Paying for Home Care
Working out how home care will be paid for can feel almost as difficult as arranging the care itself. The first step is understanding which funding routes might apply.
There isn’t just one way to pay for care at home
Local authority support
If someone has eligible care and support needs, their local authority may contribute towards the cost following the relevant assessment and financial arrangements.
Self-funding
Some people arrange and pay for their own care privately. This can happen where someone is not eligible for council support or chooses to arrange care independently.
Direct Payments
In some circumstances, a person may receive a Direct Payment so they can arrange their own support.
NHS funding
Where someone has significant health needs, NHS funding routes such as Continuing Healthcare may need to be considered.
Don’t assume that needing care means you automatically have to pay the full cost
Find out what assessment and funding routes may apply before making assumptions about the cost.
How a local authority assessment fits in
A care and support assessment considers the person’s needs and how those needs affect their wellbeing and ability to manage everyday life.
If eligible needs are identified, the local authority then considers how those needs can be met. A financial assessment is used to determine what contribution the person may be expected to make towards eligible care and support.
What about NHS Continuing Healthcare?
NHS Continuing Healthcare is a separate NHS funding pathway for people assessed as having a primary health need.
It can be particularly important where someone’s needs are complex, intense, unpredictable or primarily health-related.
Explore the Carentis CHC Hub →
What should you budget for?
Number of visits
More frequent visits generally mean a higher overall care cost.
Length of visits
Consider whether the provider is charging by visit, time or another arrangement.
Number of carers
Some tasks require two carers rather than one.
Additional charges
Ask about bank holidays, cancellation charges, minimum visit lengths and other contractual costs.
Use the Carentis Care Funding Calculator
The calculator can help you build a clearer picture of the financial side of care before speaking to the relevant authority or provider.
Open the Care Funding Calculator →