Funding Home Care in Lewisham

Understanding how to fund home care in Lewisham involves exploring various sources such as council funding, NHS continuing care, and private funding. Each option has unique characteristics, eligibility criteria, and application processes that must be fully understood.

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Council Funding for Home Care

Council funding for home care is typically accessed through the Lewisham local authority. This funding can be applied towards many types of home care, including live-in care, hourly care, and respite care.

Accessing Council Funding

To avail of council funding, the first step is to organise a care needs assessment with the Lewisham local authority. Based on the needs, a personalised care and support plan will be developed, and a financial assessment will determine how much you will need to contribute to the cost of your care. Further details on the Lewisham council funding criteria can be found at the Lewisham Government website.

The Financial Assessment for Council Funding

Your income, savings, and assets will be taken into account during the financial assessment. Keep in mind that owning a property does not necessarily disqualify you from receiving financial aid. The council considers various factors, not just your property, in determining eligibility.

If you're eligible, the local authority will then put you in touch with approved care services in Lewisham or fund you directly via direct payments, enabling you to pay for your chosen care services. Our guide to Local Authority Funding provides more details on this.

NHS Continuing Care

NHS continuing care is a scheme that funds individuals with significant, ongoing health conditions. This can be utilised to fund home care services in Lewisham.

Applying for NHS Continuing Care

The process of application begins with a checklist assessment which, if met, proceeds to a full assessment carried out by a multidisciplinary team. The team utilises a detailed set of health and care needs descriptors to identify whether someone is eligible for funding.

Final decisions about eligibility are made by the South East London Integrated Commissioning Board (ICB). More information about NHS continuing healthcare can be found here.

What NHS Continuing Care Covers

If awarded the funding, a personalised plan will be created according to your needs, and it may include services like nursing care, personal care, and support with everyday activities. Our Complete Guide to NHS Continuing Healthcare contains comprehensive information on this subject.

Self-funding Home Care

If you do not qualify for either council or NHS funding, or you simply prefer to manage your care independently, you may opt for private funding of home care services. This usually involves self-funding, and it provides maximum control over the care received.

How to Self-fund Home Care

When it comes to self-funding care, keeping an eye on expenses is critical. The overall cost depends on the nature and duration of care needed, location of care, and the specific care provider chosen. And while self-funding offers greater control, it might be worth consulting with a financial adviser to ensure that your resources can adequately cover your care needs long-term.

Our guide on the Cost of Home Care in Lewisham can help provide a better understanding of potential costs involved. We also have a resourceful guide to Self-Funding Care that covers the topic extensively.

Seeking Help to Navigate Funding Options

Understanding how to fund home care in Lewisham can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with a time of need. Services and organisations such as Age UK Lewisham and Southwark, Lewisham’s Information & Advice Service and Independent Age provide free advice and guidance.

Moreover, at PrimeCarers, we're committed to helping you navigate the process towards getting the care you need. We offer a range of home care options in Lewisham delivered by skilled and compassionate carers.

Once your funding is secured, whether it's through council funding, NHS continuing care or private funding, we can help you find the best home carers in Lewisham.

Conclusion

Arranging funding for home care is a vital part of ensuring you or your loved ones receive the necessary support. Lewisham's residents have options for funding through the council, NHS, or private funding. By understanding these options and exploring the resources that are available, you can make informed decisions about how to fund home care. Always remember, the right support and care is everyone's right - and there are numerous avenues available to ensure that financial concerns do not prevent anyone from accessing excellent care.