How much does a care home cost?

When it comes to care home fees in Plymouth, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. The cost can vary significantly depending on various factors, including the type of care required, the location of the home, and the amenities provided. However, understanding the average costs and what influences them can help you prepare for this significant life change.

Average weekly costs	£700 to £1,000 for a residential care home
Average nursing home costs	£900 to £1,500 per week (due to medical care provided), typically 20-40% more than residential care homes.
Self-funding threshold	£23,250 in savings/assets (above this, you may need to self-fund)
Local authority funding	Available if savings/assets are below £23,250

The costs shown on this page should be used as a guide and may vary significantly depending on the support you require.

What affects care home costs?

The cost of care homes can vary widely based on several factors. These factors influence not only the overall price but also what services and amenities you or your loved one can expect.

Type of care required

The level of care a person needs is one of the biggest factors that affect the cost of a care home. The two main types of care homes are:

Residential care homes: These provide personal care such as help with bathing, dressing, and meals. They are generally less expensive than nursing homes.
Nursing homes: These offer personal care but also have registered nurses on-site to provide medical care. This makes them more expensive than standard residential care homes.

Location of the care home

Care home costs can also depend on location. Homes in areas like Plymouth, which have a mix of city amenities and coastal attractions, may differ in price compared to more rural parts of the country.

Quality and facilities

The quality of care, the experience of staff, and the amenities available (such as private rooms, gardens, recreational activities) will also impact the overall cost. Homes with higher Care Quality Commission (CQC) ratings or luxurious surroundings tend to charge more.

Length of stay

Whether you're looking for long-term care or a short respite stay, the duration can affect pricing. Long-term care typically involves a weekly fee, while respite care may have daily rates.

Average care home costs in Plymouth

Understanding the average costs in your area can help you plan and budget accordingly. The following figures are general estimates for Plymouth and surrounding areas.

Residential care home costs

The average weekly cost of a residential care home in Plymouth is between £700 and £1,000. This covers accommodation, personal care, meals, and some activities. The price you pay will depend on the care home's facilities and the level of support needed.

Nursing home costs

Nursing homes, which provide medical care alongside personal care, are more expensive. The average weekly cost in Plymouth ranges from £900 to £1,500. This higher cost reflects the presence of registered nurses and the ability to handle more complex medical needs.

Additional costs

In both residential and nursing homes, there may be additional charges for optional services, including:

Special dietary requirements
Hairdressing or beauty treatments
Outings and excursions
Special medical services such as physiotherapy

These additional costs vary by home, so it's important to ask about them when researching options.

How care home costs are funded

The question of how to fund a stay in a care home is one that worries many families. Fortunately, there are different funding options available depending on your or your loved one's financial situation. In the UK, care home costs can be funded through self-funding, local authority support, or NHS Continuing Healthcare.

Self-funding

You may need to pay for care home costs yourself if your savings and assets exceed £23,250. In this case, you are considered a self-funder. The cost of care will come directly from your income, savings, or by selling property, if necessary.

Self-funding options:

Deferred Payment Schemes: If you own a property but cannot sell it immediately, Plymouth City Council may allow you to defer payments. You can stay in the care home and repay the costs when your property is sold.
Equity release: This allows homeowners to access some of the value of their home while continuing to live there or using the money to fund care.

Local authority funding

If your savings or assets are below the £23,250 threshold, you may be eligible for funding from your local authority. Plymouth City Council will conduct a financial assessment to determine if you qualify for assistance. If you're eligible, they will contribute towards the cost of care, though you may still be required to pay a portion based on your income.

NHS Continuing Healthcare

For individuals with significant and ongoing health needs, the NHS may cover the full cost of care through a scheme called NHS Continuing Healthcare. This funding is available for those who require regular medical attention due to a severe illness or disability.

Summary of care home funding options

	Description	Eligibility criteria
Self-funding	Paying the full cost of care from savings, income, or assets	Savings and assets above £23,250
Local authority funding	Contribution towards care home costs	Savings and assets below £23,250 and a financial assessment
NHS Continuing Healthcare	Fully funded care from the NHS for those with high medical needs	Significant ongoing health needs requiring medical supervision

The financial assessment process

If you think you may be eligible for local authority funding, the first step is to request a financial assessment from Plymouth City Council. This assessment takes into account:

Savings and assets: Any savings, investments, or property you own.
Income: Including pensions, benefits, and any other regular sources of income.
Expenses: Necessary living expenses and care costs.

Based on this assessment, the council will determine how much you can contribute towards your care. The remaining costs may be covered by the council.

Property and the means test

One of the most significant aspects of the financial assessment is whether or not you own property. If you own a home, its value may be included in the means test unless:

Your partner still lives in the property.
A relative over the age of 60 or a disabled relative lives in the property.

Other financial support available

There are other financial aids that you may be eligible for to help cover care home costs, even if you're a self-funder.

Attendance allowance: If you're over 65 and require care, you may qualify for attendance allowance. This is a non-means-tested benefit to help with personal care costs. It can be used to help cover the cost of care, whether you're self-funding or receiving local authority support.

Personal savings or investments: Many families use personal savings or investment income to pay for care. It's a good idea to speak to a financial adviser about how to manage these resources, especially if care home costs are likely to be a long-term expense.

Deferred payment scheme: If you're self-funding and own property but prefer not to sell it immediately, Plymouth City Council offers a Deferred Payment Scheme. This allows you to defer some or all of your care home costs until your home is sold or until you pass away. The deferred amount is then repaid from the proceeds of the sale.

How to choose the right care home for your budget

When looking for the right care home, balancing quality with affordability is key. Here are a few tips to ensure you're making the best decision for your budget.

What you're paying for

When you're faced with care home bills, it's natural to wonder what exactly you're paying for. Let's break it down:

Accommodation: This includes your room, utilities, and maintenance of the care home
Meals and nutrition: Three meals a day, snacks, and any special dietary requirements
Personal care: Assistance with daily living activities like bathing, dressing, and mobility
Medical care: In nursing homes, this includes 24-hour access to qualified nursing staff
Activities and entertainment: Social programmes, outings, and recreational activities
Laundry and housekeeping: Regular cleaning of your room and laundry services

Research and compare

Take the time to research and compare care homes in Plymouth. Websites such as the Care Quality Commission (CQC) can help you evaluate care homes based on their quality ratings, which also influence costs.

Visit multiple care homes

It's crucial to visit several care homes in person to get a feel for the environment, speak with staff, and ask questions about hidden or additional costs. Some homes may offer more value for money, even if their weekly fees are higher.

Negotiate fees

Many care homes are open to negotiations, especially if you're paying for care privately. It's worth asking about discounts for long-term stays or whether they offer any financial flexibility.

Consider what's included

Before committing to a care home, be sure to understand what's included in the weekly fee. Does the cost cover meals, activities, and personal care? Are there any additional charges for special services?

Alternatives to care homes: exploring your options

While care homes provide comprehensive support, they're not the only option available to Plymouth residents. Consider these alternatives:

Home care: Receive support in your own home, which can be more cost-effective for those with lower care needs.
Sheltered housing: Live independently in a flat or bungalow with some support services available.
Extra care housing: Similar to sheltered housing but with more extensive on-site care services.
Live-in care: A carer lives in your home, providing round-the-clock support.

Each option has its own cost implications, and what works best will depend on your individual circumstances and care needs.

More information

Which? Later Life Care has a tool to help you find out the cost of residential homes, nursing homes or home care in any part of England.

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