1. Paying for Residential Care

The cost of residential care varies widely based on the type of care home, the level of care needed, and location. On average:

• Basic care homes: £27,000 per year (includes meals and personal care)
• Nursing care homes: Up to £55,000 per year (includes medical support)

Be aware that the cost doesn't cover just the care; a portion goes to accommodation, food, utility bills, and other services like hairdressing or social activities. Always ask for a breakdown of costs to avoid paying for things you don’t use.

Top-Up Fees

‍If your local authority doesn’t cover the full cost of your preferred care home, you (or a third party) may need to pay the difference. This is called a "top-up fee." Make sure you can commit to this long-term, as care homes may increase their fees annually.

NHS and Local Authority Support

‍Depending on your savings and health needs, you might qualify for:

• NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
• NHS Funded Nursing Care (FNC)
• Council Support

You can also receive your state pension while in care. However, part of this income may go towards covering your care costs.

12-Week Property Disregard

‍If you plan to sell your property to fund care, the council will ignore the value of the property for the first 12 weeks and cover your care during that time.

Running Out of Money?

‍If your savings fall below the threshold, your local authority is still responsible for helping with your care funding. Request a financial assessment.

2. Paying for Home Care

Home care fees depend on the type of care (dementia, palliative, respite, etc.) and the number of hours needed. Always check if providers charge extra for:

• Night wake-ups
• Bank holiday surcharges
• Agency usage fees

At No1 Healthcare, we keep our fees transparent—no hidden costs.

Scotland Residents

‍If you live in Scotland, you're entitled to personal or nursing care support regardless of income or assets.

Worried About Running Out of Funds?

‍Speak with an independent financial advisor (IFA). Some charities offer free or discounted consultations to help you plan.

3. Free Care Funding Calculator

Care funding can be confusing. That’s why we offer an easy-to-use, online care funding calculator to guide you through personalised options.

4. Four-Step Plan to Fund Your Care

Step 1: Check Your Benefit Entitlements

‍Many people miss out on benefits they’re eligible for. Some useful ones include:

• Attendance Allowance
• Carer’s Allowance
• Pension Credit
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Council tax relief

These can significantly reduce your care costs.

Step 2: Explore NHS Funding

‍NHS Continuing Healthcare may fully cover your care. Start by asking your GP for a "CHC Checklist". If eligible, you'll receive a full assessment. In urgent cases, this can be fast-tracked.

Step 3: Access Local Authority Support

‍If your savings are below £23,250, your local council may help with care costs. Start with:

• Care Needs Assessment
• Financial Assessment

You can choose to receive this support via Direct Payments to spend as you see fit.

Step 4: Use Your Savings or Property

‍If you don’t qualify for public funding, consider using savings or:

• Equity Release Schemes
• Immediate Needs Annuities

These options let you fund long-term care without leaving your home.

5. Final Advice to Remember

Don’t Panic

‍Funding care feels complex, but it’s manageable with the right guidance.

There Are Always Options

‍From council support to annuities, you have choices.

You Can Challenge Decisions

‍If you’re denied NHS or council funding, you can appeal.

You’re Not Alone

‍We’re here to guide you every step of the way, or connect you to financial advisors and advocates when needed.