How much do care homes cost in the UK?

We understand that there's lots to consider when choosing a care home and looking at their costs. In this article we’ll guide you on the costs of care homes, the funding available and how everything works to help make the decision-making process a little bit easier for you or your loved one.

Understanding the types of care and their costs

The cost of living in a care home depends on a number of factors. From the level of care required, to the home itself, the facilities, the food and the daily activities that it offers.

Care Home Cost by Type of Care

Residential Care Home Costs

Residential care is the standard placement, and usually means that you do not need round-the-clock nursing care.

The cost of residential care homes can vary based on a number of factors, including your location and the purpose-built facilities within the home. Any nursing services that may be required by you can be supplied by the district nursing team, funded by the NHS.

Nursing Care Costs

If you require nursing care, this usually means that you require an element of medical care and therefore will need to be supported by round-the-clock nursing care. This means that an uplift in the Weekly Fee will be payable, but this will depend entirely on the nature of the enhanced care required.

Dementia Care Home Costs

Those living with dementia typically require a higher level of care than those who are living in a residential care home, resulting in a higher cost for those living in dementia homes.  

At Barchester, our ‘Memory Lane’ programme utilises a careful blend of skills and techniques developed by leading experts in the field of dementia care, incorporating person-centred design in its use of colour and cues to help individuals navigate through the home.

Care is focused on independence, dignity and choice, with a person-centred approach. Staffing levels reflect the needs of residents, and people living with dementia are offered a range of activities to help preserve life skills, support interactions and retain a sense of purpose and selfhood.

When you visit a Barchester care home, you will be given an average Weekly Fee rate in order for you to understand broadly what the costs of living in the care home might be, enabling you to compare the rates with other care homes. You’ll be given a definitive cost once you’ve completed a pre-admission assessment which will determine the level of care and support that you require.

Care Home vs Home Care Costs

Depending on the level of care required, there are differences in cost between care homes and receiving care at home.

Short term costs vs long term fees 

Long term care is usually more expensive overall due to continuous needs. However, short-term care can have a higher weekly fee or daily rate because it can be more difficult to manage operationally. To make a respite booking, a care home would need to maintain a vacant room and may need to hire extra staff for last minute admissions, cover admin and set up costs for a brief stay. According to carehome.co.uk, respite care can have a cost uplift of 10-15% compared to a permanent stay.

Care Home Costs

Care home costs cover everything from the physical accommodation, food and bills, to the emotional and psychological support which naturally comes with living in a care home. 

Home Care Costs

Although the cost of home care might be cheaper in some instances, it’s worth remembering the additional support that comes with living in a care home. For example, those living in a care home will find themselves surrounded by other residents, as well as staff. This contributes to residents living a fulfilled and sociable life, and can mitigate any potential feelings of loneliness. There is also an element of safety to living in a care home, knowing that there will be someone on hand to help 24 hours a day. 

What’s included in care home fees?

At Barchester, we charge a Weekly Fee, which covers the cost of care. The Weekly Fee covers everything from the cost of caring staff to care needs, accommodation and facilities. At a glance, here are examples of what is included in this Weekly Fee and what is an additional cost: