When exploring care options for yourself or a family member, understanding care home costs is an important part of the decision-making process. Care home fees are not one-size-fits-all, and the cost will vary depending on individual needs, preferences and circumstances.
Below, we outline five key factors that affect the cost of care homes in the UK, to help you understand what may influence weekly fees and what to expect when you begin your search for a care home.
Understanding care home costs
Care home costs in the UK are calculated on an individual basis. Before someone moves into a care home, an assessment is carried out to understand their care and support needs. This helps ensure the right level of care is provided and that fees accurately reflect those needs.
Care home fees are usually charged weekly and may change over time if a person’s care requirements change.
1: Type of care required
The level and type of care a person needs will significantly affect the cost of care home fees. Residential care, which supports daily living needs such as washing, dressing and meals, is generally less expensive than nursing care.
Nursing care includes 24-hour support from registered nurses and is therefore usually higher in cost. Dementia care or more specialist care for complex health needs may also affect fees, as this often requires additional training, higher staffing levels and adapted environments or facilities.
2: Facilities and services
The facilities and services offered by a care home can influence overall costs. This may include the type of bedroom, such as an en-suite room, access to communal spaces, gardens or lounges, and the general environment of the home.
All of our care homes include meals, activities, events and wellbeing support within their weekly fees. In some cases, additional services or experiences may incur extra costs. Your care home team will always be able to explain what is included.
Explore our all-inclusive care homes, which offer a range of additional services and extras such as alcoholic beverages, hairdressing and chiropody appointments included with care – with one flat weekly cost and no hidden additional fees.
3: Length of stay
The duration of stay can also affect care home costs. Short-term stays, such as respite care or recovery following a hospital stay, may be priced differently from long-term residential or nursing care.
Some care homes offer all-inclusive weekly fees, while others may structure costs differently depending on how long someone stays. Understanding how fees are calculated can help families compare options more clearly.
4: Funding and financial support
How care is funded plays an important role in how costs are managed. Some people pay for their care privately (self-funding), while others may be eligible for support from their Local Authority or the NHS, depending on their financial situation and care needs.
There may also be financial support available, such as Attendance Allowance or NHS-funded nursing care. If a person’s care needs or financial circumstances change, it is important to let the care home team know as soon as possible so appropriate support and guidance can be provided.
5: Location
Finally, location is one of the main factors influencing care home costs UK-wide. Fees can vary depending on where a care home is based, with care homes in London and the South East often having higher weekly costs than those in other parts of the country.
Making informed decisions about care home costs
Care home costs are influenced by a combination of location, care needs, facilities, length of stay and funding arrangements. While cost is an important consideration, it should always be balanced with the quality of care, comfort and reassurance provided.
Our care home teams will be happy to talk through fees, funding options and what is included, helping you make a decision that feels right for you and your family.
Search for a care home near you or get in touch with our team of professional Care Advisors today.