Paying for residential care is a major concern for older adults and their families. While it is a significant cost, there may be help available to you, depending on your circumstances.

The social care system can be complex, making it difficult to navigate your way through. In this article, we answer some of the most commonly asked questions about care home costs in the UK in 2024.

How much are care home fees in 2024?

The costs of care can vary by location, and can also vary depending on the quality of the care home and the services provided. 

For example, a residential care home offering support with day-to-day activities like washing and dressing will cost less than a nursing home that specialises in complex care needs.

Average UK care home cost example*:

• Daily cost £157
• Weekly cost £1,100
• Monthly cost £4,766
• Annual cost £57,200

*The example above is given to demonstrate the cost of care and is not an accurate reflection of what your costs for care would be. Averages based on stated residential care home fees on the Autumna website.

Care homes in London and Kent can be more expensive but again, it really varies depending on the level of care provided and the facilities available in the home. 

To find out how much a care home could cost you, you need to know what care you require.

Find out what care you need

Ask your GP for a Care Needs Assessment to determine the level of care you need. You can also contact your local authority to ask for an assessment. 

This can be a good way to discuss whether or not you need care. Ultimately, if you feel that you would be safer living in a care home and you’re a self-funding customer, you can move regardless of your ongoing health needs. 

Find out if you’re eligible for funding to pay for nursing care fees

This might include:

NHS Continuing Healthcare

or

NHS-Funded Nursing Care

Check what’s included in the care home fees

If you’re paying for your own care, it’s important that you know exactly where every penny is being spent and what you’re getting as the customer in return.

Usually, along with the care you’re provided, care home costs include numerous other things, particularly for residents living permanently in a home.

Fees will usually also cover:

• Support with personal care (including assistance with getting dressed and undressed, washing, eating and getting around)
• Meals throughout the day
• Accommodation (your own bedroom)
• Housekeeping (such as laundry)
• Other utility costs (such as gas and electricity)
• The use of on-site facilities
• A range of social activities and events

How much will you have to pay towards your care fees?

It depends on whether you have a primary health need. If you don’t and you have assets or a property worth over £23,250 (in England) then you will likely have to contribute towards your cost of care. 

If you are eligible for funding support, your local council must calculate the overall cost of your care and, using the means test, how much you have to contribute to the overall cost from your financial resources. 

The council must ensure that the overall cost figure it calculates, called the ‘personal budget’, is high enough to meet the cost of at least one suitable care home.

You will be expected to pay towards the cost from your income included in the financial assessment, for example, pensions. However, you must be left a Personal Expenses Allowance (PEA). The PEA must be at least £30.15 per week. 

Autumna tip: The council has the discretion to increase this amount depending on your circumstances. 

How could your finances affect how much you pay for a care home?

If your local authority carries out a care needs assessment and finds you need a care home place, they will do a means test to work out how much you must contribute towards the cost of your care. 

This will take into account your income and capital, such as savings. Certain types of income, such as money from certain disability benefits, are ignored in the means test. This is the same for certain types of capital. All other income and capital can be taken into account.

The upper capital limits in the UK for 2024

If your assets are below the means test limit then you may be entitled to some funding from your Local Authority. If your assets are above the means test limit then you will have to meet the cost of any personal care yourself.

The means test limits do differ around the UK:

• England: £23,250
• Scotland: £32,750
• Wales: £50,000
• N. Ireland: £23,250

Are you entitled to NHS Funding to pay for your care costs?

If your needs are primarily health-based, the NHS can arrange and pay for your care under NHS Continuing Healthcare (NHS CHC). 

If you are eligible for NHS CHC, your care home placement will be free. When assessing your needs, the council must refer you to the NHS if it appears you may be eligible for NHS CHC.

If you do not meet the criteria for NHS CHC, but require nursing care, the NHS pays a contribution towards the cost of the nursing care directly to the nursing home. This is called NHS-funded nursing care (NHS FNC). 

Find the best care home costs in your area

If you are considering a care home for yourself or your loved one, Autumna can assist you in saving time and reducing stress. 

You can ask for a personalised list of care homes for free with this simple care assessment tool or contact our team at 01892 335 330 to receive guidance on selecting a care home that meets your needs. 

Our team can listen to your requirements, assist you in your search, and offer advice on paying for your care.