How will we pay for care?
Care can be expensive, and the funding system in England can be difficult to understand. Before assuming your family will have to pay the whole cost, understand the funding routes that may apply.
Finding out that someone needs care can be difficult enough. Then comes the question many families are afraid to ask:
It is an understandable concern. But one of the most important things to remember is that there is more than one possible funding route.
The main ways care can be funded
Which route applies depends on the person’s needs and financial circumstances.
NHS Continuing Healthcare
Potentially fully funded NHS care for people who meet the eligibility criteria.
NHS-funded nursing care
An NHS contribution towards nursing care for eligible people in nursing homes.
Local authority support
Support may be available following a care needs assessment and financial assessment.
Self-funding
Some people pay privately for some or all of their care costs.
Deferred payment
In some circumstances, care costs can be deferred against a property.
Mixed arrangements
Different funding routes can sometimes form part of the overall picture.
Don’t assume you’ll automatically pay the whole cost
NHS Continuing Healthcare is not means-tested. Local authority funding works differently. Self-funding is another route again.
Understand the care and funding position before making major financial decisions.
What could care cost you?
Put your circumstances into context with the Carentis Care Funding Calculator. It can help you explore the potential financial picture and identify questions you may need to ask.
Use the Care Funding Calculator →Could NHS Continuing Healthcare be relevant?
NHS Continuing Healthcare, often called CHC, is a package of care arranged and funded by the NHS for people who meet the eligibility criteria.
Eligibility is based on assessed healthcare needs rather than simply the person’s income or property. A diagnosis alone does not determine eligibility.
What if we are paying privately?
If you are self-funding, do not look only at the headline weekly fee.
Ask:
- What is included?
- What costs extra?
- Can fees increase?
- What happens if needs increase?
- Will the person need to move if their needs change?
- What happens if the family can no longer afford the fees?
Read The True Cost of a Care Home in the UK.
You can also read What Do Care Home Fees Pay For?
What about a Deferred Payment Agreement?
In some circumstances, a deferred payment arrangement may help someone meet care costs without immediately selling their home.
It is not automatically available to everyone and there are eligibility rules.
Before making major decisions about a property, understand the available options and seek appropriate advice.
The better sequence
What does the person need?
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What care options could meet those needs?
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What funding routes could apply?
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What might the family have to contribute?
Where are you in the journey?
Funding resources
Need more detailed CHC guidance?
Carentis provides practical guidance to help families understand NHS Continuing Healthcare, prepare for assessments and work out what questions they need to ask.
Get the Complete CHC Guide Book a CHC Guidance Call