Paying for your own care (self-funding)

When you do not qualify for council-funded care, you will need to arrange and pay for care yourself. You can do this with your savings, investments, income, or benefits.

The cost of care

Care services and care home fees vary based on your needs and the provider. It’s important to know these costs to plan your budget.

Find out about typical hourly rates for carers at home and care home costs

Get financial advice from an expert

We cannot advise you about your money or how to pay for care. We recommend you get independent financial advice from an expert.

You can speak to the Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA) by calling 0333 2020 454. They may charge a fee for their services.

Find out more about the Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA)

How to choose a care provider 

You can compare care and care home services using:

• guide to care services on Care Quality Commission (CQC)
• how to choose the right care home on Age UK
• guidance about choosing a care home on Healthwatch

What you could get for free

You may be able to get some care for free from services, including:

• equipment to help at home or home adaptations from our occupational therapy team
• care after illness or hospital discharge (reablement)
• NHS continuing healthcare for long-term complex health needs
• NHS nursing care for nursing care in a care home

Managed care

You can ask the council to arrange and pay for your care in certain circumstances. We will invoice you the full cost of your care, and there will be a one-off arrangement fee and a weekly management fee on top of the care costs.