How much does care cost in the UK?
Everyone wants to find somewhere safe, secure, and comfortable for the people they love, but there’s no easy way around the question of just how much high-quality, trusted care will cost.
That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide covering all the information you need about the cost of long-term care in the UK. We’ll help you understand the different care options, the average costs involved, and the various funding and payment options available, from government support to private funding schemes. Whether you’re just starting to consider your options or are further along in your journey, this guide is the ideal place to begin.
How much do different types of care cost?
There’s no single answer to how much each type of care will cost, as it depends on individual circumstances like the level of need and location. What we can do is break down the basic costs of the most popular care options.
Home care costs
1. Caring for someone yourself
How does caring for someone work?
When you care for a loved one yourself, you take personal responsibility for their care duties, and may also provide support with everyday tasks. This can be done by visiting them in their own home or by having them live with you.
How much does caring for someone cost?
While there’s no fee for your time, you may need to budget for home adaptations and day-to-day expenses. For example, handrails can cost from £150 – £200, stairlifts from £2,000, and easy-access showers from £2,000. You may be able to get financial help from your local council via a grant or the Disabled Facilities Grant.
2. Visiting care
How does visiting care work?
Visiting care involves a professional carer visiting your loved one’s home for a few hours a day or week. It’s a great option for maintaining independence.
How much does visiting care cost?
Visiting care is typically charged at an hourly rate. With Elder, this type of care can start from £30 per hour during the day, depending on location and specific needs. The price increases for care provided at night, on weekends or during bank holidays.
3. Live-in care
How does live-in care work?
With live-in care, a professional carer moves into your loved one’s home to provide round-the-clock support and companionship. This allows them to stay in a familiar environment while receiving dedicated, one-on-one care.
How much does live-in care cost?
With Elder, live-in care starts from around £1150 per week. While the costs can be higher than visiting care, it often provides more value with consistent, personalised support and eliminates the need for expensive care home fees. Visit our dedicated guide for a comprehensive breakdown of live-in care costs.
Residential care and assisted living costs
1. Residential care
How does residential care work?
Residential care offers 24-hour support and accommodation for individuals who need help with daily tasks and personal care, often in a care home setting and without on-site registered nursing care.
How much is residential care?
The cost of residential care varies significantly based on location, type of care, and the specific care provider. Generally, you can expect to pay between £1,300 and £2,500 per week.
2. Assisted living
How does assisted living work?
In an assisted living facility, residents have their own private living space within a residential complex. Staff are on call 24/7, and residents have access to communal facilities.
How much is assisted living?
The cost of assisted living varies significantly by location and the facilities offered. Your loved one can expect to pay a monthly rent, which can start from £1,500+, depending on the area (e.g. it’s more expensive in London than in the Midlands).
When it comes to caring for an elderly person, it can be hard to strike a balance between giving what help is needed and being too overbearing. Try to treat the elder in your life with as much respect as possible, and he or she will be most likely be grateful for your assistance.
What financial support is available for care?
Many families can get financial help from the government and local authorities to cover the costs of care. The application process can be long, so it’s a good idea to start early.
Local authority funding
Your loved one may be eligible for funding from their local council. They will need to complete a care needs assessment and a means test to determine their eligibility. In England and Northern Ireland, if you have assets over £23,250, you are automatically not eligible for local authority funding.
If the council agrees to fund your loved one’s care, they can choose to receive this money as a direct payment. This gives them more control and flexibility over how they spend their funds and arrange their care, rather than having the council manage it for them.
For more information on how to get financial support from the local council, visit our guide to local authority funding.
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
NHS Continuing Healthcare is a care package fully funded by the NHS for individuals with a primary health need. This is a complex process that requires a needs assessment by a multidisciplinary team.
Who is eligible for NHS CHC?
CHC is typically awarded to people with a high level of health needs, often due to a life-limiting condition. If your loved one is eligible, the NHS will cover all care costs outside of hospital.
NHS-funded Nursing Care (FNC)
If your loved one doesn’t qualify for CHC but are in a care home that provides nursing, the NHS may pay a contribution towards the nursing part of their fees. The standard rate is currently £254.06 per week.
Care recipient benefits
These benefits are not means-tested and are based on the individual’s care needs, not their income or savings.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
For those under State Pension age, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) helps with long-term health conditions or disability.
How much PIP your loved one gets depends on how difficult they find everyday activities (‘daily living’ tasks) and getting around (‘mobility’ tasks). Here’s a breakdown of how much they can get:
| Lower weekly rate | Higher weekly rate | |
|---|---|---|
| Daily living part | £73.90 | £110.40 |
| Mobility part | £29.20 | £77.05 |
Source: GOV.UK
To claim PIP for your loved one, you’ll need to get in touch with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Attendance Allowance
For those over State Pension age, this benefit helps with costs if your loved one needs assistance with daily living or supervision. The weekly rates are £73.90 (lower rate) and £110.40 (higher rate) as stated on GOV.UK website.
To claim Attendance Allowance, you’ll need to fill in a claim form and send it to the DWP. They’ll then get back to you to discuss the care recipient further, and to confirm their eligibility.
“You're not obliged to get professional advice when choosing how to finance your long-term care, but in most cases it's crucial to do so.”
Carers benefits
If you provide at least 35 hours of care per week, you may be entitled to Carer’s Allowance, which is £83.30 a week. There’s an earnings limit, which is £196 a week after deductions.
Make sure you also check the eligibility criteria carefully, as the person in your care must be a recipient of certain benefits – PIP, Attendance Allowance and so on – themselves.
Self-funding options
Once you’ve exhausted government support options, it’s time to consider private funding. Your loved one’s personal savings, pension, or other assets can be used, but many people also look to their property to fund care.
Equity release
Equity release is a way to access the value of your loved one’s home without having to move out. It can be a tax-free lump sum or a regular income stream.
- Lifetime mortgage: This is a loan secured against your loved one’s home. They continue to own the property, and the loan plus accumulated interest is repaid when they die or move into long-term care.
- Home reversion: This involves selling all or part of your loved one’s home to a specialist provider in exchange for a tax-free lump sum or income. They get to live in the property rent-free for the rest of their life.
Powers of Attorney
It’s a good idea to set up a Power of Attorney (PoA) to allow a trusted individual to make decisions on your loved one’s behalf. There are two main types:
- Ordinary Power of Attorney: This gives someone temporary financial authority while your loved one is still mentally capable of making decisions.
- Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA): This is for an indefinite period and remains valid even if your loved one’s mental health declines. It can cover financial affairs and/or health and care decisions.
For more information on how to set up a power of attorney, head to GOV.UK website.
How do I pay for care with Elder?
Navigating the costs and funding options for care can be overwhelming. We have a team of expert Care Advisors on hand to help. They will explain everything in detail and recommend a funding plan to suit your unique circumstances.
