How much does an emergency care home cost? (2-week stay)
The most-searched cost question in a discharge crisis. Typical UK weekly bands, a small interactive estimator, and a clear note on what is in (and out) of the headline rate.
The short answer. A 2-week emergency residential stay typically costs £1,800 to £3,000. Nursing or dementia nursing usually costs £2,600 to £4,200 for two weeks. Live-in care at home runs £2,600 to £3,800 for the same period. NHS-funded Discharge to Assess and CHC Fast Track stays cost the family £0. Council-funded stays cost only any agreed top-up.
Typical UK weekly rates (2026)
- Residential care: £900 to £1,500 per week.
- Nursing care: £1,100 to £1,800 per week.
- Dementia residential: £1,050 to £1,650 per week.
- Dementia nursing: £1,300 to £2,100 per week.
- Live-in care at home: £1,300 to £1,900 per week.
carehome.co.uk fees ↗Helping Hands respite ↗LaingBuisson ↗
Cost estimator
Estimate
£1,800 - £3,000 for 2 weeks
Self-funded - the family or estate pays the full weekly rate.
What is included in a typical invoice
- Bed, board, all meals.
- Standard nursing or residential care, 24-hour staff.
- Laundry of bed linen.
- Standard activities programme.
What is usually extra
- Hairdressing, chiropody, named hairdresser visits.
- Personal laundry.
- Newspapers, telephone, TV licence.
- Trips and named outings.
- Specialist equipment (sometimes - check the contract).
Who pays this for an emergency
First 6 weeks (D2A or CHC)
NHS pays the full weekly rate. No charge.
Council emergency (s.19)
Council pays the contract rate. Family pays any top-up.
Purely private
Family pays the full rate. Deposit often requested.
Top-up
£50-£400 per week typical, set in writing, reviewed annually.
Frequently asked
Why is the published rate sometimes lower than what families actually pay?
Many providers publish self-funder rates that include premiums for room type, location and short-notice admission. Always ask for a written 'all-in' quote.
Is there a price premium for same-week admission?
Some providers charge a one-off admission fee (£100-£500) for same-week placements. This is contractual, not a legal requirement, and should be written in.
Are weekly rates the same nationally?
No. London and the South East are typically 15-25% above the national average. Yorkshire, North East and Wales tend to be 10-20% below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-21. Clinical reviewer pending appointment (target Sep 2026); meanwhile reviewed by the editorial team.