Paying for dementia care in England

Dementia care isn't free, and you may need to pay for some of the care you or someone you know needs. We help you understand the different ways to pay for care, and the amount you might be expected to pay.

Many people with dementia will need care and support as their condition progresses. The types of care put in place will be different for everyone, according to their individual needs.

The laws around paying for care are different in Wales and Northern Ireland.

Care needs assessment

To work out what a person’s needs are, it can be helpful to get a care needs assessment from their local authority. This will show whether the person has ‘eligible care needs’. If they do, the local authority will then talk to the person and their carer (if appropriate) to produce a care and support plan.

Care needs assessments

Learn how a person with dementia can get a care needs assessment, how they are carried out and who makes the decision

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Who pays for social care in England?

Once a support plan has been made, the local authority will decide who will pay for the care and support provided. The rules about paying for care in England are set by the Care Act 2014. The decision will usually depend on:

  • the financial assessment of the person’s capital and income
  • the type of care and support that the person needs – this could be homecare, replacement care or permanent residential care
  • where they live (market rates can vary)
  • what care and support is available.

Some people will pay for all of their care costs – this is called being a ‘self-funder’. Most people will pay part of their care costs, with their contribution decided by the financial assessment. Sometimes, the person’s care will be fully-funded by the local authority or the NHS.

Types of care and support that cannot be charged for

The local authority may charge you for care and support services, and for arranging them, but some types of care and support must be free of charge. These include:

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