Search and Compare Dementia Care Homes

Here's a breakdown of average dementia care home costs by type:

• Dementia Care: £1,449 per week; £5,796 per month
• Nursing Dementia Care: £1,597 per week; £6,388 per month

Read our full guide to dementia care home costs in the UK.

Not always. It depends on the person’s care needs and financial situation. After a care needs assessment and financial assessment, the local council will decide whether the person must contribute towards the cost.

Some people pay in full (self-funders), while others receive support from the council or NHS. In most cases, people with dementia do pay something, unless they qualify for local authority funding or NHS Continuing Healthcare, which covers the full cost of care.

So while a dementia diagnosis doesn’t automatically mean free care, support is available, depending on the person’s needs and circumstances.

There’s no set time that’s right for everyone, but a move to a care home may be needed when it’s no longer safe or manageable for someone to stay at home.

This could be due to things like:

• Struggling with everyday tasks, such as eating, washing, or using the stairs.
• Safety concerns, like frequent falls or getting lost when leaving the house.
• A change in circumstances, such as a carer becoming unwell or home care no longer being enough.
• Increased care needs after a hospital stay or due to other health conditions.
• Behavioural changes or distress that become difficult for family or carers to manage.

If the person is no longer coping at home, or their carers feel overwhelmed, a care home can provide the consistent support they need. A care needs assessment (and a carer’s assessment for family carers) can help identify the right level of support and whether moving into care is the best next step.

Making the decision is never easy, but you’re not alone. Our Care Experts are here to talk it through and help you explore the options at your own pace, and you can request a free shortlist of the best dementia care available in your local area, personalised for your unique needs.

If your loved one who is living with dementia is still able to make decisions about their care, they have the right to choose whether to move into a care home. They may need support to understand their options, but the decision must be their own.

If they can no longer decide for themselves, someone else will need to make the decision in their best interests. This could be a family member, an attorney (if there’s a lasting power of attorney in place), or health and care professionals involved in their support.

When making this decision, your loved one’s views and wishes should still be considered as much as possible. It’s also important to think about whether they’re safe at home, and whether family or friends can realistically meet their care needs.

Planning ahead, including creating an advance care plan or setting up a lasting power of attorney can help ensure their wishes are known and respected if they’re no longer able to express them later on.

Yes, dementia care homes are usually more expensive than standard residential care homes. This is because dementia care often involves a higher level of support, including specially trained carers, tailored activities, and additional safety measures to meet the needs of people living with dementia.

The cost can vary depending on location, the care home itself, and the individual’s specific care needs.

The average weekly cost of a dementia care home in the UK is £1,449, compared to £1,406 for a residential care home.

In some cases, yes. The NHS may cover the full cost of dementia care through NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC), but this depends on how complex and severe a person’s health needs are, not just the dementia diagnosis itself.

To find out if someone qualifies, they’ll need an assessment. If eligible, CHC can fund care at home or in a care home. If not, they may still get NHS-funded nursing care, which covers part of the cost of a nursing home.

Read more on this topic in our resources about NHS Continuing Healthcare and NHS-funded nursing care.

Yes — many families are eligible for financial support to help with the cost of dementia care. If your loved one has complex health needs linked to their dementia, they may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare, which can cover the full cost of their care.

Depending on your loved one’s income, savings, and care needs, you may also be able to access funding from their local council. The first step is usually a financial assessment, and sometimes a care needs assessment, too.

We understand how confusing this process can be. That’s why we’ve created a simple funding guide for dementia care — so you can understand what you’re entitled to and what support is available.

Yes — dementia care homes are designed to support independence while keeping your loved one safe.

A good dementia care home encourages residents to make choices about their daily routine, from what they wear to how they spend their day. Many homes use familiar, reassuring layouts, signage, and personalised spaces to help reduce confusion and maintain confidence.

Staff are trained to offer gentle, respectful support that promotes independence as much as possible while always being there when needed.

Visiting in person is the best way to understand whether a home feels right. You might ask:

• How is care tailored to each resident's type and stage of dementia?
• How do staff support residents during moments of distress or confusion?
• What does a typical day look like?
• How are families kept informed and involved in care plans?
• Can personal items be brought in to help the room feel familiar?

Most importantly, observe how staff interact with residents. Is it with patience, kindness, and calm? Trust your instincts: does the home feel warm, safe, and welcoming?

Dementia care homes can offer a wide range of activities to support wellbeing, independence, and joy. These often include:

• Music sessions and reminiscence therapy.
• Gentle movement or chair-based exercises.
• Baking, crafts, gardening, and sensory games.
• One-to-one time for conversation or quiet reflection.
• Group activities designed to encourage connection and familiarity.

The best homes tailor their activity programmes to each person’s background and preferences so that everyone can feel engaged and included.

Absolutely — continuing with your favourite hobbies and interests is a big part of maintaining identity and wellbeing. Whether it’s gardening, painting, puzzles, music, or simply reading the newspaper each morning, staff will support residents in continuing to do what they love safely and with as much independence as possible.

Many care homes also create personalised activity plans and encourage families to share details about their loved one’s routines and interests so care feels familiar and meaningful.

Residents receive support tailored to their specific needs, which may include help with washing, dressing, going to the toilet, eating, and taking medication. Care is always delivered with dignity and kindness. Staff are trained to support people living with dementia in a calm and reassuring manner.

Every resident has a care plan that reflects their physical and emotional needs, as well as any preferences around routines, the gender of carers, and cultural or religious considerations.

Dementia care isn’t just about physical support — it’s also about helping people feel safe, valued, and connected.

Homes may use sensory rooms, quiet spaces, and calming routines to ease anxiety or confusion. Staff are trained in dementia-specific communication, including non-verbal techniques, to build trust and understanding.

Emotional wellbeing is also supported through meaningful activities, social connections, and continuity of care so residents feel known, not just looked after.

Family involvement plays a key role, too. Many homes encourage regular visits and updates so relatives feel part of their loved one’s care journey every step of the way.