Just got the bill for mum's first month. I feel sick.

Sandra M

Jun 20, 2026

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2 replies

I knew it was going to be expensive but seeing the actual number on paper is something else. £4,200 for the month. She's in a residential home in Cheshire, nothing fancy, just clean and safe. I don't know how people afford this long term. Her savings won't last more than 3 years at this rate and then what? I keep reading about council funding but nobody seems to be able to give me a straight answer about when that kicks in. Has anyone actually been through this?

2 Replies

Brian W3 days ago

We went through this with dad two years ago. The council funding kicks in when savings drop below £23,250 -- that's the threshold. Above that you're self funding. It feels brutal but that's the system. Worth speaking to the council's adult social care team sooner rather than later so they know about your mum when the time comes.

Jackie T2 days ago

Also worth looking into NHS Continuing Healthcare if your mum has significant health needs. It's completely separate from means testing if she qualifies the NHS pays everything. I only found out about it recently apparently most families never even hear about it. Worth googling NHS Continuing Healthcare and seeing if it applies..