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Care & Care Support
Information and support to help with providing care for a loved one, or for anyone in need of care themselves
I’m looking for: Care basics | Types of care | Choosing a care home | Home care | Paying for care | Care for elderly relatives | Dementia care | Care for the terminally ill | Specialist care | Support for carers | Building relationships with the person you care for | Planning ahead | Jobs in care | Carers’ personal stories | Care FAQs |
Types of care explained
It can be tricky navigating the best path for your loved one when it comes to care. Thankfully, we have some guides to help you on your journey and pick a care plan that works for your family.
Paying for care
One of the first things that people have to think about when they’re considering care for themselves or a loved one is whether they’ll be able to afford it. Though care is expensive, there’s plenty of help and support available.
Dementia care
Support for carers
Caring for someone else can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with many challenges. It’s important to make sure you’re getting the right guidance and support.
Building and maintaining relationships with the person receiving care
Planning ahead
Although planning for loss can be incredibly difficult, it can save time and stress later on. Planning discussions with the person you’re caring for can also be a chance to honour any wishes they may have surrounding medical treatment, funeral care arrangements, and anything else.
Inspiring personal stories of carers
Care FAQs
How is care funded?
Fees for long-term care can be eye-watering, but there are a number of funding options. Your local council or the NHS may be able to help meet the cost of care. Alternatively, there are several ways to raise the money, such as selling a property, or using equity release to unlock some of the wealth tied up in your home without selling up. Downsizing, or using a pension to pay for care costs are among other options.
Find out more in our articles How to pay for long-term care and How to manage your money if you need care.
What is a care funding plan?
There are several care funding options, including a specific financial product that meets the cost of care, called an immediate needs annuity. In return for handing over some, or all of your pension savings, you’ll be paid a guaranteed income for life that will cover the cost of care. Also known as immediate care plans, these can provide peace of mind that the cost of care will be covered, either in your own home or at a care home, depending on your preference.
Find out more in our article What is an immediate needs annuity?
How much does a carer cost per week in the UK?
Care can be hugely expensive, but there’s plenty of help and support available. On average, the cost of residential care in England was £730 per week in 2021/22, with the average cost of nursing care coming in at a massive £1,038 a week, according to research by LaingBuisson. The cost varies widely across the UK, and specialist care costs, such as for people with dementia, will usually be greater. Eligibility for financial help towards this depends on your mobility and health, and the value of savings, assets and income.
Find out more in our article How to pay for long-term care.
How does the cap on care work?
The government has announced changes to prevent people from racking up care bills that they can’t afford to pay. At present, anyone in England with assets over £23,250 must pay for their care in full. It’s been estimated that around one in 10 adults aged 65 faced lifetime care costs of more than £100,000, but rising costs mean that this has now increased to one in seven. In light of this, rule changes in the next few years include a new cap, so that from October 2023, the maximum you’ll have to pay for personal care if you’re starting adult social care is £86,000 over your lifetime.
Find out more in our article What changes to social care mean for you.
Is a live-in carer cheaper than a care home?
The cost of live-in care may be cheaper than a care home, but this depends on the amount of support you need. Typically, the cost of live-in care in the UK is around £120 to £150 per day, but this varies depending on what care is needed, where you live, and your assets. If you have complex needs, live-in care may be more expensive than a residential care or nursing home. As care needs may change over time, so will the costs involved.
Find out more in our article Live-in care – what is it and what are the benefits?