How much does dementia care in a care home cost?
Dementia care is provided in ordinary residential and nursing homes, many of which are registered for dementia, and in specialist units. It usually costs more than standard care: start from around £1,292/week for residential dementia care and £1,447/week where nursing is needed, and expect a premium on top for specialist support.
Why dementia care costs more
Homes that care for people with dementia, especially advanced or distressed dementia, usually run higher staffing ratios, give staff extra training, and may use a secure environment to keep residents safe (sometimes called EMI, or elderly mentally infirm, units). All of that adds to the weekly fee. The premium varies by home and by how advanced the dementia is, so there is no single national figure for it, but it is common to pay one to several hundred pounds a week above a standard placement.
Residential or nursing dementia care?
If someone with dementia is otherwise physically well, residential dementia care may be enough. If they also have medical needs that require a registered nurse, they will need a nursing home, which costs more but may attract the NHS funded nursing care contribution. As dementia progresses, people often move from residential to nursing care.
Could the NHS pay?
Where dementia creates intense, complex or unpredictable health needs, the entire cost may be met by NHS Continuing Healthcare, which is not means-tested. Many families do not realise this is an option for advanced dementia, so it is worth asking for an assessment.
Estimate the cost
Use the calculator below. Choose nursing if there are medical needs, residential otherwise, and remember a specialist dementia placement may sit above the figure shown.
Care cost estimator
Not counting your home for now.
Estimated weekly cost
About £67,184/year. The council pays providers about £916/week for the same care; self-funders typically pay more.
You would usually pay the full fees
Your capital is above the £23,250 upper limit, so in England the council does not normally contribute toward care home fees until your assets fall below it.
At this cost, £40,000 of savings would cover roughly 7 months of fees before reaching the £23,250 threshold.
Estimate only, for England. Self-funder figures are based on the council rate plus the average premium self-funders pay; actual prices vary by home. This is research, not financial advice. Speak to your local council or an independent financial adviser before deciding.
Whether the council helps depends on the means test. See how to pay for a care home or costs in your area.
The residential and nursing figures are estimates for England from official council data plus the average self-funder premium; a specialist dementia premium is not included in the headline figure. This is research, not financial advice.