How much does care cost in Scotland and what funding is available?
How much are care home costs in Scotland and what financial support is available?
Care home costs in Scotland will vary depending on whether you require a residential care home or a nursing home.
A residential care home is appropriate for people who need assistance with their daily activities such as washing, dressing and meal preparation.
A nursing home is very like a residential care home, but the main difference is there are always trained nurses on duty for anyone who has an ongoing nursing/medical requirement.
After having a care needs assessment, the council will evaluate which is most suitable for your loved one and also undertake a financial assessment to determine your eligibility for public funding.
What is the first step to find out the cost of care for your loved one in Scotland?
The first step to finding out what the cost of care will be for your loved one in Scotland is to ask for a care needs assessment from the adult social services department of your local authority.
A care needs assessment is free for everyone. It maybe carried out online, over the telephone, or face to face and the results will include recommendations about whether care is needed, and if so, what type of care.
The care needs assessment will also help identify whether your needs require the support of specialist nurses in a nursing care home, or if your needs can be managed in a residential care home without dedicated nursing support.
Regardless of your financial status, you must arrange a needs assessment through your council’s social work department before contracting with any care service providers. Failure to do so may jeopardise your eligibility for care funding, and possibly delay admission into a care home.
After the assessment you can start to for the type of care your loved one requires, its cost and how this will be funded.
Are care homes free in Scotland?
Unfortunately staying at a care home in Scotland is not free, however depending on your specific situation there is funding available to help support the costs.
It is recommended to seek financial support to discuss the options available to you.
How much do residential care homes and nursing homes in Scotland cost?
The average care home cost in Scotland is £1,160 per week for residential homes, and £1,410 per week for nursing homes.
What funding support for care is available in Scotland?
Council funding for care home accommodation is linked to a person’s income, capital and savings. If you have more than £35,000 in assets, including home ownership, the local authority will not fund your accommodation costs.
However, regardless of your financial status you may be able to access council funding for free nursing and/or personal care in Scotland. You must request a care needs assessment to start any funding support process.
Do you have to sell your house to pay care home costs in Scotland?
Depending on your financial position you may need to sell your home to pay care home costs. However, there are circumstances where your house would not be included in the financial assessment, so it is recommended to always seek financial advice.