Funding Home Care in Stoke-on-Trent

You can finance home care in Stoke-on-Trent through council funding, NHS continuing care, and private funding.

Home Care in Stoke-on-Trent

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A Deep Dive into Council Funding

To comprehend the intricacies of council funding, you must first understand the assessment and approval process. If you think you may be eligible for financial assistance from the Stoke-on-Trent local authority, the first step is to contact them for a care needs assessment.

The Care Needs Assessment and Financial Assessment

The care needs assessment examines the specific type of care you require. This could range from live-in care to hourly care or even respite care. Regardless of the type of care required, the assessment helps determine the level of support required at home.

Following a needs assessment, a financial assessment — also known as a means test — considers your income, savings, and assets to assess your capability to contribute to your care cost. The maximum amount you may be asked to pay will depend on your financial capacity.

Additional Third-Party Top-Ups

In certain cases, if the council is providing funding but it isn't enough to cover the full cost of your care, a third party (like a friend or family member) may offer to pay the difference. This is known as a "top-up fee."

NHS Continuing Healthcare: What You Need To Know

The National Health Service (NHS) provides a service known as NHS Continuing Healthcare. This package of care is fully funded by the NHS for individuals with a high level of health-related care needs. The healthcare needs of a person are identified by a national tool known as the Continuing Healthcare Decision Support Tool for NHS Continuing Healthcare.

As in the case of council funding, your initial contact should be the Staffordshire integrated commissioning board. With the NHS, a comprehensive assessment of your healthcare needs will be carried out by a multidisciplinary team (MDT). The MDT consists of two health or care professionals who are already involved in your care.

Private Funding: Self-funding Your Care

Unfortunately, not everyone is eligible for council or NHS funding. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t worry. There are still options available.

Self-funding your care is one such option that many people opt for. However, it's worth bearing in mind that this type of funding relies heavily on having sufficient personal savings or assets to sell to cover the cost of home care.

Seeking Financial Advice

It is prudent to seek advice from a financial adviser to explore your options, particularly when considering longer-term care requirements. A financial adviser can provide guidance on how to maximise your income and savings to cover your care costs.

Equity Release

Equity release is also a consideration for those who own their own home. This process allows you to unlock the value of your property to fund your care while you continue to live in it. However, this should be considered carefully as it can have implications for your estate and potential inheritance.

Further Advice and Information

To explore your funding options in more detail, you can refer to the complete guides on the PrimeCarers website discussing Local Authority Funding, NHS Continuing Healthcare and Self-Funding Care.

Discovering the Best Care Providers in Stoke-on-Trent

Once your funding is in place, you’ll want to begin exploring the best home carers in Stoke-on-Trent or the types of home care available in the area to suit your specific needs.

At PrimeCarers, we can help you find a suitably experienced and empathetic caregiver, whether you need live-in care, hourly care, or respite care, tailored to your personal needs and requirements.

There is a lot to consider when funding home care, and it can be a complex and often daunting prospect. However, with careful planning and the right advice, it is often possible to put the necessary arrangements in place, helping you to maintain your independence and quality of life for as long as possible.