Dementia Care Cost Calculator 2026
Average dementia care home fees in England run £1,299/week for residential and £1,497/week for nursing dementia care — but your region can shift that by £400 or more. See costs for your area below, then use the full calculator to find how long your savings will last.
Dementia care home fees by region — England 2025–26
Average weekly self-funder fees for residential and nursing dementia care. Based on registered dementia care home fee data across all nine English regions. Actual fees at individual homes vary — these are reliable starting estimates for financial planning.
| Region | Residential dementia | Nursing dementia | Nursing after FNC (−£235.88/wk) | Calculate for this region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| London | £1,500/wk | £1,700/wk | £1,464/wk | Calculate → |
| South East | £1,500/wk | £1,710/wk | £1,474/wk | Calculate → |
| South West | £1,450/wk | £1,519/wk | £1,283/wk | Calculate → |
| East of England | £1,400/wk | £1,550/wk | £1,314/wk | Calculate → |
| West Midlands | £1,250/wk | £1,400/wk | £1,164/wk | Calculate → |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | £1,154/wk | £1,442/wk | £1,206/wk | Calculate → |
| East Midlands | £1,150/wk | £1,450/wk | £1,214/wk | Calculate → |
| North West | £1,150/wk | £1,462/wk | £1,226/wk | Calculate → |
| North East | £1,133/wk | £1,242/wk | £1,006/wk | Calculate → |
| England average | £1,299/wk | £1,497/wk | £1,261/wk | Calculate → |
FNC = NHS Funded Nursing Care contribution (£235.88/wk, 2025–26). Applies only to nursing dementia homes where a registered nurse assessment confirms a nursing need. The NHS pays this directly to the home.
How long will your savings cover dementia care?
Enter your postcode and savings in the full calculator to see your savings runway, the weekly top-up gap after the council starts contributing, and whether NHS Continuing Healthcare could cover the fee entirely.
Opens pre-filled with the England residential dementia average (£1,299/wk) — adjust for your region or a specific quote
What to do next
Turn regional averages into a real decision
These regional figures are a useful starting point, but most families need one of three next steps: model the full funding timeline, find homes that fit the care need, or understand what the council and NHS may contribute.
Free next step
Calculate your dementia care funding timeline
Use the full cost calculator to see how long savings may last, when council funding could begin, and what the likely top-up pressure looks like.
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Find dementia-friendly homes near you
Start the free shortlist if you want homes matched to your parent’s needs, location, and budget before you go deeper on costs.
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Get the full funding picture
Use the Funding Guide if you need a clearer answer on council means testing, NHS Continuing Healthcare, and what your family should do next.
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Common questions about dementia care costs
How much does dementia care cost per week in England in 2026?
Average residential dementia care fees range from £1,133/wk in the North East to £1,500/wk in London (2025–26). The England average is approximately £1,299/wk for residential dementia care. Your region matters — using the wrong figure can shift your savings runway by years.
Is dementia care more expensive than standard residential care?
Yes — dementia care typically costs 5–10% more than standard residential care in the same region. The premium reflects higher staffing ratios, specialist training, secure units, and sensory environments required for safe dementia care.
Can NHS CHC pay for dementia care home fees?
Yes — if the primary need is a health need rather than a social care need, NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) pays care home fees in full with no means test. Dementia alone does not automatically qualify, but advanced stages with behaviours that challenge, swallowing difficulties, or significant risk often meet the threshold. A Checklist screening is the free first step — available through your local Integrated Care Board.
What is the difference between residential and nursing dementia care costs?
Residential dementia homes provide specialist personal care without registered nurses on site. Nursing dementia homes have qualified nurses available 24 hours a day and are appropriate for more complex medical needs alongside dementia. Nursing dementia fees average £1,497/wk nationally vs £1,299/wk for residential dementia care. If nursing care is confirmed, the NHS contributes £235.88/wk through NHS Funded Nursing Care regardless of means test.