Funding Your Care
Paying for care can be complex, but there are several options available depending on your circumstances:
Local Council Support: If you qualify, your local council may cover some or all of your care costs. This typically involves a care needs assessment and a financial assessment to determine your eligibility.
NHS Funding: If your care needs are primarily health-related, you might be eligible for NHS continuing healthcare, which covers the full cost of your care. Alternatively, the NHS may contribute to nursing care costs.
Self-Funding: If you don’t qualify for financial support, you can pay for care using your savings, investments, income from pensions, or property. It’s also important to check if you’re entitled to any benefits, such as Attendance Allowance
Useful information
To learn about the various options for funding care at home in the UK, several resources can provide comprehensive information.
The NHS website offers detailed guidance on arranging and paying for home care. They explain that you can either arrange and pay for care yourself or ask your local council for assistance.
The council can perform a needs assessment to determine the type of care required and may help with funding based on your financial situation. Even if you're paying privately, it's advisable to get this assessment to better understand your care needs
Age UK is another excellent resource, providing insights into paying for care at home, including self-funding options and accessing government benefits like Attendance Allowance and Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which are not means-tested. They also discuss the importance of equity release and other financial strategies to cover care costs
Additionally, the Money Helper website offers practical advice on various ways to pay for care, including deferred payment agreements with local councils and other financial products designed to help with care costs. They also provide contact information for getting expert financial advice tailored to your specific situation.