Funding Home Care in West Sussex

The funding of home care in West Sussex can be effected through exploring council funding, NHS continuing healthcare, and private funding.

Home Care in West Sussex

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Council Funding for Home Care

Council funding, also known as local authority funding, is a significant source for financing home care, especially for those who cannot afford the costs. In West Sussex, the local authority looks into individual cases to assess the financial capability of the person needing care. You can find all the necessary information on the West Sussex official website.

How Does Council Funding Work?

When you approach the local council for funding, they carry out a two-part assessment: first, a needs assessment, then a financial assessment. The needs assessment evaluates the level of care required while the financial assessment reviews your income and savings to determine what contributions you can make, if any.

The council uses the collected information to create a personalised care and support plan, outlining the type of support you require—be it live-in, hourly, or respite care. To understand the available home care types in West Sussex, you can learn more from the Types of Home Care Available in West Sussex guide.

First Steps to Take

The initial step in accessing council funding for home care is to arrange a care needs assessment with the local authority. The result of this assessment will establish whether you are eligible for financial support. However, it's good to remember that even if the council determines you are able to self-fund your own care, they are still obliged to guide and provide you with information to help find the care you need, like best home carers in West Sussex.

NHS Continuing Healthcare

If you have intense, complex health needs due to a disability or severe illness, you may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare. This is fully funded care, at home, and is organised and financed by the NHS through their local Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG). However, the CCGs have recently been replaced by Integrated Commissioning Boards (ICBs) that assess a patient's need for continuous care. The Sussex and East Surrey ICB covers West Sussex.

How Does NHS Continuing Healthcare Work?

NHS Continuing Healthcare includes social and personal care costs. The provision of NHS Continuing Healthcare is based solely on health needs, so everyone can receive this, irrespective of their financial status. It involves a two-stage assessment process: an initial screening process using the Checklist tool and, if you pass, a full assessment by a team of health and social care professionals using the Decision Support Tool.

First Steps to Take

To start the process, you can request an NHS Continuing Healthcare assessment from your GP, social worker or other healthcare professional. The Complete Guide to NHS Continuing Healthcare provides further insight into the process, including the assessment, eligibility, and advocacy.

Private Funding for Home Care

Sometimes, you might not qualify for council funding or NHS continuing healthcare, or you may prefer to organise your own care services. In this instance, private funding becomes the alternative. It's important to understand the cost of home care in West Sussex before you decide to privately fund your home care.

How Does Private Funding Work?

With private funding, also known as self-funding, you pay for your own care directly. The care services include live-in care, hourly rates, or respite care, depending on your specific needs. Private funding comes with the advantage of flexibility—you can choose the care services you want when you want them. However, remember that costs can quickly rise, so it is sensible to plan and manage your funds wisely.

First Steps to Take

Once you decide to privately fund your home care, the first step is to identify your care needs. This might involve getting a care needs assessment from the local council, even if you won't be using their funding. This way, you will have a clear idea of what kind of care is best for you. Remember, private doesn't have to mean navigating it alone. Companies like PrimeCarers can help you find home care in West Sussex making the process easier.

To conclude, understanding the options available for funding home care in West Sussex is essential. Whether you qualify for council funding, NHS Continuing Healthcare or decide to privately fund your care, being informed will lead you to the right decision. Remember, the goal is to receive the right level of quality care catered to your specific needs.