When a relative qualifies for council funding toward the cost of residential care, the council agrees to pay a set weekly amount. If the care home your family has chosen charges more than that council rate, a top-up covers the difference.

A third-party top-up is simply that difference – paid to the council by a family member, friend, or other third party on behalf of the resident.

Yes. Under the Care Act 2014 and the Care and Support (Choice of Accommodation) Regulations 2014, a person has a legal right to choose the residential care home they would like to live in – even if it costs more than the council’s standard rate – provided a third party is willing to pay the top-up.

This is an important right that families are not always told about. If the social worker has not mentioned it, you are completely within your rights to raise it yourself.

A top-up can be paid by a family member, a friend, or any willing third party. It cannot be paid directly by the resident themselves in most circumstances. Many families find it works well to share the contribution between siblings or other relatives.

In most cases, residents cannot pay their own top-up directly. However, in certain circumstances – for example where a property has been disregarded in the financial assessment – this may be possible. Your social worker will be able to advise based on your specific situation.

It is simply the difference between the council’s agreed weekly rate and the care home’s full weekly fee. Here is a straightforward example:

In this example, the council pays £1,000 per week directly to us. Your contribution as a family would be just £55 per week – around £7.85 per day.

Every situation is individual, so please contact Sheena on 07704 573281 for a clear picture of the top-up amount in your relative’s case.

Care home fees can increase over time, reflecting rising costs in staffing, utilities, and the quality of care provided. When fees change:

– The council reviews its contribution periodically and generally increases it in line with rising care home costs.

– Your top-up will change by the difference between the council’s new rate and the new weekly fee.

– You will always be told in advance of any changes, and everything is clearly set out in your top-up agreement.

Here is an example of how a fee increase might look in practice:

Before committing to a top-up, it is worth thinking honestly about whether you would be comfortable with a modest increase in future. Sheena is always happy to talk this through openly – call 07704 573281 or email sheena.parker@southdevoncareservices.com.

The process is simpler than you might expect:

1) Let the social worker know that you would like to exercise your right to a third-party top-up so that your relative can move into – or remain at – one of our residential care homes in Devon.

2) The social worker will liaise with the council’s funding team to confirm the council’s agreed rate.

3) We confirm our full weekly fee and the top-up amount required.

4) A top-up agreement is drawn up – a simple document setting out the amount, how it is paid, and how any future fee changes are handled.

5) You begin making payments to the council, who then pass the top-up to us when they remit the fees.

We are here to support you through every step. You do not have to navigate this alone – please get in touch with Sheena on 07704 573281.

Yes. A top-up agreement is a straightforward document that sets out the weekly amount, the payment arrangements, and how any future fee changes will be managed. It protects everyone involved and ensures there are no surprises down the line.

Unfortunately, yes – it is more common than it should be. Social workers manage a great deal, and top-up arrangements do not always come up automatically.

You are completely within your rights to raise it. You might simply say: “I have been reading about third-party top-ups and I would like to understand whether this is an option for us – can we discuss it as part of the funding arrangement?”

If you would find it helpful, Sheena can raise this with your social worker on your behalf. Call 07704 573281 or email sheena.parker@southdevoncareservices.com.

Under the Care Act 2014 and the Care and Support (Choice of Accommodation) Regulations 2014, a third-party top-up is a legal right – not something a council can refuse without good reason.

If you are being told it is not possible, you can request it be explored formally. You might say: “I understand there may be concerns, but I believe I have a legal right to a third-party top-up arrangement under the Care Act 2014. I would like this to be considered formally, please.”

Alternatively, contact Sheena on 07704 573281 and she will do what she can to support you.

This is a completely understandable concern, and it is far better to raise it early than to worry about it later. A few things worth thinking through:

– Could the contribution be shared between family members?

– Are there savings or assets that could help?

– Could you commit for a set period and then review the arrangement?

Please get in touch with Sheena on 07704 573281 – she would rather have an honest conversation now than have a situation arise later that could cause disruption for your relative.

That is entirely your decision, and we want you to make it with all the facts. Before accepting any alternative placement, we would encourage you to:

– Check the home’s inspection report on the Care Quality Commission website – published for every registered care home in England.

– Read reviews from other families at carehome.co.uk.

– Visit the home in person before making any decision – do not rely on a brochure or website alone.

– Ask about daily life – the activities, the meals, the staff, the routines.

Moving residential care homes can be unsettling, particularly for those living with dementia or other complex needs. The continuity of familiar surroundings, routines, and staff can make a very real difference to a resident’s wellbeing. Whatever you decide, make sure it is an informed and considered choice.