Paying for palliative care: an overview

Palliative care is a critical form of care provided to people who have received a terminal diagnosis. It helps support them with ongoing medical care, pain management, symptom management and emotional and mental health support.

Care can be provided in a hospital, care home, hospice or at home, however, it depends on individual circumstances as to which option is the most suitable for your loved one.

There are several options when it comes to paying for palliative care:

• Privately
• Charitable organisations
• The NHS

Which options are available to your loved one also depends on their circumstances, which we will go into below.

How much your loved one has to pay for palliative care depends on the level of care they need and where they will receive it.

In a private care home, it can cost between £750 and £2,000 per week. This will need to be paid by your loved one using their savings or money from their estate. This also applies if your loved one wants to receive palliative care at home.

If your loved one is currently privately paying for their care home fees, they will also need to pay for palliative care if they are hoping to stay at that same care home.

Hospice care is free, however, it is usually only available to those who need end of life care. Similarly, care provided by the NHS will also be free.

At Ashberry Care Homes, we offer experienced and affordable palliative care in our homes across the UK:

• Meadowview, Warrington – From £916.44 per week
• Moorhouse, Hindhead – From £1032.70 per week
• Holmer Court, Hereford – From £852.24 per week
• Broomy Hill, Hereford – From £1046.97 per week
• Blaenos House, Llandovery – From £900.39 per week
• Allt Y Mynydd, West Wales – From £991.34 per week

Can you get funding for palliative care?

Yes, there is palliative care funding available in the UK to ensure your loved one can receive the level of care they need.

Because palliative care is a primary health need, it is something offered by the NHS free of charge. Your local authority can arrange for your loved one to have a needs assessment, which will determine the level of funding they are eligible for. This process can also be fast-tracked if your loved one’s illness is progressing quickly, which your clinician can help you with. However, through the NHS you will not have a wide range of choices when it comes to a care home.

There are also charitable organisations that specialise in providing relief for those with a terminal illness, such as Marie Curie.

Are next of kin responsible for palliative care fees?

No, next of kin is not responsible for paying palliative care fees. However, you are welcome to do so if you would like to choose a specific care home that is not funded by the NHS or charitable organisations.

Can you refuse to pay palliative care fees?

Your loved one has a say in the palliative care they receive, so if they require it they will not be expected to pay for it themselves. If they do not want to pay for private care, they will still be eligible for care under the NHS. In this instance, speak to your local authority to arrange a needs assessment. 

What happens when the money runs out?

If your loved one becomes palliative in a private nursing or residential home, like Ashberry Healthcare’s care homes, the local authority will pay on the understanding, we can meet needs.  In other words, there is no need to move to an NHS funded care home. Speak to your local authority before this happens to ensure there is no disruption to their care.