Care Cost & Funding

The cost of care is a source of worry for many. No one wants to be either poor or a burden on others. Fortunately, the idea that people should be thankful for small mercies no longer holds sway, although obtaining funding can initially seem daunting.

What are you entitled to?

You are likely to be eligible for at least some help with funding from the government through your local authority.

The first step is to request a free care assessment from your Social Services department, including an assessment of your care needs and your financial situation. The information you receive will give you a basis for making the best decisions.

Illustration of an older couple with a piggy bank that represents savings

Private funding

If you have to meet some or all of your care costs yourself, you should take the advice of a properly authorised financial advisor on the best way to do this. If you decide, for example, on equity release, professional help is absolutely essential.

Philip Parkinson Homecare is not allowed, by law, to advise on financial matters. Additionally, as well as an authorised advisor, it is an excellent idea if a family member with some experience of finance can help. Such a person will also be valuable in helping to choose a financial advisor.

An illustration of an older couple in front of a council building

Direct payments

If you have been assessed as needing care services, you may be offered direct payments made by your local council directly to you so that you can organise and pay for your care services. These payments are designed to support you to remain living at home, encouraging independence and social inclusion in areas such as employment, education and leisure activities.

Who can get direct payments?

They can be made to disabled people aged 16 or over, to people with parental responsibility for disabled children, and to carers aged 16 or over regarding carer services. A person must be able to consent to have a direct payment and have the capacity to manage one, although they can have assistance to manage their payment on a day-to-day basis.

Will direct payments cost me anything?

You must have a financial assessment with your local authority social care service before getting direct payments. During this assessment, the money you have coming in and going out, i.e. weekly outgoings - including costs related to a disability or illness are looked at. Depending on the outcomes, you may be required to contribute towards the cost of your care. If this is the case, and you get direct payments, your contribution is taken before the direct payment is paid to you.

How would direct payments be paid to me?

You will need to set up a bank account which can be used specifically for your direct payment. Here at Philip Parkinson Homecare, we can assist you in doing this. Direct payments are usually paid four weeks in advance, depending on what they are to be used for.

Can I spend the money on anything I like?

Although you can be very flexible in spending your direct payment, your purchase must meet your assessed social care needs. A direct payment contract will be drawn up, including how you intend to spend your money. This can include employing an individual who will provide support in a way that suits you - swimming, going to the park, shopping or any other interest that you may have.

Can I contract with an agency?

If you would prefer not to have the responsibility of being an employer, you can use your direct payment to contract with an independent agency. It is important to check very carefully that your chosen homecare agency meets your requirements and that you are happy with the agency that you have selected.