There are different ways of paying for your stay in a care home, with the full cost often being met by contributions from different sources. The most common sources of funding are:

• The local council social services department, which is responsible for funding most older people in care. The amount of help you will get from your local council depends on your finances.
• Individuals will often have to contribute towards the cost of their own care after a financial assessment carried out by their local council.
• Some residents receiving nursing care may have some or all of their nursing care fees paid for them. England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland all have different systems. See Help with nursing care costs for more details.

There are other ways of paying for care in a care home which are less common:

• Some people may meet the criteria to have their care fully paid for by the NHS. See Continuing NHS care for more details.
• People detained under some sections of the Mental Health Act may get free care in a care home. See Free care under the Mental Health Act for more information.

Alternatively, if you can afford it, you may decide to pay for your place in a care home yourself