will also look at the interest earned from your savings and any other applicable benefits. Each part of the country has a different savings threshold. However, the one thing that is common in all areas is that individuals must pay the full cost of their care if their finances surpass the upper capital limit.
Conclusion
Before you move into a home, make sure you have inquired on what is covered in the care home fees. Some facilities apply an additional charge for toiletries and hairdressing. Learning about the fees in advance allows you to plan your budget properly. It's also a sure way to avoid any unwanted surprises when the invoice arrives. You can also decide what to add or subtract from your loved one's care plan from the information you have gathered.
