Paying for care
Paying for care is a concern for many people and their families. It is important that you understand the facts and the help that is available to you so you can make the right choices for yourself or the person you are caring for. The three most common questions are:
Do I have to pay? If so how much? Will I have to sell my house to pay for it?
Below you will find answers to these questions and more together with sources of further information.
Do I have to pay, if so how much?
If you need to move into a care home your local authority will decide whether you have to make a contribution towards the costs. They will look at your income and savings. If you have less than £21,000 in savings, and this may include the value of your home, then your local authority may pay all or part of the fees. You will have to pay the full costs of your accommodation and personal care if your capital is over £22,250 in England, £22,000 in Wales and £21,500 in Scotland.
Will I have to sell my house to pay for it?
If you own your own home and move into a care home permanently, your local authority will ignore the value of your home for the first 12 weeks of your stay. After that, they will usually include the value of your home when deciding whether you have to pay. You may be expected to sell your home to pay the fees.
Can I take out an insurance policy to pay for my care in later life?
Long term care insurance, where you pay premiums over a lengthy period before you actually need care is no longer widely available. If you already have one of these policies it should still be honoured. You may be able to take out an immediate insurance policy. This requires you to pay a lump sum which then provides a fixed payment for as long as you need care. The fixed sum is tax free.
More information
Paying for care is a complex area but there are many specialist organisations ready to help - whatever your particular circumstances.
Age Concern
Tel: 0808 808 6060 or visit: www.ageconcern.co.uk
Help the Aged
Tel: 0808 800 6565 or visit: www.helptheaged.org.uk
Counsel and Care
Tel: 0845 300 7585 or visit: www.counselandcare.org.uk
The Benefits Agency
Tel: 0800 88 22 00 or visit www.direct.gov.uk
Nursing Homes Fees Agency
Tel: 0800 99 88 33 or visit: www.nhfa.co.uk
Eldercare Solutions Ltd
Tel: 01707 368 945 or visit: www.eldercare-solutions.co.uk
Your local Social Services department
Please find your local Social Services number in your local telephone book.
