Paying for your own care

You will not be entitled to help with the cost of care if:

  • you have savings worth more than £23,250; or
  • you own your own property (this only applies if you're moving into a care home).

You can ask for a financial assessment (means test) to check if we can help with any costs.

Advice on accessing and paying for care

You can:

  • arrange and pay for care yourself; or
  • ask Solihull Council to arrange and pay for your care (We’ll then invoice you and apply an arrangement fee).

Even if you pay for your care or plan to contact a care agency or private carer, we can still carry out an assessment to look at what care and support you might need.

You can complete an online self-assessment for more information, or contact us:

You can also contact The Solihull Community Advice Hubs for support.

How much will care cost?

Care home costs can vary, but weekly costs can start from approximately £600. This can change depending on where you live and the type of care you need.

There are 2 types of care home:

  • residential homes that provide accommodation and personal care, such as help with; washing, dressing, taking medication and going to the toilet- some care homes also offer activities such as day trips
  • nursing homes that also provide personal care, but there will always be one or more qualified Nurses on duty to provide nursing care

We can help you choose a care home that's right for you.

You could also consider sheltered housing and extra care housing.

Will I have to sell my home?

You won't have to sell your home to pay for care in your own home. You may have to sell your home to pay for a care home, unless your partner or another eligible person carries on living in it.

There may be other ways to pay care home fees.

Releasing money from your home (equity release)

Equity release lets you take money that's tied up in your home without selling it. It's available if you're over 55.

Age UK can help you understand equity release, including the risks.

Deferred payments

A deferred payment scheme can be useful if you have savings less than £23,250 and all your money is tied up in your property.

Under this scheme Solihull Council pays for your care home fees and it is repaid later when you choose to sell your home, or after your death.

If your savings run out

If your savings fall below £23,250, we may be able to help with the cost of care.

We can only provide funding from the date you contact us so please let us know as soon as possible.

If the cost of your care is above the amount we can pay, a top-up fee may be required.

If the cost of your care at home is more than what we can pay, you may need to change care agencies. You may also want to consider a direct payment.