The Cost of Adult Day Care & How Funding Works

What affects the cost?

There is no single fixed price for adult day care. The cost for a particular person usually depends on:

• How many days a week they attend
• The level of support they need
• Whether wheelchair-accessible transport is required
• Their individual circumstances

We are always happy to discuss costs openly and give you a clear figure for your situation — with no obligation. Please get in touch and we will talk you through it.

Paying privately (self-funding)

Some families choose to pay for day care themselves, either because they prefer to or because they are not eligible for council funding. Self-funding gives you full flexibility over how often someone attends. You can still ask the council for a care needs assessment even if you expect to pay privately.

Local authority (council) support

If a person appears to have care and support needs, they have a right to a free care needs assessment from their local council’s adult social care team. If they are assessed as having eligible needs, the council may arrange or contribute towards support — usually after a separate financial assessment (means test).

Most of the areas we serve fall within Trafford Council; residents of Manchester are covered by Manchester City Council. The assessment, eligibility decision and any funding are determined by the council, not by us — but we are happy to explain how the process generally works.

Personal budgets & direct payments

Where the council agrees to fund some or all of a person’s care, that funding may be provided as a personal budget or a direct payment. This can give families more choice and control over how support is arranged, which may include putting it towards a day service. Ask the council whether this option is available in your case.

Support for carers

If you care for someone, you have your own right to a carer’s assessment from the council, separate from the person you care for. Day care is often used as planned respite to give carers a regular, reliable break. Our carer support guide covers this in more detail.

NHS Continuing Healthcare

In some cases, where a person’s needs are primarily health-related rather than social, support may be funded by the NHS through NHS Continuing Healthcare. Eligibility is assessed by the NHS and is separate from council funding. If you think this may apply, ask the person’s GP or the council how to request an assessment.

Benefits that may help

Depending on age and circumstances, the person you care for — or you as a carer — may be entitled to benefits that can help with the cost of care, such as Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment or Carer’s Allowance. Eligibility rules are set by the Government. We do not provide benefits advice, but a free, independent service such as Citizens Advice or Age UK can help you check what you may be entitled to.

Please note: This page is general information only and is not financial, legal or benefits advice. Funding rules and eligibility change and depend on individual circumstances. Always check with your local council, the NHS, or an independent adviser such as Citizens Advice before making decisions.

Helpful next steps

• Our Adult Day Care service
• Looking after yourself as a carer
• How to choose the right day care service

Talk to Us About Costs — No Obligation

We will give you a clear, honest picture of the cost for your situation and help you understand the options. There is no pressure and no commitment.