How Can You Budget For The Cost Of A Residential Care Home - Rosebank Care Home
When planning for residential care for a loved one, you need to understand the actual costs involved. What many care homes don’t tell you is that sometimes there are hidden fees that can catch you off guard.

From everyday care to unexpected extras, budgeting for a care home can become tricky if you’re not prepared. But don’t fret. We’re here to break down the true costs of care homes and share smart.

How Can You Budget for the Cost of a Residential Care Home?

Budgeting for a care home doesn’t have to be complicated if you plan ahead. Here are the key steps to help you manage the costs:

  • Get the full breakdown of costs
  • Assess your financial situation
  • Prepare for ongoing care costs
  • Discover ways to fund care

In more detail:

Know the Full Costs

Care home fees usually cover basics like accommodation, meals and general care. Always ask for a detailed breakdown of what’s included in the base fee and what comes as an extra charge. Watch out for hidden extras like:

  • Personal services (like haircuts, TV subscriptions etc).
  • Medical supplies and specialist care, such as dementia care and incontinence products.
  • Outings or special activities.

Check Your Finances

Take stock of your savings, income and assets to see how much you can contribute. The local council where your care home is situated will carry out a means test to decide if you qualify for any financial support. Knowing where you stand financially helps you plan your budget.

Plan for the Long-Term

Care home stays are often long-term, so plan for several years of costs. Remember, fees can increase over time, so ask the care home about future price changes to avoid surprises.

Explore Funding Options

You may be eligible for help with costs. Some options include:

Local authority funding – If your assets are below a certain limit, the council may help cover the fees.

NHS Continuing Healthcare – The NHS CHC may cover the total costs if your care needs are health-related.

Self-funding – If you don’t qualify for financial aid, you could look into equity release or deferred payment schemes to cover costs using the value of your loved one’s house.

What Are the Hidden Fees in Care Homes?

Even after covering the main costs, care homes could have hidden fees that can catch you off guard financially. Here’s what to watch out for so you can budget better:

Personal Care Services

Unless you’re paying for premium care, some personal services aren’t included in the basic fee. These might include:

  • Haircuts and grooming
  • Foot care (podiatry) and manicures
  • TV subscriptions or in-room internet

Specialist Medical Care

If extra medical care is needed, it usually costs more. Common examples include:

  • Dementia care – Specialised care for dementia patients often comes with higher fees.
  • Therapies – Regular physical therapy or occupational therapy can be an added expense.

Make sure to ask how much these medical services cost if your loved one needs them.

Optional Extras

Again, unless you’re paying for an all-inclusive care home, you may end up paying for extras that aren’t covered in the base price, such as:

  • Trips and outings – While some activities are free, off-site trips often come at a cost.
  • Private treatments – Services like massages or alternative therapies can also cost extra.

Ways to Save on Care Home Costs

As you can see, care home fees can add up. Thankfully, there are ways to reduce costs without compromising on care. Here are some practical strategies to help you save.

Compare Different Care Homes

Not all care homes charge the same fees, even for similar services. Take the time to shop around, visit multiple care homes and ask for a detailed fee breakdown.

Sometimes, homes slightly outside your preferred area offer better value without sacrificing quality.

Comparing options can save you thousands in the long run.

Negotiate the Fee Structure

You might be surprised, but some care homes allow room for negotiation, especially for extras. Here’s what to do:

  • Ask about discounts – Some homes may offer reduced rates for long-term stays or waive specific fees.
  • Bundle services – See if the care home can include additional services (like laundry or outings) in the standard fee rather than charging extra.

It’s always worth asking – every little bit helps!

Ready to explore...

Plan for Long-Term Care

Stays can last years, so early planning makes a big difference. So, why set up a dedicated savings plan and start saving early to build a care fund for yourself or a loved one?

You could also consider long-term care insurance. This can help cover the costs later on, reducing the financial burden.

Use Deferred Payment Agreements

If you’re struggling to pay care home fees, ask about deferred payment schemes. These payments are a great option if you don’t want to sell the property immediately to cover care costs, allowing you to:

  • Delay selling your home – The council covers your fees and the cost is paid back when your home is eventually sold.
  • Keep your options open – This gives you time to explore other funding solutions without making big financial decisions immediately.

Budget Wisely for Care Home Costs

Fully understanding care home fees and how to budget for them can save you a lot of stress—and money. Explore all options, ask the right questions and plan ahead to ensure your loved one is getting the best care without overspending.