How much does a care home cost in the UK?

Understanding how much a care home costs is one of the biggest concerns for families planning long-term care. Costs can vary significantly depending on the type of care needed, location, and how care is funded.

This guide explains typical care home costs in the UK, what influences the price, how fees are paid, and what families should know before making decisions.

Average Care Home Costs in the UK

Care homes are typically charged on a weekly basis, rather than an hourly rate. While costs vary by location and provider, typical UK figures are:

• Residential care homes: around £800 to £1,200 per week
• Nursing homes: around £1,000 to £1,600 per week, reflecting the cost of registered nursing care

In some areas, particularly London and the South East, fees can be higher than these averages. Homes offering specialist dementia care or higher staff-to-resident ratios may also charge more.

These figures are a general guide only. Individual care home fees can vary depending on the level of care required and what is included in the weekly price.

What Affects the Cost of a Care Home?

Several factors influence how much a care home costs:

Type of care

• Residential care (personal care and support)
• Nursing care (medical and nursing support)

Location

Care homes in London and the South East often charge higher fees than those in other parts of the UK.

Level of care needed

More complex needs, such as dementia care or mobility support, can increase costs.

Facilities and services

Private rooms, specialist equipment, activities, and higher staff-to-resident ratios may affect pricing.

How Are Care Home Fees Paid?

Care home fees are usually paid through a combination of:

• Self-funding (using savings, income, or assets)
• Local authority funding, following a care needs and financial assessment
• NHS support, in limited cases where healthcare needs are primary

You can learn more about assessments, thresholds, and financial help in Elder’s care funding guidance.

Care home fees are usually paid through a combination of:

• Self-funding (using savings, income, or assets)
• Local authority funding, following a care needs and financial assessment
• NHS support, in limited cases where healthcare needs are primary

Most people contribute something towards their care, even if they receive council support.

Does the Value of a Home Count Towards Care Fees?

In many cases, the value of a person’s home may be included in a financial assessment if they move into a care home. However, there are important exceptions, such as when a spouse or dependent relative continues to live there.

Understanding how property is treated is an important part of care planning.

Are Next of Kin Responsible for Care Home Fees?

A common concern is whether next of kin are legally responsible for paying care home fees. In most cases, the answer is no.

What families are not responsible for

• Adult children, relatives, or next of kin are not automatically liable for a person’s care home fees
• Care costs are assessed based on the individual receiving care, not their family members

When someone else might be asked to pay

There are limited situations where a family member could become financially involved, such as:

• If they have jointly signed a contract agreeing to pay fees
• If they act as an attorney or deputy and are managing the person’s finances on their behalf

Families should be cautious about signing agreements they do not fully understand, as this could create financial responsibility.

Care Home Costs Compared to Care at Home

Because care home fees are ongoing and uncapped, some families explore care at home as an alternative.

Because care home fees are ongoing and uncapped, some families explore care at home as an alternative. Options such as live-in care can provide one-to-one support at home, often with more predictable weekly costs.

Comparing care options early can help families balance care needs with affordability.

Planning for Care Home Costs

When planning for care home fees, it can help to:

• Request a detailed breakdown of costs from providers
• Understand what is and is not included in weekly fees
• Explore funding options and benefits early
• Review care needs regularly

Care costs can change over time, so ongoing review is important.

The Cost-Effectiveness of Home Care with Elder

For many families, cost is a key factor when choosing between a care home and care at home. While care home fees are charged at a fixed weekly rate and can increase as needs change, home care can often be a more flexible and cost-effective option, particularly when care needs grow gradually.

With Elder, care is typically arranged on a weekly basis, rather than being charged hour by hour. This can make costs easier to predict and manage over time. Home care with Elder may be more cost-effective because:

• You only pay for the level of care that is needed, rather than a fixed residential fee
• Care can be increased or reduced without the disruption of moving home
• There are no additional costs for accommodation, meals, or facilities
• Weekly pricing can compare favourably with care home fees, especially for one-to-one support

For people who wish to remain at home, Elder’s approach can offer both financial clarity and personalised care, helping families balance affordability with quality support.

How Elder Can Help

Elder supports families by providing care at home, including live-in care, as an alternative to residential care. Our care specialists can help you understand care costs, compare options, and explore what might work best for your situation.

If you’re unsure how much a care home might cost or whether care at home could be a suitable and cost-effective alternative, speaking to a care specialist can help you make an informed decision.