“When the money runs out”

Those self-funding social care can find it difficult to find information and support. One fear they may have is “running out of money”. Linked to this is the fear of having to leave a care home in which they feel settled. A team comprising of researchers from the Universities of Birmingham and York, with involvement by Age UK Solihull, conducted qualitative interviews to find out more about what happens when “the money runs out”.

Five stages were identified in a typical process: (1) searching for a care home; (2) paying care home fees; (3) reaching the UCL and asking for help; (4) fee negotiation between the council and the existing care home; (5) the outcome (whether or not the resident moves).

Helping residents (and families) to know what point they are at and what to expect next will assist them in identifying relevant sources of support and information.

The project involved interviewing care home managers/owners, and about people from three other groups:

• residents and their family;
• people in councils who buy care services or conduct financial assessments;
• those who provide independent advice.

From initial interviews, a picture was developed of what has been occurring. Gaps in that initial picture were identified and where this is the case additional interviews were conducted with those groups from whom more information is needed. 

Once understanding of the transition from self-funding to council support was gained, it was explored as to whether this fits in with economic theory. Economics is a way of understanding the choices that people make and the motivations behind those choices, particularly in the context of financial or time pressures.

The understanding obtained via this research was used to create resources to help councils, providers and independent advisers to support residents, improving their overall experience as they move from self-funding to council support. The motivations of these different groups to change current practices were also considered.

Leaflet (pdf download)

Leaflet (word download)

The research team co-produced a leaflet which provides advice for residents self-funding their own residential care. The leaflet is equally relevant to anybody who is supporting someone in a care home. 

Presentation – Hampshire Care Association Spring Conference (May 2025)

Capital depletion content is also live on the Care Confidence website