Most of us will need care at some point in our lives, but who pays for care? Whether you’re looking for home care or a care home for your loved one, support is available to help you pay.
At Blue Angel Care, we’re on hand to help you work out the cost of home care in Berkshire, Hampshire and Surrey for your loved one. Read on to find out more about how to pay for care and what to do if you’re concerned about fees.
How much will my loved one’s care cost?
Costs will vary depending on the type and frequency of care that is needed as well as where the care takes place. Surprisingly, personal care at home is often the cheaper option as this care is delivered as required rather than round-the-clock care, which is often provided in a care home.
Care isn’t paid for by the NHS. Therefore, whichever form of care you choose, you or your loved one will likely need to contribute to the costs. This contribution depends on the level of need and the value of their personal assets.
How do I find out what financial support my loved one is entitled to?
In order to find out what kind of support you can get towards your loved one’s care costs, you’ll need to complete an assessment with your local authority. First, they will assess the level of care your loved one requires based on their needs.
After this, they will look at their financial means; this process involves looking at a person’s income, savings, and property to work out how much they’ll need to contribute towards the total cost.
Who can help to pay towards home care costs?
After the means test, the council will determine how much your loved one will need to pay towards their care. For home care, they don’t take into account the value of their property, often making it the preferred choice.
Many people worry about having to sell their home to pay for care. However, even if they move into a care home the value of their house won’t be included in. This means the test doesn’t include if another person lives there and is a partner or former partner, an estranged partner who is a single parent, a relative who is disabled or 60-plus, or a child of their under the age of 18.
Here’s how the results of the financial means test will impact your loved one’s contribution to their home care costs.
What your loved one will have to pay :
- Over £23,250: Full fees (also known as self-funding).
- Between £14,250 and £23,250: the local council will fund part of their care. You will have to contribute to the rest.
- Less than £14,250: The local council will pay for their care.
We’re here to help
At Blue Angel Care, we’re experts in home care in Berkshire, Hampshire and Surrey. We are happy to answer any questions or worries you may have about your loved one’s care provision and costs.
Get in touch with us to find out more about our personal care at home services.
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