About
Locations
Resources
Find Care
Become a Carer
About
Locations
Resources
Find Care
Become a Carer
Funding home care in Derby involves understanding and exploring multiple sources, such as council funding, NHS continuing healthcare, and private funding.
If you are a resident of Derby in need of home care services, you may be eligible for financial aid from the local council. This funding can aid in covering costs related to live-in care, hourly care, and respite care, depending on specific requirements.
Council funding is subject to a financial assessment conducted by the Derby local authority to determine the level of contribution from the council towards home care services. This evaluation is also known as a 'means test', which takes into account your income, savings, and property assets.
The main goal of this financial assessment is to ensure that individuals with modest means can receive the necessary care without shouldering the cost independently. If you are deemed eligible, the council will contribute to your home care costs either partially or in full (link).
The initial step in applying for council funding for home care is to organise a care assessment through the local authority. This can be done by contacting them directly. The council will conduct a needs assessment to identify what support you require and how often.
If the assessment concludes you need support, the financial assessment follows to ascertain how much you can pay and how much the council will provide. It's essential to note that council funding will only cover 'eligible needs' identified during these assessments.
For individuals with extensive ongoing healthcare needs, the Derbyshire Integrated Commissioning Board may provide NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC). This is a package of care arranged and funded by the NHS and can be delivered in any setting, including your own home.
NHS Continuing Healthcare is designed for people with long-term, significant health conditions. These needs could be due to an illness, disability, or the effects of old age. If you are eligible, the NHS will fund the full cost of your care, regardless of your financial status (link).
This type of healthcare differs from most NHS services, as it covers both healthcare and personal care. It can be used to fund complex care at home, including the cost of health professionals and private carers. However, acquiring funding requires meeting specific criteria.
To access NHS Continuing Healthcare, you must first undergo an initial screening known as the Checklist Tool. This screening is used to gauge whether you have a reasonable chance of being eligible for this type of funding.
If you successfully pass the initial screening, a full assessment is next. Here, a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals will undertake a comprehensive evaluation named the Decision Support Tool (DST). This tool assesses 12 domains of need, including behaviour, cognition, psychological needs, and mobility, among others.
Success in this assessment means that the NHS will fund and arrange your entire package of care, which may include home care services.
For those who may not be eligible for council or NHS funding, or simply prefer to organise care independently, private funding is an ample option. This means using your personal finances to cover the cost of home care.
Private funding entails using one's savings, pension, or income from property assets to pay for care services. This option provides you with control and choice over where, when, and how you receive your home care services.
The exact cost of home care in Derby can vary, depending on your specific needs, the type and amount of care required, and the agency or professional carer chosen.
The first step is to evaluate your needs, which can be done with the assistance of a healthcare professional or independent care adviser. With this information at hand, you can choose to consult with a local or online directory of care services to find a care provider that fits your requirements and budget.
PrimeCarers is one such platform that can aid you in finding the best home carers in Derby. With information on the types of care available, including live-in care, hourly care, and respite care, considering your options becomes manageable.
Remember, seeking financial advice from an experienced adviser when considering private funding is always prudent to ensure the sustainability of your care plan.
In conclusion, funding home care in Derby is an exploratory process that involves a careful analysis of various offerings and services. With the right support from council funding, NHS Continuing Health Care, and private alternatives, it is possible to find a solution that best fits your home care needs.
James Bowdler
Author
Local Carers Near