One of the biggest concerns families face when considering care is cost. How much will it be? Who pays? What help is available? These questions can feel overwhelming, especially when you're already dealing with difficult emotions about finding care for someone you love.
This guide explains care funding in straightforward terms, with specific information for Bolton residents.
Understanding care home costs
Care home fees vary depending on the type of care needed and the home you choose. In Bolton, weekly costs typically range from around £800 to £1,500 or more for residential care, with dementia and nursing care often costing more due to higher staffing levels.
These fees usually cover:
- Accommodation (your room)
- All meals and refreshments
- Personal care support
- Activities and social engagement
- Utilities and maintenance
- Laundry services
Some homes may charge extra for specific services like hairdressing, chiropody, or one-to-one outings. Always ask what's included and what costs extra so there are no surprises.
The means test: who pays for what?
Whether you pay for care yourself or receive help from the local authority depends on a financial assessment called a means test. Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council will assess your income and assets (savings, property, investments) to determine eligibility for support.
The key thresholds (2024/25):
Below £14,250 - The local authority pays your full care costs (though you may need to contribute income such as pension).
Between £14,250 and £23,250 - The local authority helps with costs, but you contribute from your income and some of your capital.
Above £23,250 - You're expected to fund your own care (self-funding) until your assets fall below this threshold.
These thresholds are set nationally and apply across England, including Bolton.
Your property and the means test
For many families, the biggest concern is the family home. Will it need to be sold?
If you're moving into permanent residential care, your property is usually included in the means test. However, there are important exceptions:
- Your property is not counted if your partner, spouse or civil partner still lives there
- Your property is not counted if a close relative aged 60+ or a disabled relative lives there
- Your property is not counted if you're going into care temporarily (respite or trial period)
- For the first 12 weeks of permanent care, your property is disregarded whilst you settle in
If your property is included and pushes you over the £23,250 threshold, you can apply for a deferred payment agreement with Bolton Council. This means the council pays your fees and recovers the cost from your estate when the property is eventually sold. You don't have to sell your home in a rush.
More information: NHS: Paying for care if you have a partner
Local authority funding in Bolton
If your assets are below £23,250, Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council may contribute towards your care costs. Here's how it works:
- Contact Adult Social Care - Request a care needs assessment by calling Bolton Council's Adult Services on 01204 331500 or visiting their website.
- Care needs assessment - A social worker assesses what help you need with daily living tasks.
- Financial assessment - If care is needed, the council assesses your finances to determine what you can afford to contribute.
- Finding a care home - The council will suggest homes at their standard rate. If you prefer a more expensive home, family members can pay a "top-up" to cover the difference.
Important: Local authority rates are often lower than private rates. Bolton Council's standard rate might not cover the fees at all care homes, so check whether top-up arrangements are needed.
Contact Bolton Adult Social Care: Bolton Council Adult Social Care
Self-funding your care
If your assets are above £23,250, you'll need to self-fund your care—at least initially. This is sometimes called being a "private payer."
Self-funding gives you:
- Complete choice over which care home you choose
- No waiting for local authority processes
- Often faster access to care
- Control over your care arrangements
However, it's important to plan ahead. Care fees typically cost £40,000-£70,000+ per year, so funds can deplete faster than expected. Once your assets fall below £23,250, you can apply for local authority support.
Financial advice is worth considering. An independent financial adviser experienced in care funding can help you understand options like:
- Using savings and investments efficiently
- Arranging deferred payment agreements
- Immediate needs annuities (insurance products that cover care costs)
- Attendance Allowance and other benefits
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
If someone has significant, ongoing healthcare needs, they may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare—fully-funded NHS care with no means test. This is separate from local authority funding and is based purely on health needs, not finances.
CHC might apply if someone has:
- Complex medical conditions requiring regular nursing intervention
- Severe cognitive impairment
- Rapidly deteriorating health
- Palliative care needs
The process involves assessment by NHS healthcare professionals who score needs across 12 domains (behaviour, cognition, communication, mobility, nutrition, etc.). If assessed as having a "primary health need," NHS Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group funds the care in full.
Many families don't realize CHC exists, and many people who qualify aren't assessed. If you believe someone has significant health needs, ask for a CHC assessment.
More information: NHS Continuing Healthcare
Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance is a benefit for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care due to physical or mental disability. It's paid at two rates:
- Lower rate: £72.65 per week (2024/25) for day or night care needs
- Higher rate: £108.55 per week for day and night care needs
Crucially, Attendance Allowance:
- Is not means-tested—income and savings don't matter
- Can be used however you choose (care costs, household bills, etc.)
- Continues for the first 28 days in a care home if you're self-funding
- Stops after 28 days in a care home if local authority or NHS pays fees
Apply through the DWP: Attendance Allowance - GOV.UK
Many people don't claim Attendance Allowance because they don't realize they qualify. If someone needs help with washing, dressing, eating or supervision due to confusion, they should apply—even if still living at home.
Getting help from Bolton Council
Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council's Adult Social Care team can:
- Conduct care needs assessments
- Provide financial assessments
- Explain local authority funding rates
- Arrange deferred payment agreements
- Suggest suitable care homes in Bolton
- Support with benefits advice
Contact Bolton Adult Social Care:
- Phone: 01204 331500
- Website: www.bolton.gov.uk/adult-social-care
- Address: Bolton Town Hall, Bolton, BL1 1RU
You can also request an assessment online through the Bolton Council website.
Independent financial advice
Care funding is complex, and everyone's situation is different. Independent financial advice can help you:
- Understand your funding options
- Plan to make your money last longer
- Consider products like immediate needs annuities
- Navigate deferred payment agreements
- Make informed decisions about property and assets
Look for advisers who are members of the Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA) and who specialize in care funding.
Find an adviser: Society of Later Life Advisers
Key takeaways
- Care funding depends on a means test—income and assets determine who pays
- Bolton residents with assets under £23,250 may qualify for local authority support
- Your property might not be counted if your partner lives there or other conditions apply
- Deferred payment agreements mean you don't have to sell your home in a rush
- NHS Continuing Healthcare is fully-funded care for those with significant health needs
- Attendance Allowance can help with costs and isn't means-tested
- Independent financial advice is worth considering for complex situations
How Abafields can help
At Abafields, we understand that navigating care funding feels overwhelming. We're here to explain your options clearly, answer your questions honestly, and support you through the process without pressure or confusion.
Our fees start from £1,000 per week for residential and dementia care. We accept self-funders, local authority funded residents (with or without top-ups), and those funded through NHS Continuing Healthcare.
If you'd like to discuss your situation and understand your options, please get in touch. We'll take the time to listen and explain what applies to you—clearly, calmly, and without jargon.
Information in this guide is accurate as of 2025 but is subject to change. Always check current thresholds and seek professional advice for your individual circumstances.
