We know that thinking about care home fees can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to do what’s best for a loved one. At Buckland Care, we believe that finding the right care should feel reassuring, not confusing. So, let’s break it down in a way that makes things clearer.
Who Pays for Care?
Care home funding depends on your loved one’s savings, assets, and income, as well as whether they qualify for support from the local authority or NHS. Here’s how it works:
Self-Funded Care – If your loved one’s savings and assets total more than £23,250, they’ll need to pay for their care home fees privately. But don’t worry, we’re always here to help you understand what’s included and what to plan for.
Partially Funded Care – If their savings and assets are between £14,250 and £23,250, the local authority may contribute to their care, but they’ll still need to pay a share of the cost.
Fully Funded Care – If savings and assets are below £14,250, the local council will cover the full cost of care, based on an assessment of needs.
These thresholds apply in 2025 and may change in the future.
What’s Included in Care Fees?
At Buckland Care, we want your loved one to feel truly at home. Our fees cover everything needed for comfort, security, and daily support, including:
A warm, welcoming home with 24-hour support
Personal care, from washing and dressing to medication support
Home-cooked meals, tailored to dietary needs
Utility bills and household services
Social activities, companionship, and a full events calendar
Some optional extras, like hairdressing, specialist therapies, or private outings, may come with an additional cost, but we’re always happy to chat about what’s included and what’s not.
Changes to Care Funding – What You Need to Know
The government had planned to introduce changes, including a cap on care costs and increased financial support for more families. But in 2024, these changes were scrapped. That means:
No cap on how much you may need to pay for care
No increase to the savings threshold for financial help
It’s understandable to feel worried about this, but you’re not alone. We’re here to help guide you through the options and find a way forward that works for you.
Can the Local Authority Cover the Full Cost of Care?
If your loved one qualifies for council funding, the local authority will set a budget for their care home fees. If the home they choose costs more than this, a top-up payment from a family member or another source may be needed to cover the difference.
At Buckland Care, we’ll always be open about costs and what’s possible, helping you find the best solution for your loved one.
Other Funding Options for Care Home Fees
While local authority funding and self-funding are the most common routes, there are a few other options that might help with care costs. If you’re feeling unsure, it’s worth exploring all available support.
NHS-Funded Nursing Care (FNC) – If Nursing Support is Needed
If your loved one needs care from a registered nurse but doesn’t qualify for full NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC), they may be eligible for NHS Funded Nursing Care.
The NHS will pay a set amount directly to the care home to help with nursing costs
This only applies in a nursing home, not a residential care home
Attendance Allowance – Extra Help for Care Costs
If your loved one needs help with daily activities and is self-funding their care, they may be eligible for Attendance Allowance – a non-means-tested benefit (so savings and assets don’t affect eligibility).
Available to people over State Pension age who need help due to illness or disability
Can go towards care fees or personal expenses
Paid at two rates:
£72.65 per week (lower rate – day or night support)
£108.55 per week (higher rate – day and night support)
It’s not automatic – you’ll need to submit a claim via the government website or by post. We can help point you in the right direction.
Personal Savings, Pensions & Investments
Many people use a combination of:
Private pensions
Downsizing or equity release
Savings and investments to help fund care fees. If you’re unsure where to start, a later-life financial adviser can be a helpful support.
Deferred Payment Agreements – If Your Loved One Owns Property
If your loved one needs care but doesn’t have liquid savings, they may be eligible for a Deferred Payment Agreement (DPA) from the local council.
The council pays the care fees upfront (up to their standard rate), and the amount is repaid later — usually when the property is sold or from the estate
This means they can move into care without having to sell their home straight away
It’s important to know that once the home is sold, the full care fees become payable — not just the amount the council contributed. So, any difference between the council’s standard rate and the actual care fees would still need to be covered.
Not all councils offer this, and eligibility depends on individual circumstances. We can help you find out if this might be an option.
War Pensions & Armed Forces Support
If your loved one has a military background, they may be entitled to extra support through:
War Pension Scheme (for service-related injury)
Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
Veterans’ UK – offers financial advice and support
These could help towards care fees, so it’s worth checking eligibility.
Charitable Grants & Support
Some charities offer grants to help older people with care costs. These are usually based on individual circumstances and can make a big difference.
Helpful organisations include:
Turn2Us – Matches people with grants based on need
The Royal British Legion – Support for veterans
Age UK – Offers advice on funding care
Need Help Navigating Care Funding?
It’s completely normal to feel uncertain about care home costs. At Buckland Care, we’ve helped many families find the right funding options, and we’re happy to help you too.
Give us a call and let’s chat about what might work best for your loved one.
You’re not alone in this — we’re here to support you, every step of the way.