Why We Charge for Care, Not Room Size
If you're researching care homes for a loved one, you've probably seen lots of pricing models. Some charge by room size. Some charge a fixed rate regardless of care needs. At Somerforde, we do things differently. We charge for the actual level of care we deliver. And I think that makes a real difference to families like yours.
The Problem with Room-Based Pricing
Think about it from a family's perspective. Your mum moves into a care home. She's independent, mobile, and just needs a bit of company and support. But the home charges the same rate whether she's in a small room or a large suite. That doesn't feel fair, does it? She's using less space. She's needing less care. Yet she pays the same amount as someone with more complex needs.
We heard from families who felt this way, so we changed our approach entirely.
How Care-Based Pricing Works
At Somerforde, we assess what your loved one actually needs. If they are mobile and independent, needing mainly companionship and support, they pay a minimum rate. If their care needs increase over time, the cost adjusts to reflect that. It's straightforward and honest.
So here's the key point: you're not paying for a room you might not need. You're paying for care we actually deliver. If your mum doesn't require a large suite, she's not paying for one.
What Changes as Needs Change
Care needs aren't static. Someone who is independent today might need more support in six months, or a year, or longer. When that happens, we reassess and the cost adjusts to match the care they need. It might go up. It might stay the same. But it's always based on what we're actually providing, not on guesswork or hidden charges.
Why This Matters
When you're choosing a care home, you need to feel confident you understand the costs. No surprises. No paying for space that's not being used. At Somerforde, we believe in transparency and fairness. You pay for what your loved one needs, nothing more.
It's one of the things I'm proudest of here. Families tell us it gives them peace of mind.
If you'd like to talk through how our pricing works, or discuss your loved one's care needs, please get in touch. Call us on 01626 361786 or email manager@somerforde.uk. We're always happy to answer questions.