As with most things, homecare isn’t usually free, with the actual cost being determined by a number of factors: the type and level of care, income, and any savings for example.
Help may be available through your local council. This will be dependent on a care needs assessment and means test, before they can determine whether or not you are eligible for care and support at home.
If you’re having trouble with everyday tasks such as washing, cooking or getting dressed, ask your local council for a care needs assessment. This works out what would help you stay independent at home for longer. With your permission, your carer, GP, or district nurse can refer you for an assessment on your behalf.
Certain types of income, such as money from some disability benefits and pensions, may not be counted in the means test. This also applies to certain types of capital. All other income and capital can be taken into account.
If all your eligible income is taken into account in your means test, you must be left with an income of £189.00 per week if you’re single and above Pension Credit qualifying age. This is known as the Minimum Income Guarantee.
If you’re eligible for financial support to pay for homecare, your local council can arrange homecare services for you. Alternatively, you can choose to receive direct payments and arrange homecare yourself.
To arrange a care assessment, you will need to get contact the local adult social services department of your local council. Assessments are free and you are absolutely entitled to one, regardless of your needs, income or savings.
It is also worth checking that you are claiming all the benefits which you may be entitled to, for example:
· Attendance Allowance is a benefit for people over State Pension age who need extra help to stay independent at home, due to an illness or disability.
· If you’re under State Pension age, you may be eligible for Personal Independence Payment instead
· If you have a carer they could be eligible for Carer’s Allowance.
These benefits aren’t means-tested, so don't take into account your income and savings.
Based on your income and savings, this example shows how much and what care you will pay for:
Your capital
What you will have to pay
Over £23,250
You have to pay your own fees as a 'self-funder'.
Between £14,250 and £23,250
You may qualify for financial support from the council and pay a contribution from your income – such as pensions – plus a 'tariff income' based on your capital.
This 'tariff income' is worked out by assuming you have an extra £1 per week in income for every £250 (or part of) you have between £14,250 and £23,250 in capital.
Less than £14,250
The council provides financial support and you will still contribute from your income, but you won't have to pay a tariff income.
If you’re being discharged from hospital, the staff on your ward can arrange homecare services to make sure you’re safe and properly supported at home, or to help rehabilitate you. A social worker should lead on the planning of your future care and support and we are, very proudly, the recommended Hospital Discharge Care Service provider for The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kings Lynn.
If you’re paying care fees yourself (called self-funding), then you will need to arrange and pay for your own care, and this is something discuss with you in more details. As a home care service provider, all our end user’s requirements are different so your service will be tailor made to suit your own specific requirements.
For more information, please get in touch
.