Average costs for care in the UK (2025 figures)
For those planning or faced with needing care, understanding the financial landscape is the first step. The costs vary considerably depending on the setting and the level of medical assistance required. Based on 2025 figures, here are some average costs for a self-funder across different care types:
Care Home Costs (Average Annual):
- Residential Care: Approximately £67,496 per year (£1,298 per week).
- Nursing Care: Approximately £79,820 per year (£1,535 per week).
Home Care Costs (Based on average hourly/daily rates):
- Live-in Care: Approximately £74,984 per year (£1,442 per week or £206 per day).
- Overnight Sleeping Care: Approximately £64,792 per year (£1,246 per week).
- Hourly Domiciliary Care: Approximately £27 per hour, varying based on the number of hours purchased per week.
Factors influencing the cost of care
Numerous factors can push care fees above or below the national average. Consideration of these points is vital for creating a realistic budget:
- Location: Care costs are heavily influenced by geography. For example, residential care in London can be more than double the cost of care in some northern regions.
- Type of Care: Nursing care is almost always more expensive than residential care because it requires 24/7 access to qualified nursing professionals.
- Level of Needs: Specialist care for conditions such as advanced dementia, Parkinson's, or palliative needs carries a premium due to the required expertise and resources.
- Amenities and Facilities: The quality and range of facilities within a care home, such as en-suite rooms, luxury amenities, or on-site activities, directly impact the price.
- Self-Funding vs. Local Authority Funding: Self-funders, who pay the full cost themselves, often face significantly higher rates than local authorities typically pay for the same service.
Comparison of care options by weekly cost
To help illustrate the differences in price, here is a comparison of average weekly costs for common care types, based on 2025 self-funder rates.
| Feature | Residential Care | Nursing Care | Live-in Home Care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average UK Weekly Cost (approx.) | £1,298 | £1,535 | £1,442 |
| Best Suited For | Assistance with daily living tasks, such as washing, dressing, and meals. | Higher medical needs requiring round-the-clock nursing supervision. | Enabling independence in your own home with 24/7 dedicated support. |
| Included in Fees | Accommodation, all meals, personal care assistance, and social activities. | All residential care services, plus 24-hour nursing supervision and medical support. | Carer's salary, accommodation, meals, and administrative costs. |
| Additional Costs | Hairdressing, private phone lines, newspapers, and specialised outings. | Possible additional fees for specialist equipment or services. | Carer's travel and food, which is often included in the weekly shop. |
Understanding how care is funded
Funding for care can come from several sources, and eligibility for state support is means-tested. It is crucial to understand the criteria and options available.
Self-funding
If your capital and savings exceed the upper threshold for your region, you are expected to pay the full cost of your care. The thresholds for 2025/2026 are:
- England and Northern Ireland: £23,250
- Scotland: £32,750 (with potential eligibility for free personal/nursing care)
- Wales: £50,000
Local authority funding
If your assets are below the upper threshold, your local council may contribute towards your care costs, based on a financial assessment. A care needs assessment is always carried out first to determine if care is necessary.
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
For individuals with a complex, long-term health condition that is assessed as a 'primary health need,' NHS Continuing Healthcare covers the full cost of care, regardless of assets. This can include home care or care home fees. The eligibility criteria are strict and an assessment is required.
Other financial support
- NHS-funded nursing care (FNC): A flat-rate, non-means-tested contribution paid by the NHS directly to the care home for eligible residents receiving nursing care. The rate from April 2025 is £254.06 per week for England.
- Attendance Allowance: A non-means-tested, tax-free benefit for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care.
- Pension Credit: A benefit that tops up an individual's income and can help with housing and other expenses for older adults.
The importance of financial planning
Early and comprehensive financial planning is vital when considering the high potential costs of care. The average cost figures serve as a guideline, and individual circumstances can vary greatly. Seeking professional and expert financial advice from an independent financial advisor specialising in later-life planning can help ensure all funding options and potential pitfalls are considered. For example, some may consider options like equity release to help fund care, while others may be eligible for support they are not aware of.
For more detailed information on funding options, you can visit the Age UK website, which offers extensive resources on paying for residential care.
Conclusion
The average cost of care fees in the UK for 2025 highlights the significant financial commitment involved, particularly for those who need residential or nursing care. With residential care averaging around £67,496 annually and nursing care at £79,820, proactive financial planning is essential. Costs are not uniform and are heavily influenced by location, the level of care required, and available amenities. Thankfully, various funding streams exist, including local authority support based on a means test, NHS Continuing Healthcare for complex needs, and other benefits. Families should research all options and seek professional advice early to secure the best care without undue financial stress.
