stage: 4

Who pays for a dementia care home — the funding system most families don't understand until it's urgent

Payment responsibility depends on a combination of financial assessment and healthcare needs. People with assets above approximately 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. If the person's primary need is assessed as a health need through an NHS Continuing Healthcare assessment, the NHS funds the full cost regardless of assets. People with nursing needs who do not qualify for full Continuing Healthcare may still receive the Funded Nursing Contribution, a weekly NHS payment toward nursing costs within the care home fees.