A guide for families
Paying for care
A plain guide to how care is paid for, and what it means at Farway Grange.
You don’t need to have everything worked out before you call.
Three ways care is paid for
We welcome all three funding routes
Self-funded, council-funded and NHS-funded residents are all welcome here. Which route applies depends on the person’s circumstances and the relevant assessment, and is decided by the council or the NHS, not by us.
-
Paying for your own care
You pay the home’s fees directly. Our weekly fees are published, and your exact fee is confirmed in writing after a free care needs assessment, before you commit to anything.
-
Council (local authority) funding
Your council assesses care needs and finances to decide what support may be available. If the council’s rate does not cover our fee, a top-up may be possible, but only through the council’s own process and paperwork. We do not accept informal top-up arrangements.
-
NHS funding
Some people with complex health needs qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare, which can cover the full cost. In a nursing home, NHS Funded Nursing Care pays towards registered nursing care for people who are eligible; at our nursing home that is £267.68 a week, deducted from what you pay once the NHS is paying it.
The council means test
How savings are counted
In England, the council looks at income and capital (savings, investments and sometimes property) to work out what someone pays towards a care home.
- Above £23,250 (the upper capital limit), people usually pay the full cost of their care.
- Between £14,250 and £23,250, the council may help, and a contribution is worked out from the savings as well as income.
- Below £14,250, savings are not counted, and people pay what they can from their income.
Figures for England, 2026 to 2027. The value of a home may be counted when someone moves into a care home permanently, although there are exceptions, for example if a partner still lives there.
Tell us early
If savings are falling towards the level where council funding may be needed, please tell us and the council promptly, so a financial assessment can start in good time. As a guide, we ask to be told once capital is at or approaching £60,000.
Until funding is confirmed in writing, the weekly fee remains payable in full. If funding is later approved for a period you have already paid, we credit or refund it once the council or NHS has paid us.
Two things worth knowing
If money is tied up in a home
Deferred payment agreements
If most of someone’s money is in their property, the council may offer a deferred payment agreement. The council pays the care home, and the money is repaid later, usually when the property is sold. Ask your council whether you are eligible.
Giving money or property away
If savings or property are given away to avoid paying for care, the council can treat them as if they were still owned. This is called deprivation of assets. Take independent advice before making any big gifts.
Before you agree
Six things to make clear
Whichever home you are considering, a written quotation should help you understand the whole arrangement. Use this as a question list. We will answer each one in writing before you decide.
- The fee, and the period it covers
- The care and support being proposed
- The room being considered
- What is included in the fee
- Any extras, or anything to pay upfront
- How fees are reviewed, and the notice and payment terms
Independent guidance
Where to find official information
- NHS: money, work and benefits in social care
- NHS: Continuing Healthcare
- NHS: Funded Nursing Care
- GOV.UK: social care charging, 2026 to 2027
- BCP Council: how to pay for long-term social care
- Age UK: paying for care
This page is general information, not financial or legal advice. Funding decisions are made by the council or the NHS, and we cannot promise any funding outcome. For advice on your own situation, speak to your council, the NHS or an independent adviser.
Your questions
Questions families ask
What is NHS Funded Nursing Care?
NHS Funded Nursing Care is a weekly NHS contribution towards registered nursing care for people who are eligible. At our nursing home that is £267.68 a week, deducted from the weekly fee once the NHS is paying it. It applies to nursing placements at 31–33 Howard Road, not to residential care at The Alexandra.
Is Funded Nursing Care available at The Alexandra?
No. Funded Nursing Care applies to nursing placements, so it applies at our nursing home at 31–33 Howard Road, not to residential care at 23 Howard Road.
How much does a care home cost in Bournemouth?
Residential and dementia care at The Alexandra (23 Howard Road) starts from £1,325 per week. Nursing care at 31–33 Howard Road starts from £1,592.68 per week, gross of NHS Funded Nursing Care. Your exact fee is confirmed in writing after a free care needs assessment.
Can someone stay if their money runs low?
Please talk to us early. If the council agrees the placement at our rate, or an approved top-up is put in place through the council, the placement can continue. That is why we ask to be told once savings are at or approaching £60,000.
Does visiting commit us to anything?
No. A visit is a chance to see the home and ask questions. Nothing is agreed until the fee and terms are set out in writing and you have had time to read them.
How are savings counted for council funding?
In England, above £23,250 (the upper capital limit) people usually pay the full cost of their care; between £14,250 and £23,250 the council may help; below £14,250 savings are not counted and people pay what they can from their income. These figures are for England, 2026 to 2027. Funding decisions are made by the council or the NHS, not by us.