When the time comes to consider long-term care for a loved one—or even for ourselves—the financial side of that decision can feel overwhelming. One of the most common and important questions people ask is: what is the average cost of a care home per week uk? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might hope, but with a clear understanding of what goes into the cost, and how different types of care homes operate, you can make an informed and confident decision.
Let’s take a closer look at the current costs in 2025 and how those numbers translate into real-life care, planning, and peace of mind.
What Is the Average Cost of a Care Home Per Week in the UK?
As of 2025, the average cost of a care home in the UK varies depending on the type of care required and where you are in the country.
- Residential care homes (which provide accommodation and personal care, but not medical support) typically cost between £800 and £1,200 per week.
- Nursing care homes, which offer both accommodation and 24-hour medical support from registered nurses, tend to range from £1,200 to £1,600 per week, with some specialist care reaching higher.
Location is a key factor—care homes in the South East, London, and other metropolitan areas often have higher weekly fees due to property prices and staff costs. Meanwhile, homes in more rural areas may offer more competitive rates, though availability might be limited.
What Influences These Costs?
Several key factors contribute to the weekly cost of a care home in the UK:
1. Level of Care Required
Someone needing help with daily activities like washing, dressing, and eating may pay less than someone with complex needs such as dementia or chronic illness. The greater the support required, the more staff time and expertise is involved—affecting cost.
2. Facilities and Amenities
Modern care homes today often provide more than just a bed and basic care. Many offer en-suite rooms, landscaped gardens, home-cooked meals, wellness programs, and personalised activity schedules. These extra touches all add to the comfort—and cost.
3. Staffing Ratios
High-quality care homes prioritise maintaining strong staffing levels and well-trained teams. A higher staff-to-resident ratio, especially with registered nurses on-site, helps ensure better personal care, safety, and responsiveness. It also contributes to the overall cost.
4. Room Type and Location
Private rooms with garden views or more spacious layouts may come at a premium. Some care homes offer varying pricing tiers depending on room size or features.
Planning for the Cost of Care
Understanding the costs is just one part of the equation. The next step is thinking about how to plan financially. In the UK, care may be funded in a few different ways depending on your financial situation and care needs.
- Self-funding: If your assets (including property) are over the threshold of £23,250 in England (figures may vary in other parts of the UK), you will typically be expected to pay for your own care.
- Local authority support: If your assets are below the threshold, the local council may contribute towards care costs after a needs and financial assessment.
- NHS Continuing Healthcare: For individuals with complex medical needs, full funding through the NHS may be available, although this is assessed on strict criteria.
It’s important to seek independent financial advice or speak with a care funding specialist to fully understand your options.
What to Look for in a Care Home
Beyond cost, choosing a care home is about trust, values, and long-term support. You want to know your loved one will be safe, cared for, and treated with respect. It’s not just about facilities; it’s about people.
Oakland Care is one such care provider that takes a personal approach to every resident. Each of its homes is designed with warmth and dignity in mind, offering tailored care plans that evolve with a resident’s needs. Oakland Care focuses on both the quality of life and medical wellbeing of its residents, blending modern environments with compassionate care.
The homes are purpose-built or refurbished with a high standard of design and comfort, but the heart of what makes them different is the relationships between staff and residents. This people-first culture, combined with experienced teams and a focus on dignity, helps families feel more secure in their decisions.
Making the Decision Easier
It’s natural to feel uncertain when exploring care homes, especially when financial planning is involved. Here are a few tips to guide you:
- Visit multiple care homes before deciding. Take note of how staff interact with residents.
- Ask for a breakdown of fees, including what’s included and what may be charged extra.
- Talk openly with your family about expectations and finances.
- Use planning tools or contact a care navigator service for support.
A helpful resource is the NHS Care Costs Guide which breaks down funding and payment options.
Final Thoughts
So, what is the average cost of a care home per week in the UK? It depends—on care needs, location, and the kind of life you want your loved one to enjoy. But more than just a number, that weekly cost is an investment in wellbeing, dignity, and peace of mind.
While the numbers might start at £800 per week, the real value comes from finding a care home that offers not just services, but support. Providers like Oakland Care understand that difference, creating homes where people can truly feel at home.
Making the right care decision is rarely easy. But with the right knowledge, support, and planning, it can become a lot less stressful—and a lot more hopeful.
