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Understanding Care Costs for People with Dementia
Deciding that a loved one needs to receive dementia care can be a hard decision that is made even harder due to the uncertainties surrounding dementia care home costs. Who pays for dementia care depends upon the finances of the person living with dementia as well as the level of care they might require.
If funds are available to pay for their own care, people with dementia will be expected to pay for their care home fees themselves. If they don't have sufficient funds, then there is support available. It may also be possible to split the cost of dementia care homes between them and the local authority if you choose for your loved one to live in a care home that has higher fees than the local authority alone can cover.
How Much Does Dementia Care Cost in the UK?
In the UK, dementia care costs typically range between £1,000 and £3,000 per week, depending on your circumstances and types of care needed. For many families, this represents significant home costs that exceed their means.
Residential Care vs Nursing Care:
- Residential care typically starts from around £1,000 per week, covering accommodation, meals, and support with daily activities
- Nursing care generally starts from around £1,200 per week, as it includes 24-hour nursing care from qualified professionals
Bear in mind that care home fees vary significantly across regions, with care costs typically higher in the South East and London. When researching care home options, always ask about additional charges beyond the basic weekly fee, including specialist dementia care services.
Will the Local Authority Help Pay for Care?
When someone with dementia requires additional care, you should first speak to your local authority to understand their exact care needs through a needs assessment. During this process, a social care professional will visit to assess the level of care required.
The needs assessment process is straightforward - you can arrange this via the government website by entering your postcode. Following the assessment, if necessary, they'll arrange a financial assessment to determine how much financial support your loved one may be eligible for.
Understanding the Means Test
The local authority will undertake a financial assessment to determine eligibility for funding from the local authority. As of 2023, if assets are worth more than £23,250, they'll be expected to pay care costs in full. If assets total less than £23,250, they're likely to qualify for financial support.
Importantly, if they own their home, this won't be included in the assessment if their partner or another relative still lives there.
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) for Dementia Care
What is CHC Funding?
People with dementia may be eligible for NHS continuing healthcare if their needs are primarily healthcare-related rather than social care needs. CHC funding means the NHS pays for all care costs, including accommodation in a care home.
To qualify for nhs continuing healthcare, the person must have complex, ongoing healthcare needs. Many people with advanced dementia do qualify, particularly when they develop additional health conditions or require constant medical supervision.
The CHC Assessment Process
Healthcare professionals conduct a comprehensive assessment to determine if someone is eligible for nhs continuing healthcare. This assessment considers:
- Physical care needs
- Cognitive and behavioural needs
- Psychological and emotional needs
- Communication needs
- Mobility requirements
- Continence management
If eligible for nhs continuing healthcare, funding covers the entire cost of care, whether that's care in a care home, care in a nursing home, or care at home.
NHS-Funded Nursing Care
Even if someone doesn't qualify for full continuing healthcare funding, they may still be eligible for NHS-funded nursing care if they need care in a nursing home. This contribution is paid directly to the nursing home to cover nursing care costs, currently around £200 per week.
Paying for a Care Home: Your Options Explained
Self-Funding Dementia Care
If someone with dementia is paying for their own care (self-funding), understanding the cost of dementia care will help you plan accordingly. When considering care homes, ask for detailed breakdowns of:
- Basic care home place costs
- Additional charges for specialist dementia services
- Expected annual fee increases
- What happens if funds run low
Top-Up Fees
If you find a care home that better suits needs but costs more than the local authority budget, you can arrange to pay the difference through a top-up fee. This allows access to preferred facilities whilst maintaining local authority support for the base level of care.
Financial Help and Support
Several financial support options may be available:
Attendance Allowance: Extra financial support for those over 65 with physical or mental disabilities, including dementia.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP): Available for individuals under 65 living with long-term conditions like dementia.
Housing Benefits: May help with accommodation costs depending on income and assets.
Pension Credit: Supplements weekly income for those over State Pension age.
Types of Care Available for Living with Dementia
Residential vs Nursing Home Care
Residential care provides accommodation and personal care support, suitable for people with dementia who don't require constant nursing supervision.
Care in a nursing home includes 24-hour nursing care from qualified professionals, appropriate for those with more complex health needs alongside their dementia.
Alternative Care Options
Live-in Care: For some people with dementia, professional live-in care at home might be preferable and potentially more cost-effective than moving to a care home.
Home Care: Support provided in the person's own home, ranging from a few hours daily to round-the-clock assistance.
Respite Care: Temporary care allowing family carers to take breaks whilst ensuring proper care continues.
Navigating the Care System: Practical Guidance
Getting a Care Needs Assessment
Contact social services or social care services to arrange a comprehensive assessment. This will determine what level of care is needed and what funding support may be available.
The care assessment considers:
- Physical capabilities and limitations
- Cognitive function and dementia progression
- Safety concerns at home
- Current carer support available
- Social and emotional needs
Working with Care Providers
When selecting a care provider, consider:
- Specialist dementia training for staff
- Care Quality Commission ratings
- Staff-to-resident ratios
- Dementia-friendly environment design
- Activity programmes suitable for dementia
Your local authority can provide a list of care homes in your area that meet assessed needs and budget requirements.
Planning for the Future
As dementia progresses, care needs often increase. It's important to:
- Understand how care costs may change over time
- Consider lasting power of attorney arrangements
- Plan for potential moves between different types of care
- Keep regular contact with social care teams for reassessments
Understanding Your Rights and Options
Mental Capacity and Decision-Making
If someone with dementia lacks mental capacity to make decisions about their care, family members or appointed representatives can make decisions in their best interests. However, it's important to talk to the person with dementia about their preferences whilst they can still express them.
Care Act Protections
The Care Act provides important protections, ensuring that:
- Care assessments are comprehensive and person-centred
- Financial assessments are fair and transparent
- People have choice and control over their care
- Support is provided to help people understand their options
Support from Specialist Organisations
Dementia UK provides specialist dementia admiral nurses who offer expert guidance and support for families navigating care decisions.
Alzheimer's Society offers information, support, and advocacy services for people with dementia and their families.
Both organisations can provide valuable guidance on care options, funding, and practical support.
When Care Needs Change
Reassessment and Review
Care needs should be regularly reviewed, particularly as dementia progresses. If someone's needs increase significantly, they may become eligible for different funding streams, including continuing healthcare funding.
Moving Between Care Settings
Sometimes people need to move from residential care to nursing care, or from home care to a care home. Each transition requires reassessment to ensure appropriate funding and support arrangements.
Emergency Situations
In Northern Ireland and across the UK, emergency care arrangements can be made when situations change rapidly. Contact your local NHS body or integrated care board for urgent support.
Making Informed Decisions
Understanding dementia care in the UK can feel overwhelming, but support is available. Whether you need information about CHC, guidance from specialist services, or help understanding local authority funding, don't hesitate to seek professional advice.
Remember that financial help from your local authority or the NHS may be available even if you initially thought you wouldn't qualify. Regular reassessments ensure that funding arrangements remain appropriate as needs change.
Key Takeaways:
- People with dementia don't automatically have to pay all care costs
- NHS continuing healthcare may cover all expenses for eligible individuals
- Local authority support is available for those with limited assets
- Various types of care offer different cost structures
- Professional assessments determine appropriate funding levels
- Regular reviews ensure ongoing support matches changing needs
At Ashberry Care Homes, we understand the complexities of dementia care funding. Our experienced team can help guide families through available options and connect you with appropriate support services. We're committed to ensuring everyone receives the specialist care they need, regardless of their financial circumstances.
Contact us today to learn more about our dementia care services and how we can support you in navigating the care system.
