Funding Home Care in Tyne and Wear

Funding home care in Tyne and Wear can be navigated through three primary sources: council funding, NHS continuing care, and private funding.

Home Care in Tyne and Wear

Read Now

Council Funding

When considering funding for home care within Tyne and Wear, the first port of call could be the local authority. The Tyne and Wear local council offers helpful advice and potentially financial support to those looking into care options.

How it Works

Council funding for home care typically works after an assessment of needs, carried out by social services. This assessment takes into account personal care requirements for tasks such as washing, eating, and personal mobility, as well as potential support needs for social activities.

It’s followed by a means test to determine whether the care recipient is financially eligible for support. If the care recipient has more than £23,350 in capital (savings, property, etc.), they will unlikely be eligible for financial support.

First Steps to Access Council Funding

Start by contacting the local authority and request an assessment from social services. This can be done online or by a telephone call. Be prepared to provide full details of the care recipient's personal circumstances and a comprehensive understanding of their care needs.

Once the assessment is complete you’ll be informed whether you qualify for financial support. The council will create a personalized care plan outlining the care required and its costs. In a scenario where the amount of care costs above the council's funding limit, the care recipient may need to pay the difference.

NHS Continuing Care

NHS continuing care is another option for funding home care in Tyne and Wear.

How it Works

NHS Continuing Healthcare is a funding scheme for those who have significant ongoing health needs. According to Northumberland, Tyne and Wear and North Durham integrated commissioning board, eligibility for NHS Continuing Healthcare is based on a detailed assessment of the individual's physical, mental and emotional needs.

NHS Continuing Healthcare covers the total cost of care, including personal and healthcare costs. Importantly, paying for care through NHS Continuing Healthcare doesn't depend on one's income or savings but strictly on their health needs.

First Steps for NHS Continuing Care Funding

Start the NHS application process by communicating with a health or social care professional. They can submit an initial checklist assessment, which helps to determine if the individual might qualify for full assessment. Based on this complete assessment, the Integrated Commissioning Board will decide on the application.

Private Funding

Should one not qualify for either Council or NHS funding or prefer to fund themselves, private funding is an available option.

How it Works

When it comes to private funding or self-funding, the individual pays for their home care themselves. This offers significant choice and control over the kind of care received. Types of home care could be live-in care, respite care, or hourly care.

The costs of home care in Tyne and Wear can vary depending on the type and amount of care needed, the location, and the home carer or agency hired. Learn more about these costs in our comprehensive guide.

Steps to Private Funding

If opting to self-fund care, there are no assessments to go through or wait for. After calculating necessary finances, one can start researching to find a suitable carer or agency. PrimeCarers offers a comprehensive database of graded and reviewed carers in Tyne and Wear.

Understanding the costs involved, making a suitable plan, and possibly getting some financial advice would be beneficial steps to start self-funding home care. For a more in-depth understanding, read our complete guide to self-funding care.

Conclusion

Securing funding for home care in Tyne and Wear is achievable through multiple channels. To make an informed decision, consider all available options: local authority, NHS Continuing Healthcare, and private funding. Begin this journey with comprehensive evaluations of care needs and financial circumstances. With research and overseen proceedings, obtaining home care requirements in Tyne and Wear is manageable and attainable.