Funding Home Care in Staffordshire

Funding home care in Staffordshire involves sourcing from various providers like the local authority, NHS continuing care and private funding.

Home Care in Staffordshire

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Primary Sources of Funding for Home Care

Funding for home care can be sourced from three main channels: council funding, NHS continuing healthcare, and private funding. Each of these has its own specific processes and eligibility criteria.

Council funding

Staffordshire Local Authority Funding

The local council in Staffordshire may be able to provide funding for home care. The local council supports individuals with everyday tasks, such as washing and dressing, shopping and managing finances, or socialising and staying safe and secure at home. Before they can offer assistance, they first need to carry out a needs assessment, which is done free of charge. Find the specifics on the Staffordshire local council site.

How Does Local Authority Funding Work?

The local authority will conduct a needs assessment to assess what level of care you require. This process considers your physical and mental health and what are your specific needs. Upon completion of the assessment, the council will calculate how much it would cost to meet those needs. This is the Personal Budget, which can be taken as a direct payment, for you to use to commission your own care, or the council can contract services on your behalf.

What are the First Steps?

Contact your local council in Staffordshire and request a needs assessment. It's worth getting advice from an independent financial advisor to help you understand what funding you're eligible for.

NHS Continuing Care

Overview

NHS continuing healthcare is a scheme for adults in England with long-term, complex health needs. This funding is offered by the Staffordshire Integrated Commissioning Board (ICB), which replaced the Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs). More details on NHS continuing healthcare can be found at Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust website.

How does NHS Continuing Care Work?

If you're eligible, the NHS will pay for your healthcare as well as the personal care you need to stay in your own home. The amount you receive will depend on your specific needs. A healthcare professional or social worker can apply on your behalf.

What are the First Steps?

Contact your GP or social worker, to start a screening process for NHS continuing care. They will first do a simple screening test called a 'Checkpoint Tool'. If the outcomes suggest that you may be eligible, then a full assessment is arranged.

Private Funding

Overview

If you are not eligible for local authority or NHS continuing care, you may need to self-fund your home care. On PrimeCarers, you can find more about the costs and providers for home care in Staffordshire.

How Does Private Funding Work?

Private funding entails using your own personal finances to meet the cost of your care. The amount you pay for home care will depend on the level of support and the number of hours you require.

What are the First Steps?

Begin with determining the level of support you need. Then research different home care providers to find one that suits your needs and budget. Always remember that it's wise to consult with an independent financial adviser before making final decisions.

Different Categories of Home Care

When considering home care, it's crucial to realise that different situations require different types of care. Staffordshire offers a range of options to choose from, these include hourly care, live-in care and respite care.

Hourly Care

Hourly care can range from a check-in service a few times a week, to several visits a day. Each visit can last from a half-hour to several hours, depending on what support you need. You can find hourly home care in Staffordshire with PrimeCarers.

Live-in Care

In this type of care, a carer lives in the home of the person needing care. The carer is there to assist with the individual's needs and provides both companionship and reassurance 24 hours a day. The cost of live-in care in Staffordshire can be substantial, but it can be a cost-effective alternative to a care home.

Respite Care

Respite care allows usual carers, typically close family members, to have a break. A respite period can last from a few days to several weeks. Respite Care can be arranged at short notice, in emergencies.

In Summary

Funding home care in Staffordshire can be done through local authority funding, NHS continuing healthcare and private funding. Understanding the providers' systems and the processes involved in obtaining these funds is crucial to making an informed choice. Always remember that every situation is unique, requiring a unique care solution, whether that be live-in care, hourly care or respite care. Always refer to the Staffordshire county council’s website and the NHS continuing healthcare in Staffordshire for more detailed information on these funding sources. Ultimately, investing in the right care is the best decision for ensuring your wellbeing.