If you’re beginning to look at a care home for someone you love, it’s completely natural to have questions about the cost. For many families, it’s one of the first questions they ask.
Care home fees aren’t fixed because every person’s needs are different. The cost depends on the type of care required, the level of support needed, the location of the care home and the facilities and services it provides.
Understanding how care home fees work can make planning much easier. It’s important to understand what affects the cost of care and what’s usually included in a weekly care home fee. You’ll need to know the available funding options and the questions to ask before making a decision.
At Rotherwood Healthcare, every prospective resident receives a detailed pre-admission assessment. This allows us to understand their individual needs and provide a personalised fee proposal, so families know exactly what’s included from the very beginning.
The cost of a care home depends on the type of care and support each person requires.
Someone receiving residential care may pay a different weekly fee than someone needing nursing care or dementia care. Individual care needs, room choice and any additional support required can also influence the overall cost.
When you’re comparing care homes for someone you love, it’s easy to focus on the weekly fee. However, it’s just as important to understand what that fee includes. In many cases, care home fees cover much more than accommodation. They also include care, meals, activities, housekeeping and round-the-clock support designed to help residents live safely and comfortably.
Because everyone’s care needs are different, we assess every prospective resident before they move into one of our homes. This helps us recommend the right level of care and provide a personalised fee proposal with complete transparency.
Understanding what is included in your care home fees can provide reassurance and help you make an informed decision.
While services may vary slightly depending on individual needs and the type of care received, your fees will typically include:
Private bedroom, with access to communal lounges, dining areas and gardens.
Freshly prepared meals, snacks and drinks throughout the day, with menus tailored to individual dietary requirements and preferences.
Compassionate support with daily living activities such as washing, dressing, personal hygiene and mobility, delivered with dignity and respect.
24-hour nursing support provided by our qualified nursing team for residents with more complex healthcare needs.
A varied programme of meaningful activities, entertainment, outings and events designed to promote physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
Regular cleaning of bedrooms and communal areas, along with a laundry service.
Heating, lighting, water, Wi-Fi and other household utilities are all included, so there are no unexpected household bills.
Dedicated care teams are available around the clock to provide reassurance, support and assistance whenever it is needed.
Most day-to-day care and support is included in the weekly fee. However, optional services and personal expenses are charged separately because they’re only needed by certain residents.
These aren’t hidden charges or unexpected extras. They’re simply things that not every resident will need or choose, so they’re charged separately where appropriate.
Some examples include:
Before any optional services are arranged, we’ll always explain the costs and answer any questions you have. We believe families should feel confident and involved in the conversation from the beginning about what’s included, what’s optional, and what to expect, so there are no unexpected surprises along the way.
If your loved one enjoys watching television, it’s worth knowing that TVs in our shared lounges are covered by the home’s TV licence. If your loved one would like a TV in their own bedroom, they’ll usually need a concessionary Accommodation for Residential Care (ARC) TV licence, which currently costs £7.50 per year.
Understanding how care is funded can feel overwhelming, but there are several options available depending on your loved one’s health needs, financial circumstances and the type of care they require.
Below is an overview of the most common funding routes.
Depending on your loved one’s circumstances, there are many ways in which care home fees may be funded.
If your loved one has savings or assets above the Government’s financial threshold of £23,250 in England, or £50,000 in Wales, they may pay for their own care. This is known as self-funding and gives families the flexibility to choose the care home that’s right for them.
If your loved one has limited savings or income, they may be eligible for financial support from their Local Authority. A care needs assessment and financial assessment will help determine what support may be available.
If your Local Authority contributes towards the cost of care but the care home you choose charges more than the amount the Local Authority can fund, a family member, friend or another third party may be able to pay the difference. This is known as a top-up fee.
Top-up fees are often required because the amount a Local Authority pays towards care may not fully reflect the actual cost of delivering high-quality residential or nursing care. Care homes incur significant costs to provide accommodation, meals, 24-hour care, specialist equipment, activities, staffing and facilities. Where these costs exceed the Local Authority’s funding rate, a top-up fee enables individuals to choose a care home that best meets their needs and preferences, while covering the difference in cost.
If your loved one owns their home and meets the eligibility criteria, their Local Authority may offer a Deferred Payment Agreement. This allows some or all the care fees to be deferred until the property is sold or from the person’s estate, helping to avoid the need for an immediate sale.
If your loved one lives in a nursing home and requires care from a registered nurse, they may be eligible for NHS Funded Nursing Care (FNC). This is a contribution paid directly by the NHS towards the nursing element of their care. The current standard rate is £267.68 per week (correct from April 2026). FNC does not cover accommodation or personal care costs and is paid directly to the nursing home.
Some people with complex or ongoing healthcare needs may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare. If eligible, the NHS may fund the full cost of their care. Eligibility is based on health needs rather than financial circumstances.
If your loved one is over State Pension age and needs help with personal care due to an illness or disability, they may be entitled to Attendance Allowance.
This is a tax-free, non-means-tested benefit designed to help with the extra costs of care.
From April 2026, Attendance Allowance is:
Eligibility is based on the level of support a person needs rather than their income or savings, and many people who are self-funding their care may qualify.
Still not sure which option applies? Every family’s situation is different. If you’re unsure what funding your loved one may be entitled to, we’re always happy to point you in the right direction and help you understand the next steps.
If your loved one may be eligible for financial support, the funding process usually follows five straightforward steps.
The first step is to arrange a Care Needs Assessment through your Local Authority or the NHS. This assessment looks at your loved one’s physical, emotional and social care needs to determine the level of support they require.
If Local Authority funding is being considered, a Financial Assessment (sometimes called a means test) will review your loved one’s income, savings and assets to determine whether they are eligible for financial support and, if so, how much they may need to contribute towards their care.
Once both assessments have been completed, you’ll receive a funding decision outlining whether your loved one is eligible for Local Authority funding, NHS funding, or whether they will need to self-fund their care.
Once funding has been agreed, you can begin choosing the care home that best suits your loved one’s care needs, lifestyle and preferences. If you’re self-funding, you’ll generally have greater flexibility when selecting a care home.
When you’ve chosen the right home, our experienced team will guide you through every stage of the admission process, helping to make the transition as smooth, reassuring and stress-free as possible.
If you’re supporting a parent or loved one, it’s completely natural to wonder what will happen to their home if they need long-term care.
The honest answer is not always. Whether your loved one’s property is considered depends on their individual circumstances, including their financial situation, where they’re receiving care and whether someone else continues to live in the property.
It’s important not to assume that selling their home is the only option. Depending on their circumstances, they may be entitled to financial support or other funding that could help with the cost of care.
If your loved one needs a financial assessment, their Local Authority will look at their individual circumstances and explain what this means for them. Every situation is different, so it’s worth having that conversation before making any big financial decisions.
If you’re unsure where to start, our friendly team is always here to answer your questions, explain the process and help you understand the options available. Sometimes, simply talking things through can make everything feel a little clearer.
Many families worry about what will happen if their savings reduce over time. The important thing is not to wait until funds have been exhausted before seeking advice.
If your loved one’s financial circumstances change, they may become eligible for support from their Local Authority. By speaking to Adult Social Care early, there is usually enough time to complete the necessary assessments and plan any changes to funding arrangements without unnecessary stress.
At Rotherwood Healthcare, we’re happy to help you understand the process, explain your options and signpost you to the appropriate organisations for further advice and support.
Choosing a care home is a significant decision, and it’s important that you feel confident asking questions before making your choice.
Here are some useful questions to consider during your visit:
Remember, no question is too small. A good care home will always be happy to explain how they provide care and answer any concerns you may have, helping you feel reassured that your loved one is in safe hands.
Choosing a care home is a significant decision, and it’s important that you feel confident asking questions before making your choice.
If your loved one is self-funding their care, they may continue to receive Attendance Allowance, provided they remain eligible. However, if their care becomes fully funded by the Local Authority or NHS, the benefit may stop. We recommend checking your individual circumstances before making any assumptions.
Yes. If the Local Authority contributes towards the cost of care but the chosen care home charges more than the amount they will fund, a family member or another third party may choose to pay the additional amount. This is known as a third-party top-up fee.
In most cases, yes. People who self-fund are free to choose the care home that best meets their needs. If your care is funded by the Local Authority, you will usually still have a choice, provided the home can meet your care needs and any additional costs are covered where necessary.
Care needs can change over time. If your loved one’s health or support requirements increase, their care package will be reviewed to ensure they continue to receive the appropriate level of care. Funding arrangements may also change following a reassessment.
If you need further advice or support, the following organisations can help:
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
A package of care fully funded by the NHS for people with significant or complex health needs. Eligibility is based on healthcare needs rather than financial circumstances.
NHS Funded Nursing Care (FNC)
A contribution paid directly by the NHS towards the cost of nursing care provided by a registered nurse in a nursing home.
Means-Tested
A financial assessment used by the Local Authority to determine whether someone qualifies for financial support based on their income, savings and assets.
Self-Funder
A person who pays the full cost of their own care because their savings or assets are above the Government’s financial threshold or they choose not to seek Local Authority funding.
Third-Party Top-Up Fee
An additional payment made by a family member or another third party if the chosen care home costs more than the amount the Local Authority will contribute.
Deferred Payment Agreement
An arrangement offered by some Local Authorities that allows eligible people to delay paying some or all of their care home fees until their property is sold or from their estate.
Cost is understandably an important part of choosing the right care home for your loved one, but it shouldn’t be the only factor in your decision.
Taking the time to explore your options can help you understand why care home fees vary, what’s included in the weekly cost and, most importantly, which home is the right fit for your loved one. Every person is different, so it’s important to choose a home that can provide the right level of care, support and environment for their individual needs.
Ultimately, choosing the right care home is about finding somewhere your loved one feels safe, comfortable and valued, while giving you confidence that they’re receiving the care and support they deserve.
At Rotherwood Healthcare, we understand that funding care can feel overwhelming.
Our experienced team is here to help you understand your options, guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.
Whether you’re exploring care for the first time or need advice about funding, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Contact your nearest Rotherwood Healthcare home today to arrange a friendly, no-obligation conversation.
