FAQs About Care Home Costs and Financial Planning with Island Healthcare
Of course, funding is a challenge for many people considering care.
We want to do our best to make it easier and more straightforward for people to understand what their options are.
Below, we answer your most pressing questions and provide actionable advice to guide you every step of the way. If you have further questions, of course please feel free to get in touch with us.
1. Does the value of my loved one’s house count towards care home funding?
Answer: Yes, it is. A house is often included in the local authority’s means test if your loved one moves into a care home permanently. However, there are exceptions:
If a spouse, dependent child, or elderly relative lives there, the property may be exempt.
You can apply for a deferred payment scheme to delay selling the house.
Example: A family on the Isle of Wight deferred payments for three years, renting the house to cover part of the care costs.
Learn more: Isle of Wight council advice
2. What is the £23,250 threshold, and how does it work?
Answer: If your loved one’s assets (including savings and property) are above £23,250, they will typically need to self-fund care.
If your situation meas you fall below this threshold, you may well qualify for council support.
3. What funding options are available if we can’t afford care home fees?
Answer: There are plenty of options. Here’s a breakdown of funding options:
Local authority funding: Available for assets below £23,250.
NHS Continuing Healthcare: Covers care costs for severe health conditions.
Deferred payment schemes: Let you use the value of a property later if this is possible.
Attendance Allowance: A benefit to help with personal care needs.
Carer’s Allowance: A government benefit available to individuals who spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone with significant care needs. It provides £76.75 per week (2025 rate) and can be a vital source of financial support for family members or friends providing care, helping to ease the overall financial burden.
Tip: Attendance Allowance adds up to £101.75 per week! Find out more.
4. What is NHS Continuing Healthcare, and can my loved one qualify?
Answer: NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) is free care for people with complex health needs. Eligibility depends on an assessment.
Our team can help you navigate this process. As ever, feel free to get in touch with us to figure out where you are at.
Learn about NHS CHC eligibility here.
5. Can we keep the house and still get funding?
Answer: Yes, you can. But it depends. in some cases:
If a spouse or dependent relative lives there, the house may not count.
Renting it out could help cover care fees while keeping the property.
6. Are there benefits we might be missing?
Answer: Families often overlook benefits. These of course change over time. Currently, as of January 2025, these benefits include:
Attendance Allowance: Up to £101.75 per week.
Pension Credit: Boosts income for those on a low pension.
Carers allowance: £76.75 per week (2025 rate).
These numbers change regularly. The best thing is to look at government websites to keep track.
7. Do we need to sell the house immediately?
Answer: No, not always. Deferred payment schemes or renting out the property can provide flexibility.
8. What happens if savings drop below £23,250?
Answer: If they assess there is a need for care, the council may step in to help fund care once savings fall below this threshold.
9. How can we budget for care home costs?
Answer: Start by calculating:
Monthly care home fees.
Personal expenses like toiletries and activities.
Income from pensions and benefits.
Need help? Contact us for a free chat to talk through your options.
10. What’s included in care home fees at Island Healthcare?
Answer: Our fees cover a wide range of services:
Comfortable, fully equipped accommodation.
Fresh, nutritious meals and snacks.
24/7 personal care and support.
Social activities designed to promote well-being.
Optional extras include chiropody and private hairdressing.
Next Steps: Planning Care Costs with Confidence
At Island Healthcare, we aim to make care planning stress-free:
Contact us for personalised advice about funding options.
Schedule a call with one off our care experts.
Visit our homes and see the care we provide firsthand.