Cost of a care home
When the time comes to arrange care for a loved one, understanding the financial implications is an essential part of the process. Care homes are too often considered by families as the only option when a loved one needs long term care However, care homes can come at a significant cost, depending on the level of care required, the home’s location, and the range of services provided.
At Consultus Care and Nursing, we know that planning care can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to how care will be financed. Below, we explore how much care homes typically cost, what is included within those fees, what funding options may be available, and how these compare to live-in care, an alternative that allows many people to remain in the comfort of their own homes.
For over 60 years, Consultus Care has helped people across the country to live safely, independently and happily in their own homes. We believe life is better at home, granting more people the freedom to make their own choices and live life their way. We’ll be discussing the benefits of live-in care in this article, its cost in relation to care home costs, and why it could be the best option for care you hadn’t considered yet.
How much does a care home cost in the UK?
The cost of a care home will depend on several factors, including whether the home provides residential care or nursing care, the size and location of the facility, and any additional services offered.
On average, residential care homes in the UK cost between £949 and £1500 per week, while nursing homes, which provide clinical support from qualified nurses, tend to cost £1,200 to £1,800 per week or more. In some parts of the country, fees can exceed £2000 per week, for instance in London and the South East.
It’s important to remember that there are ongoing costs, and the length of stay in a care home can be several years. This means the total cost of care can run into six figures, which is why understanding funding options and planning ahead is so important at this stage.
What is included under these care home fees?
Care home fees typically cover:
Accommodation: usually in a private or semi-private room
Meals and drinks: full board and refreshments
Personal care: support with daily tasks like washing, dressing, and taking medication
Housekeeping: laundry, cleaning, and room maintenance
Social activities: access to communal areas and scheduled activities
However, it’s worth noting that these core services rarely cover everything. Additional costs can arise for services such as chiropody, physiotherapy, hairdressing, and social outings. Specialist care, for example dementia support or round-the-clock nursing, often comes at an additional premium. Families should always ask for a full breakdown of what is included and what may incur extra charges, as these can significantly increase the overall cost.
Talk to us today
Give us a call to discuss your needs with one of our friendly, expert Care Advisors. They will guide you through your options to ensure you make the right choice for you and your family.
Funding options for care home fees
Care home fees in the UK are means-tested, which means the amount you pay depends on your financial circumstances. The local authority will conduct a financial assessment, taking into account savings, income, and assets - including, in many cases, the value of your home.
In England, as of 2024:
If an individual has assets of over £23,250, they are typically considered to be self-funding and will be responsible for paying their own care fees.
If an individual has assets between £14,250 and £23,250, they may receive some contribution from the local authority but will still be expected to contribute towards their care.
If an individual has assets below £14,250, the local authority will usually fund care home costs, though individuals may still be required to contribute from their income.
For those with a primary health need, NHS Continuing Healthcare may cover the full cost of care too. However, eligibility criteria are strict, and assessments can be complex.
Read our guide on how to fund live-in care to learn more about the process.
How to pay for a care home
Once it is established that you will need to contribute towards or fully cover care home costs, the next step is working out how to pay for them. For some, this may be through existing savings and income, while others may need to consider selling their property to release funds, meaning it cannot be passed to family at a later stage through inheritance. Equity release and specialist care annuities are also options that some families explore, though these require careful consideration and should involve professional advice.
It’s important to remember that the average stay in a care home is two to three years, so it’s important to forecast finances and spending to reflect this.
Live-in care costs vs cost of a care home
Many families assume that moving into a care home is the only option when care needs become more difficult to manage, but live-in care offers a compelling alternative. Rather than relocating to an unfamiliar environment, live-in care allows individuals to remain in their own home, supported by a dedicated carer who provides one-to-one assistance tailored entirely to their needs.
On the financial side of things, live-in care can often compare favourably to care home costs - particularly for couples, where two places in a care home can double the expense. While care homes typically charge £949 to £1,800 per week or more, live-in care with Consultus Care starts from £1,100 per week for our introductory service, or £1,575 for a fully managed service.
When you consider that this cost includes highly personalised, continuous support in the comfort of your own home, without the additional expenses often associated with care homes, live-in care can represent both better value and a better quality of life.
Benefits of live-in care
Live-in care offers a level of personalisation and independence that residential care simply can’t match. It enables people to:
Remain in a familiar home environment
Stay close to pets, neighbours, and their local community
Maintain their daily routines and preferences
Receive fully tailored one-to-one support
This approach is particularly well-suited for those living with dementia, Parkinson’s, or other progressive conditions. It also offers emotional reassurance for both the individual and their family, knowing that someone is always around to provide help and support.
We’ve found that live-in care is increasingly preferred for its flexibility, especially post-pandemic, when most families value in-home support over rigid settings.
More affordable than you might think - Consultus live-in care
At Consultus Care and Nursing, we’ve been supporting families with live-in care for over 60 years. Our services are built around trust, compassion, and personal choice. Whether your loved one requires support around the house or 24-hour nursing care, we provide a flexible and cost-effective alternative to traditional care homes.
Our live-in care services start from £1,100 per week, with our fully managed and nursing options starting from £1,575.
If you’re exploring the cost of a care home or want to understand whether live-in care is the better option for your family, our expert Care Advisors can help. Call us on 01732 496715 or enquire online today to find out more.
How to arrange care at home
Speak to a Care Advisor
Our friendly, expert Care Advisors are here to guide you through your options, answer your important questions, whilst providing support along the way.
Care assessment
If you would like our managed live-in care service, a Care Consultant local to you, will complete a free assessment of your needs in your home.
Care starts
A fully trained carer will be carefully matched to meet your needs, and will start to provide our high-quality service in your home.
Why choose Consultus Care and Nursing?
One of the longest-established and most trusted providers
Founded in 1962, we have always been innovators in live-in care and live-in nursing. With over 60 years’ experience, we are one of the country’s longest-established, most highly recommended and experienced providers.
Unrivalled choice and control over your care
We understand that every person’s needs are different and every family’s situation is unique. With our choice of fully managed live-in care and nursing, and our introductory service, we offer more flexibility and personalisation than any other provider.
Highly trained nurses and carers
We are nationally recognised for the quality of our nurses and carers. With market-leading training, delivered at our own, multi-award-winning training centre, they provide exemplary, compassionate care tailored to individual needs, offering total peace of mind for clients and their families.
Expert care and support, dedicated to you
Our Care Consultants oversee our nursing and managed care services supporting only a small number of families. This means our service is truly personal, with unrivalled support and continuity of care. Reassurance that we are there when you need us most.
Family-founded, family-owned
We continue to be a family-owned and family-managed business. The largest wholly family-owned live-in care provider in the UK, we focus on what our clients and their families need from a high-quality care service, not on meeting investors’ expectations.
Looking for care?
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