Do People With Dementia Have to Pay Care Home Fees?

Often, yes, at least in part, but it depends on the person's savings and needs. A diagnosis of dementia does not on its own mean the NHS or the council pays. In England, the council may help with fees if it has assessed that the person needs a care home and their savings are below the upper limit, which the NHS gives as £23,250. Above that, people usually pay their own fees.

We know this is a hard time, and these are hard questions to be facing. This guide sets out the basics so you know where to start.

When the NHS pays

Some people qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare, which is free health and social care arranged and funded solely by the NHS. It depends on assessed needs, not on any particular diagnosis, so a dementia diagnosis alone does not decide it. If someone lives in a nursing home, the Alzheimer's Society explains that the NHS also pays a set weekly amount towards the nursing care part of the fees.

When the council pays

The council starts with a care needs assessment, then a financial assessment. It has an upper limit it will pay for a care home, known as its standard rate. Our guide to care needs assessments explains how to ask. You do not need a GP referral.

Are family members responsible?

Not usually. Anchor explains that next of kin are not legally responsible for paying care home fees unless they agree to it in a financial contract with the care home. Signing a guarantor agreement makes the person who signs legally liable if fees are not paid. Having power of attorney lets you manage someone's finances but does not make you personally liable. It is worth reading any contract carefully before signing.

Care at home is another option

Some families weigh care at home alongside a care home. One difference: the NHS says property affects eligibility for council help only if you are moving into a care home, so the value of a home is not counted when care is provided at home. Our dementia care is delivered by dementia-trained carers, matched for consistency where possible, at any stage of dementia. Our page on home care versus a care home sets out the differences.

Frequently Asked Questions