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Paying for palliative care: an overview
Palliative care is a vital form of specialist care provided to people who have received a terminal illness diagnosis. It helps support them with ongoing medical care, pain management, symptom management, and emotional and mental health support.
This holistic care is designed to improve the quality of life for people nearing the end of life. Care can be provided in a variety of settings including a hospital, care home, nursing home, hospice or at home. The type of care your loved one receives depends on their individual circumstances and care needs.
There are several options when it comes to paying for palliative care or end-of-life care:
- Privately (self-funding)
- Charitable organisations
- The NHS (including NHS Continuing Healthcare)
- Local authority social care support
Which options are available to your loved one depends on their specific care needs and financial circumstances, which we will explore below.
Get in touch about our Palliative care service
Key Takeaways:
- You're not responsible for care home fees unless you've agreed to pay them
- Your loved one's finances will be assessed to determine their contribution
- There are different ways to pay for care: self-funding, council help, NHS Continuing Healthcare, or other NHS support
- Be careful about transferring assets to avoid paying for care costs
- Any unpaid care costs will be deducted from your loved one's estate after they pass
- People in the last year of their life may be eligible for fast-tracked NHS funding
- A care plan developed by health and social care professionals will outline what care you receive
How much will you have to pay for palliative care?
How much your loved one has to pay for palliative care depends on the level of care they need and where they will receive it.
In a private care home or nursing home, it can cost between £750 and £2,000 per week. This will need to be paid by your loved one using their savings or money from their estate if they choose private palliative care. This also applies if your loved one wants to receive palliative care at home through home-based palliative care services.
If your loved one is currently privately paying for their care home fees, they will also need to pay for palliative care if they are hoping to stay at that same care home. Hospice care is free, however, it is usually only available to those who need end of life care.
At Ashberry Care Homes, we offer experienced and affordable palliative care in our homes across the UK:
- Meadowview, Warrington – From £916.44 per week
- Moorhouse, Hindhead – From £1032.70 per week
- Holmer Court, Hereford – From £852.24 per week
- Broomy Hill, Hereford – From £1046.97 per week
- Blaenos House, Llandovery – From £900.39 per week
- Allt Y Mynydd, West Wales – From £991.34 per week
Can you get funding for palliative care?
Yes, there are several funding options available in the UK to ensure your loved one can receive the level of care they need.
NHS Continuing Healthcare
Because palliative care is often considered a primary health need, it may be something offered by the NHS free of charge. Your loved one may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare, which means the NHS pays for all your care needs, including accommodation if you need care in a nursing home.
Your local authority can arrange for your loved one to have a needs assessment, which will assess your care needs and determine the level of funding they are eligible for. This process can also be fast-tracked if your loved one's illness is progressing quickly and they are in the last year of their life. Your social worker or healthcare professional can help you with this application.
If eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare, the NHS will pay the entire amount directly to the care home towards the cost of care. However, through the NHS you will not have a wide range of choices when it comes to a care home or nursing home.
NHS-funded Nursing Care
If you don't qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare but need care in a nursing home, you may be eligible for NHS-funded nursing care. This means the NHS pays a flat rate directly to the care home to cover the cost of your nursing care.
Home Care Support
For those who prefer home palliative care, there are also options available:
- Local authority social care support after a needs assessment
- Disabled Facilities Grant to help with adaptations made to your home
- Charities that provide care in your area
There are also charitable organisations that specialise in providing relief for those with a terminal illness, such as Marie Curie, who can provide round-the-clock care for people nearing the end of life.
Who pays for palliative care? FAQs
Are next of kin responsible for palliative care fees?
No, next of kin is not responsible for paying palliative care fees. However, you are welcome to do so if you would like to choose a specific care home that is not funded by the NHS or charitable organisations.
Can you refuse to pay palliative care fees?
Your loved one has a say in the palliative care they receive. If they require palliative care, they will not be expected to pay for it themselves if they qualify for NHS funding. If they do not want to pay for private care, they may still be eligible for care under the NHS. In this instance, speak to your local authority to arrange a needs assessment.
What happens when the money runs out?
If your loved one becomes palliative in a private nursing or residential home, like Ashberry Healthcare's care homes, the local authority will pay on the understanding we can meet needs. In other words, there is no need to move to an NHS-funded care home. Speak to your local authority before this happens to ensure there is no disruption to their care.
When should palliative care begin?
Palliative care aims to help people with terminal illness as early as possible. You don't need to wait until the end of life - palliative care offers the most benefit when started as soon as needed. Many people receive palliative care alongside other treatments.
Is hospice care different from palliative care?
While all hospice care is palliative care, not all palliative care is hospice care. Hospice care is specifically for people in the last phases of an incurable illness, while palliative care is appropriate at any stage of serious illness and can be provided alongside curative treatment.
Need help finding the right care home?
At Ashberry Care Homes, we look after your loved one with care focused on dignity, sensitivity and independence.
We understand that navigating care costs and determining what help you're entitled to can feel overwhelming when choosing a care home either for yourself or a loved one. In our care, residents and their families are at the heart of everything we do and are always treated with respect and consideration.
Whether you require palliative care, specialist care, or have questions about whether palliative care is right for your situation, our team can help refer you to the local agencies that provide care and support in your area.
Contact us today to learn more about our palliative care services and how we can support you and your loved one during this difficult time.
