Self-funding your own care
If you have savings and capital above £23,250, you will usually need to pay the full cost of your care and support. This is known as self-funding.
Self-funding gives you greater choice and flexibility over the services you receive. You can choose the care and support that best meets your needs, preferences and budget.
Whether you need support at home, specialist accommodation or residential care, there are a range of options available to help you remain independent and maintain your quality of life.
Support to stay independent
Paying for your own care does not necessarily mean arranging formal care services straight away.
There may be other types of support available that can help you maintain your independence, improve your wellbeing and reduce or delay the need for ongoing care.
This may include:
- assistive technology
- home adaptations and specialist equipment
- community and voluntary sector services
- falls prevention support
- benefits and financial assistance
- support for carers
Find support without a financial assessment
Care at home and residential care
If you are arranging your own care, you can contact care providers directly to discuss your needs and request information about the services they offer.
Find a care provider
You can find a care provider:
- Care Choices Directory - search a directory of local care providers, care homes and support services, with information about the care they offer
- Care Quality Commission (CQC) - check inspection reports and ratings for registered care providers in England to help you compare the quality of services
- Our Directory of Care Providers - find care providers that work with North Northamptonshire Council
- NHS Guide to Choosing a Care Home - read practical advice on what to consider when selecting a care home and the questions to ask before making a decision
Choosing a care provider
When comparing providers, consider:
- Care Quality Commission (CQC) ratings and inspection reports
- staff experience and specialist services
- continuity of care staff
- costs and what is included in the fees
- reviews and recommendations
- whether they can meet your individual care needs
When choosing a care home, you may also wish to consider:
- location and accessibility for family and friends
- activities and opportunities to support wellbeing
- availability of nursing care
- availability of specialist dementia support
Understanding care costs
The amount you pay will depend on the type of care you need, the provider you choose and the level of support required.
The costs shown below are intended as a guide only. Individual providers set their own fees and charges, which may vary. Always ask providers for a written quotation and a clear breakdown of charges before agreeing to any care package.
Home Care Costs
Home care allows you to receive support while continuing to live in your own home.
Typical costs in the East Midlands are:
| Type of support | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Weekday care visits | £20 to £30 per hour |
| Evening and weekend visits | £25 to £35 per hour |
| Overnight sleep-in care | £120 to £200 per night |
| Live-in care (24-hour support) | £900 to £1,400 per week |
Residential Care Costs
Care homes provide accommodation, personal care and support for people who can no longer live independently without assistance.
Typical weekly costs are:
| Type of care | Typical weekly cost |
|---|---|
| Residential care | £700 to £1,000 |
| Residential dementia care | £800 to £1,200 |
| Nursing care | £900 to £1,300 |
| Nursing dementia care | £1,000 to £1,400+ |
If you live in a nursing home and require nursing care, you may be eligible for NHS-Funded Nursing Care, which can help towards the cost of your nursing support.
Long-term affordability
Before choosing a care provider, consider whether the cost will be affordable in the long term. When you are self-funding, you can choose any provider that can meet your assessed needs.
However, if your savings and assets fall below £23,250 and you become eligible for council funding, we may not be able to pay the full cost of your chosen provider if it charges more than we would normally pay to meet your assessed needs.
If this happens, you may need to:
- move to a provider that charges a rate we would normally pay, or
- arrange for a relative, friend or another third party to pay the additional cost through a top-up agreement, where this is permitted.
Considering this when choosing a provider can help you avoid unexpected changes to your care arrangements in the future.
Planning for future care costs
Your care needs and the cost of support may change over time, so it is important to plan ahead.
You may wish to seek independent financial advice from a specialist adviser with experience in later-life financial planning and care funding. The Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA) can help you find an accredited adviser.
If your savings are likely to fall below £23,250 within the next 12 to 18 months, contact us as early as possible. This will help avoid delays if you become eligible for financial support from the Council.
Your rights as a Self-funder
Even if you pay for your own care, you can still access advice, information and support from the us.
You can:
- arrange and pay for your own care directly with a provider
- request a free care needs assessment to understand what support may be appropriate for you
- access information and advice about local services and support
- request a review if your needs change
- apply for a financial assessment if your savings and capital fall below £23,250
Get advice and support
Whether you are arranging care at home, considering residential care or exploring ways to remain independent, we can provide information and guidance to help you understand your options.
Last updated 14 August 2026