Care costs and benefits advice for people moving to care homes
Understanding care home costs and benefits
If you are thinking about moving into a care home, we can help you understand the costs, what financial support is available and how to request a financial assessment. Care home fees can vary, so it’s important to know your options before you make a decision.
Types of care homes
Care homes offer different levels of support:
- personal care homes help with washing, dressing and taking medication.
- nursing care homes have a qualified nurse on duty at all times, as well as providing personal care.
- specialist care homes support people with specific needs, such as dementia.
- residential care homes provide day‑to‑day support, with health care from visiting professionals such as GPs, nurses or physiotherapists.
What care homes cost
Fees depend on the type of care you need and the home you choose.
- National Care Home Contract rates from 6 April 2026:
- nursing care: £1074.13 per week
- residential care: £930.45 per week
- Council residential care homes: £1469.73 per week from April 2025
Some homes charge more than these standard rates. If you choose a more expensive home, you will need to pay the difference.
Free personal and nursing care
Adults of any age can receive free personal and nursing Care. From 1 April 2025:
- free personal care: £260.30 per week
- free nursing care: £117.10 per week
These payments reduce your costs, but you will still pay for accommodation and living expenses.
Savings, capital and allowances
- lower capital limit: £22,750
- upper capital limit: £36,750
- personal expenses allowance: £37.65 per week
Request a financial assessment
A financial assessment helps you understand what you need to pay now and whether you could receive support in future.
You can ask for a financial assessment form from your local social work office, complete it and return it to us.
Our Money Matters Advice Service can also check if you are receiving all the benefits you are entitled to.
Useful links
Care Information Scotland – further guidance on care home choices and costs.