My mother’s care is being funded by the local authority but I am being asked to make an extra payment to the care home. Why is this needed?

Funding support from the local authority is limited to the set rate which they pay for a given care need and this will vary from authority to authority.

Many care providers argue that these rates are below the cost of delivering care and as a result, some care homes are unable or unwilling to accept placements at this rate without a top-up fee.

In some instances, the top-up helps to fund additional services, a larger room or perhaps one which has a view over the garden.

This is an issue which often creates confusion and can cause challenges for families. Currently, top ups can’t be paid by the resident and have to be met by a third party, usually a family member.