Care Home Fees Explained: What You Are Really Paying For

Care Home Fees Explained: What You Are Really Paying For

Care home fees are one of the most confusing parts of choosing a home. Two homes can quote very different weekly prices, and the cheaper one is not always cheaper once you add everything up.

This guide is here to help you compare properly. It is general information, and funding rules can change, so always check current guidance with your local council or an independent adviser.

Start with what the headline fee covers

A weekly fee usually covers a room, meals, and personal care. After that, homes vary a great deal. Before you compare anything, ask each home for a written list of what is included in the weekly fee and what is not.

The extras that catch families out

Many families are surprised by what sits outside the base fee. Common examples include:

Hairdressing and chiropody. Often charged per visit.

Physiotherapy and therapies. Sometimes billed separately.

Activities and outings. Entertainment, trips and transport to appointments may all cost extra.

Guest meals and drinks. Some homes charge families for a cup of tea or a meal when they visit.

Administration and joining fees. Some homes charge an administration fee of up to £800 and a joining fee of up to £5,000 on top of the weekly cost.

None of these is unreasonable on its own. The issue is that they add up, and they are rarely obvious when you first compare prices.

How all inclusive works

At Shipston Lodge, one weekly fee covers the things most homes charge for separately. That includes nursing or residential care, meals, snacks and drinks, hairdressing, chiropody, physiotherapy, entertainment, outings and private transport to appointments. We do not charge administration or joining fees. Our new in house private dentist is part of that too.

For families, the big benefit is clarity. You know what you are paying, and you are not adding up a second bill at the end of every month. If something ever falls outside the fee, we will tell you before any decision is made.

Fees and changing needs

Another question worth asking is what happens to the fee if care needs increase. In some homes, a move from residential to nursing care, or a need for extra one to one support, brings a higher charge. Ask each home to explain this in writing. It protects you from an unwelcome surprise later.

Paying for care: the general picture

How care is paid for depends on your circumstances. In broad terms:

Self funding. Some people pay for care from their own savings, income or property.

Local authority support. Councils can help towards costs after a needs and financial assessment, and the rules are means tested.

NHS funding. Some people qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare, and people in nursing homes may receive an NHS contribution towards nursing care.

Because these rules are detailed and can change, it is worth speaking to your local council, your GP or an independent financial adviser who specialises in care funding before you commit to anything.

Questions to ask every home

Whatever homes you are comparing, put these to each one:

What exactly does the weekly fee include?

What costs extra, and how much?

Are there administration or joining fees?

How often do fees rise, and with how much notice?

What happens to the fee if needs change?

Get the answers in writing. A confident home will be happy to give them.

Our promise

We believe talking openly about money is part of respecting a family. If you would like to understand what our weekly fee covers, or how it compares with other homes you are looking at, we will walk you through it honestly and without pressure.

To discuss fees or arrange a visit, call us on 01608 698836 or get in touch through our contact page.

About the Author

The Shipston Lodge Care Team shares practical guidance, thoughtful insights, and helpful information for families considering residential, respite, and later-life care. Our articles are written with care, compassion, and a clear understanding of the questions families often have when choosing the right care home.