Who has to pay for a care home place?
Paying to fund a care home placement is more complex
There is an upper-limit to the amount of money the council will pay. If you chose a care home which costs more than the council will pay, the extra cost must be met by a ‘third party top up’.
This means a relative or friend can pay the difference between the amount paid by the council and the fees charged by the care home.
Top ups can vary greatly between private care homes because they can set their own fees, but they must be affordable and reasonable. They cannot be paid from your capital or income, except in certain circumstances.
You may be able to use the value of your home to help pay towards care home fees.
The council will help to pay your care fees and you can delay repaying the council until you choose to sell your home, or until after your death. The council ensures the money you owe will be repaid by putting a legal charge on your property. This is called deferred payment.