Planning long‑term care is one of those life moments that blends emotion with practicality. You want the best for the person needing care, but you also need clarity on the cost, availability of support, and how to make financially sustainable decisions. With care fees rising and funding rules often feeling like a maze, taking a structured approach can make the journey far less overwhelming.
Before you can estimate costs, you need to understand the level of care required. A care needs assessment, carried out privately or by the local authority, is an essential first step. It identifies whether help can be at home, in residential care, or if nursing care is required. A local authority assessment also triggers a financial assessment, which determines whether local authority funding is available.
Care costs vary by region, and ours is consistently among the most expensive areas in the UK. The average weekly cost of care in the South East, is £1,400–£1,501 for residential care and £1,600–£1,647 for nursing care. Dementia care is typically higher, averaging £1,562–£1,650 per week. For support at home, expect to pay £28–£35 per hour for visiting care and £1,300–£1,600 per week for live-in care (depending on complexity).
If a person’s assets fall below £23,350, the local authority may contribute to care costs. The assessment includes income, savings, investments, and property, although the family home may be disregarded if a spouse or dependent still lives there.
If a person’s needs are primarily health‑related, they may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare, which covers the cost of care and accommodation. If not, the NHS may still contribute through NHS‑funded nursing care, helping reduce overall fees.
Independent financial advisors (IFAs) help families understand how long savings will last and what contributions will be required over time. They use care costs, income, pensions, savings, property and means testing rules to provide multi year cash flow projections. This is crucial in working out how sustainable your financial decisions are.
At Cognitive Law, we regularly work with specialist IFAs to provide a rounded approach to care planning. This is because evaluating long‑term care costs isn’t just about numbers, it’s about peace of mind. By understanding care needs, exploring funding options, and using financial planning tools, families can make informed decisions that support their loved ones while protecting long‑term financial wellbeing.
If you need assistance in understanding the options and your duties, please get in touch with me on 01273 284012 or richard.bates@cognitivelaw.co.uk.