How to manage the cost of nursing home care in Scotland

Navigating the cost of nursing home care in Scotland can be stressful for families, especially as care needs increase with age. When you combine that with the increasing costs of living, it is little wonder that some people struggle with the costs of care.

With nursing home fees often reaching thousands of pounds per month, it’s crucial to understand the financial assistance available and how to effectively manage these expenses. Scotland has distinct policies and support systems, including Free Personal and Nursing Care (FPNC) and local authority funding, that can help alleviate some of the financial burden.

In this blog, we’ll explore the main options for covering the cost of nursing home care in Scotland and explain how local authorities assess eligibility for funding. We will also provide practical tips on planning for long-term care. Understanding these resources will empower you to make informed decisions and ensure your loved ones receive the care they need without unnecessary financial strain

Nursing home care costs in Scotland

The average fees you will pay for a nursing home is £1,032, but this varies depending on location. However, the exact costs you will pay will depend largely on the location of the nursing home, amenities and whether you need specialist care services.

Using Autumna’s directory is a good starting point for assessing how much you might need to pay towards your nursing home costs.

In this example, we’ve searched for care homes in or near Edinburgh and then used the ‘Weekly Fees from’ filter to sort them by price.

It is always important to check what is included as part of the fees when searching for nursing homes. This includes anything that might affect your quality of life such as food, activities, specialist services, transport and amenities such as gyms, libraries, cinema room, beauty salons and more.

Financial assessment

A care needs assessment is the first step in managing the cost of nursing home care in Scotland, followed by a financial assessment.

By conducting a care needs assessment, you’ll find out what type of care you need and where it can be best provided. It also helps determine your care costs and whether you qualify for any support.

Following your care needs assessment, a means test will be done by the council to examine your income and assets, helping to figure out your contribution toward care home charges. The financial assessment will evaluate your income, savings, and assets to calculate whether you qualify for assistance.

It will indicate how much, if any, of the service costs you'll be responsible for covering.

How to manage nursing home care costs in Scotland

In Scotland, your local council can provide a flat rate payment for the personal and nursing care part of your care home fees if you have been assessed as needing it. This is known as Free Personal and Nursing Care (FPNC).

You may also receive help if you are an adult and living in a care home which you pay for yourself.

The amount of help you will receive from your local authority is £111.90 a week for the nursing care component of your fees.

If your capital is below the lower limit of £21,500 the amount you will receive in 2024/2025 is £948.59 a week for nursing care.

However, it is important to note that if you have capital above the upper limit of £35,000, you must pay your care home fees yourself. This will not affect any free personal or nursing care you may be entitled to.

For a more detailed breakdown of nursing home costs, check out our blog, ‘Guide to average nursing home costs in the UK.’

Hospital Based Complex Clinical Care

In 2015, Hospital Based Complex Clinical Care replaced NHS Continuing Healthcare in Scotland.

This means that for those with complex, ongoing healthcare needs, the key consideration in their assessment is: Can appropriate care be provided outside of a hospital?

If the response is no, the NHS will provide full funding, but only in a hospital environment.

However, the individual will be moved to a suitable community-based setting if appropriate care can be provided to the individual outside of a hospital setting.

Typically, the NHS won’t fund the non-healthcare aspects of care in the community, but eligible elderly people may be able to receive support from their local authority.

Paying for your own care

However, if you are paying either in part or full towards the cost of your care, then there are some options you may want to consider. We discuss these in more detail below.

Savings, Pensions, and Investments

One way to manage the cost of nursing home care in Scotland, is to use savings, pension income, or other investments to cover care costs. Proper financial planning and advice are key to ensuring long-term care affordability.

Care Annuities

Another option is a care annuity, a financial product that provides a guaranteed income for life specifically to cover care costs. You pay an upfront lump sum, and the annuity pays out a regular income to contribute to your care expenses.

For more information on how self-funders can manage the cost of nursing home care in Scotland visit our blog, ‘Ultimate guide to self funding care.’

Looking for a nursing home in Scotland?

If you are looking for a nursing home in Scotland, the process of finding one couldn’t be easier. All you have to do is head over to our directory and select care homes and then type in your preferred location.

You will then be able to select the type of care home you are looking for. Then click search again.

You can also filter by price. Once you have selected your preferred price range, click Search Again.

You will then be presented with a list of nursing homes within the price range you have defined.

Our FREE Shortlisting tool helps you to narrow down search results further. All you have to do is answer a few quick questions and you will be provided with a personalised list of nursing homes that will be able to help you.

Alternatively, our compassionate and knowledgeable team are also on hand to answer any additional questions you have on 01892 335 330.