Dementia is a life-changing condition that affects not only the individual but also their loved ones. With nearly 982,000 people in the UK living with dementia, the need for quality care is more important than ever. As the condition progresses, day-to-day tasks can become increasingly challenging, and many families face the challenge of finding the right care while managing the associated costs.
Today, we’ll discuss the cost of dementia care and the factors that may influence the price, ensuring your loved one receives the best care without budget concerns.
What Is Dementia Care?
Dementia care is specialist support for individuals with dementia, designed to help them live as safely and comfortably as possible. At Trinity Homecare, we personalise our care plans to address the unique challenges of dementia, as we understand that everyone’s experience is different.
Our dementia care involves assistance with daily activities, creating a safe environment and providing emotional and physical support. Dementia care can be provided in a person’s home or in specialised facilities, such as residential care homes.
Staying in the comfort of your own home, surrounded by familiar routines and cherished memories, can make a world of difference for those living with dementia. Our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way with our CQC ‘Outstanding’ rated dementia care.
Who Pays For Dementia Care?
In the UK, the cost of dementia care, whether in a residential care home or through home care services, can be covered either privately or by the Local Authority, depending on the individual’s financial situation. The system for funding dementia care is based on means-testing, which assesses a person’s assets and income to determine their eligibility for support.
The current system is as follows:
| Assets of over £23,250 | Self-funded |
| Assets between £14,250 – £23,250 | Partly council-funded/partly self-funded |
| Assets of less than £14,250 | Fully council funded |
It’s important to note that changes to the current system are planned. The upper asset threshold is set to increase to £100,000, meaning those with assets above this figure will be considered self-funding. However, there will be a lifetime cap of £86,000 on how much a person will have to pay towards their care. The lower threshold is also set to increase to £20,000, allowing more people to qualify for full or partial Local Authority support.
If you’re unsure about your eligibility, we recommend contacting your local Adult Social Care Team for a financial assessment, as this process can take several weeks to arrange.
Read our finance and funding care at home guide for more information.
How Much Does Dementia Care Cost in the UK?
Dementia care pricing in the UK varies depending on the type of care required and the individual’s specific needs, with significant differences between care home and home care options.
Dementia Residential Care Home Costs
Dementia care home costs can vary widely depending on several factors, including the location of the care home, the level of care required and the facilities provided. On average, care home fees for dementia care in the UK range from £750 to £1,500 per week. This fee typically includes accommodation, personal care and meals.
However, some care homes may separate costs into care and accommodation fees, with additional charges for extras such as hairdressing, activities and specialist therapies. These additional costs can make it more challenging to predict the total expense.
When considering care homes, look beyond the weekly fee and consider the overall value of the services provided, including the quality of care and facilities available. Additionally, funding options and eligibility for financial support or Local Authority contributions can significantly impact the final cost.
Dementia Home Care Costs
The cost of dementia home care is often comparable to that of a care home, and for couples, it can offer significant savings. Several factors can influence the cost of home care, including the individual’s health, the complexity of their dementia and the care provider they choose. As a result, the costs of hourly or weekly in-home dementia care can vary significantly between providers.
Home care fees are typically quoted as an all-inclusive rate based on the person’s assessed needs, making it straightforward for families to plan the ongoing costs. In contrast, care homes may separate fees for care and accommodation and often charge extra for services. This can make it harder to estimate the total cost of residential care.
At Trinity Homecare, once the care plan and fees are agreed upon, costs usually remain consistent unless there’s a significant change in care requirements. It’s also important to keep in mind that annual inflationary increases are common across the sector, so families should plan for potential adjustments.
How to Arrange Live-In Dementia Care
Once your loved one has decided upon at-home dementia care, taking the next steps to put a care plan into action couldn’t be easier. Trinity Homecare can perfectly match your loved one with an experienced dementia carer who will provide support and assistance all in the comfortable surroundings of home.
Arranging nationwide live-in dementia care with Trinity is straightforward.
Simply follow these five steps:
- Call our care team
- Undergo a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your care needs and arrange a care assessment
- After the assessment, a plan of care is created
- A well-suited carer is found and placed
- Care can be adapted at any time
Talk to Trinity Homecare Today
If your loved one requires home care, chat with one of our friendly care team today. We offer a free, no-obligation enquiry and assessment service and are happy to offer information and advice to help you find the perfect home care solution.
Call us on 0207 183 4884 in confidence for a free no obligation quotation. If enquiring outside of our opening hours, please complete our online form and we will contact you the next day.
