Funding for care services can be complex, especially when trying to understand what options are available for you. At Marian House, we aim to support families through this process by offering transparency and expert guidance tailored to individual needs.
In the UK, care home fees can range significantly. It depends upon the type of room, the level of support required and the location.
For those in Sutton Coldfield and the wider Birmingham area, fees align with regional averages but depend on individual circumstances and care needs.
At Marian House, we provide a range of care services, including nursing care, dementia care, residential care and respite care with fees tailored accordingly.
If your total assets exceed the government-set threshold, you’ll typically be responsible for covering your care costs. This includes savings, investments, and the value of your property (unless a spouse or dependent lives there).
If you’re self-funding, you may still be eligible for Funded Nursing Care (FNC), a weekly contribution from the NHS that helps cover nursing care costs. This is not means-tested and is assessed independently.
If your savings and assets are above the set threshold, you’ll need to pay the full cost of your care. However, you may still qualify for Funded Nursing Care (FNC), which is not means-tested. If eligible, the FNC amount is paid by the NHS and deducted from your room fee at Marian House.
Social Service Funding by a local authority is subject to eligibility criteria. Your local funding authority, like Birmingham City Council, may contribute toward your care depending on the care assessment and means test.
Continuing Healthcare is fully funded NHS care for those who have complex care needs. The NHS fully funds this following a detailed assessment and is not dependent on income or savings.
If the local authority fully funds your care, you’re allowed to keep a small weekly allowance from your pension for personal use; this is known as the Personal Expense Allowance (PEA).
Please note: Local authority funding limits vary across the UK, and you’ll also be assessed for Funded Nursing Care (FNC) if eligible.
Many families ask about insurance to cover care home fees in the UK. There’s no standard long-term care insurance in the UK, but some people buy a care fees annuity. This is a one-time payment that gives you a steady income to help pay for care home costs. It’s best to talk to a financial adviser to see if it’s a right fit for you.
If you’re exploring insurance for care home fees, speak to a regulated financial advisor to discuss whether a care funding plan is suitable for your situation.
This is The Weekly amount that people who cares is being fully funded are allowed to retain from there pension for there personal use. If you have your care fees paid by the local authority you can keep a small allowance from your pension for your own personal use.
Note that the limits on local authority funding very depending on which part of the country you live in. you would also be assessed for FNC.
Continuing Healthcare is fully funded NHS care for those who have complex care needs. If your health needs are great, then you may be entitled to receive NHS continuing healthcare. In this case, all care costs are met by the NHS. The payment is made directly to the nursing home. Your need for this type of long term care funding is assessed by an NHS nurse, using a decision support tool to make assessments.
What questions should I ask when deciding if Marian House is the right care home for the elderly person I’m enquiring about?
Is the location easily accessible and convenient for family and friends to visit?
Are there nearby shops, public transport, and amenities for convenience?
Does the surrounding area appeal to you?
Are there outdoor rest areas available?
Did the staff make you feel welcome?
Were refreshments offered?
Do the present residents appear happy, creating a homely atmosphere?
Is the home well-maintained, in good repair, and clean?
Does the home have a pleasant aroma?
Were you shown the actual room that you or your relative would occupy?
Can residents personalise their rooms with their furniture and possessions?
Is the room tastefully decorated?
Does the room have an en-suite facility?
Are there provisions for a television and telephone connection?
Can residents lock their rooms if desired or necessary?
Is there flexibility to move to another room if the offered one doesn’t suit?
Does the home provide the required level of care for you or your relative’s needs?
Is there a regular review of individual needs?
Does the home offer higher levels of care if needed in the future?
Can residents have meals at their preferred times?
Is in-room dining available if desired?
Is there a choice of menus?
Are special dietary requirements accommodated, such as vegetarian or diabetic diets?
Are snacks readily available throughout the day?
Are the menus changed regularly?
Do the cooking staff consult with residents regarding their food preferences?
Does the home offer a comprehensive range of services?
Are visiting healthcare professionals, such as dentists, chiropodists, and opticians available?
Is there regular access to a hairdresser?
Are additional services provided, such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy if required?
Are there sufficient assisted bathing facilities in the home?
Do residents have the freedom to establish their own daily routines?
Will relatives be notified if a resident falls ill and receive regular updates on their well-being?
Is there a quiet lounge area without a television for residents seeking a peaceful environment?
Are there safe and secure garden facilities for residents to enjoy?
Are arrangements in place to accommodate the needs of smokers?
Is there easy access for individuals with mobility challenges or those using wheelchairs?
Are there accessible toilet facilities throughout the home?
Do corridors and toilets have secure handrails?
Did the staff appear friendly and caring towards existing residents during your visit?
Is there a designated staff member responsible for each resident’s care?
What training is provided to the staff?
Is there a weekly plan of activities, and were examples shown to you during your visit?
Are residents consulted about their hobbies and interests?
Are birthdays and special events celebrated within the home?
Is exercise encouraged, and if so, what forms does it take?
Are daily newspapers available for residents?
Were there any displayed photographs of recent activities within the home?
Overall, do you feel that the specific needs of you or your relative can be met by the home you visited?
We welcome enquiries from individuals and families, regardless of financial circumstances. Our experienced team can help explain the funding process, available support, and guide you in exploring options like care home fees insurance or local authority assistance. Book a visit to Marian House today and speak with our admissions team about your care needs, fees and funding options in a confidential setting
We know you have questions, and we are here to provide clear answers.
Yes, unless they qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare. Dementia alone doesn’t guarantee free care. Funding depends on a care needs and financial assessment.
No, next of kin are not legally responsible for care home fees unless they’ve signed a contract or agreement to cover costs.
Yes, some families opt for care fee annuities or protection products to cover ongoing care costs. These are based on age, health status and desired income.
If your savings drop below the threshold, you may qualify for local authority support. It’s essential to plan ahead and regularly review your financial position.
It’s a rule where the local authority ignores the value of your home for the first 12 weeks after you move into a care home permanently, allowing temporary financial support while you decide how to fund your care.
Marian House offers the perfect blend of a warm, welcoming community and expert, 24-hour nursing care. We are CQC-rated ‘Good’ across all areas, which is a testament to our high standards. Our experienced team provides truly personalised care in a peaceful and secure environment, giving both guests and their families complete peace of mind.
Yes, we specialise in dementia care and our team is highly trained to provide compassionate and expert support for individuals with varying levels of cognitive impairment during their short-term stay. Our environment is designed to be safe and calming for those living with dementia.
To find out more about availability and the costs of respite care, please call our friendly team directly on 0121 240 8000. We can discuss your individual needs, answer any more questions you have, and arrange for you to visit Marian House to see our facilities for yourself.
