Understanding all of your funding options can make a big difference to the care and support you choose.
Government support
Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for government assistance in meeting some, or all, of your care costs.
Most of the healthcare services we provide are free of charge to our patients under the NHS as long as you are referred by your GP. Those who need after care support, either as a result of an accident, or because they have been sectioned under the Mental Health Act, are also eligible for government subsidies. People who are receiving healthcare treatment in a nursing or care home will not need to pay for their healthcare services.
Social care, unlike healthcare, is not free to everyone. Councils only have a limited amount of money and they may choose to pay for only those people who are in most need of help. When you contact your council about getting a care service it will carry out a care assessment. Depending on where you live, if your needs are assessed as low or moderate you may not be entitled to free care. If your needs do match the level set by your council, it will carry out a financial assessment.
There are also a number of financial support options for people who devote more than 35 hours per week to caring for a relative or friend. There are a number of criteria you must meet to qualify for the carer’s benefit, including being over 16 and ensuring the person you are caring for qualifies for a disability benefit.
Self pay options
In many circumstances, it is possible to self-fund some or all of your care.
In the context of healthcare, self pay options are a good way to avoid the waiting times that may come with NHS services. You will receive prompt diagnosis and treatment at a facility which is convenient to you. Self pay provides a simple alternative to having full private medical insurance by allowing you to make a one-off payment to access private services only when you need them.
We have recently built a number of new care homes to provide a premium offering to those who wish to fund their own care. These homes provide a range of high quality facilities including on-site cinemas, coffee shops and gift stores, dementia gardens and spacious and stylish rooms. Many of our existing care homes will also welcome residents who do not qualify for government support and wish to fund their own care.
For those looking for support in the home, our Homecare Select product provides easy to understand bundles that can be used as standalone purchases or to top up government funded support. These bundles can include regular weekly or daily tasks such as washing, personal care and housekeeping, or one-off purchases such as our 'Sunday Special' in which one of our enablers will help shop, cook and prepare the home for a Sunday roast.
We have provided more detail on self-pay options for those who may be interested in this approach to care.
Charities
There are many charities offering support to people who need health and social care. Organisations such as Age UK and Mencap do a great job in providing information, support and – in some cases – financial advice. You can find out what organisations are offering help in our list of sources of advice and support.
