11. What if I want to move to a home that costs more than the council will pay?

You do not have to limit your choice to homes that come within the council's price range. But if you go for a more expensive home, you will need to get someone to pay the extra over what the council will pay. This could be a friend, relative or charity (but cannot be your husband or wife). You can’t normally top-up the fees yourself (there are very specific circumstances when you can – ask your council for details).

If you do have someone to pay the extra, but after some time they can't carry on doing this, you may have to move to a home that costs less.

When you make your own arrangements for care, you can obviously choose whichever home you like. But it is worth bearing in mind that you may at some point in the future be able to get some help with fees (if your savings run down, for example). If this happens and you are living in a home that costs more than the council normally pays for someone with your needs, you may have to move.

Can I go to a home for a 'trial' period?

If you want to go to a home for a 'trial' period before deciding whether residential care is right for you, you will generally be considered a temporary resident for the purposes of working out charges and benefits (see 'What if my move into a home is temporary?'). Any Housing Benefit, Income Support housing costs or Council Tax Benefit you get for your own home will only be paid for 13 weeks of any 'trial' period.