stage: 4

Care home fees and dementia — who pays, who doesn't, and what determines the difference

Whether a person with dementia has to pay care home fees depends on their financial situation and the outcome of any NHS Continuing Healthcare assessment. People with assets above roughly 23,250 pounds in England are expected to fund their own care. Those below this threshold may receive means-tested support from their local council. The council has a legal duty to arrange appropriate care and to fund it if the person cannot afford to do so. People with complex healthcare needs may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare, which covers the full cost of care without any means testing.