Who this page is for

This page is for adults who need to pay for their own long-term care. You can find information about estimating care costs, the different ways people fund long-term care, where to get specialist financial advice, and what happens if your savings reduce over time.

About making long-term funding choices

We know that thinking about how to pay for care is one of the most difficult parts of the process - especially when you are also managing decisions about health, independence, or supporting someone you care about.

Many people are unsure how much care might cost, how long they may need it, or what happens if their savings reduce over time. You do not need to have all the answers immediately.

How much care might cost

Care costs vary depending on the type of support you need, how often you need it, where you live, and the provider you choose. Because needs often change over time, it helps to think about likely costs early - even if you are not ready to make decisions yet.

You can use our care cost calculator to get an estimate of what care may cost and what financial support might be available to you.

Please note: the calculator gives an estimate only - your actual costs will depend on your individual circumstances:

Ways of paying for care

There is no single right way to fund care. Most people use a combination of savings, income, property, and sometimes specialist financial products. What works best depends on your circumstances:

Specialist financial advice

Paying for long-term care is a major financial decision, and many people benefit from professional advice. A specialist care fees adviser can help you understand your options, plan for future costs, and make informed decisions about property or savings. Look for advisers who are qualified in long-term care funding.

You may also want advice about:

• wills and estate planning
• lasting power of attorney
• managing finances on behalf of someone else.

Your local telephone directory or an internet search may also provide other organisations that can help.

If your savings are running low

If your savings and assets fall below £23,250, you may become eligible for financial support from us towards your care costs. If there is a gap between the financial help we can offer you and your current care arrangements, you may need to consider moving to a cheaper provider.

We recommend contacting us around 3 months before your savings fall below the threshold so we can:

• reassess your finances
• review your care needs
• discuss what support may be available.

This can help avoid gaps or delays in support.

Arranging your care as a self-funder

Understanding how you will pay for your care makes arranging your care easier. If you haven’t already chosen what care you would like to arrange, take a look at our guide to arranging care as a self-funder:

Arranging care as a self-funder