Funding Home Care in Westminster

Funding Home Care in Westminster involves understanding the various sources of finance including local authority funding, NHS continuing health care and private funding.

Home Care in Westminster

Read Now

Local Authority Funding

If you or a loved one requires home care in Westminster, the first port of call should often be your local council. In Westminster, the local authority can possibly provide funding for home care, and this is arranged through an assessment of your social care needs and your financial circumstances. To apply, visit the Westminster local authority website.

How Local Authority Funding Works

The Westminster local authority determines eligibility for home care funding through a two-step process. Firstly, a needs assessment is conducted. This is an examination of your care needs carried out by a specially trained assessor. It is important to note that the needs assessment is free and available to anyone who may require care.

If the needs assessment determines that you need care, the next step is a financial assessment. This looks into your income, savings and assets to determine if you can afford to pay for your care given your financial situation.

There are specific thresholds in place to determine your eligibility for funding and how much you might have to contribute. If your capital is below £14,250, you may be entitled to maximum support. In the middle, if you have between £14,250 and £23,250, you will be expected to contribute towards your care. If your capital exceeds £23,250, mostly you will have to meet your care costs in full.

Taking The First Steps

To begin the process for the local authority funding, contact the local authority in Westminster directly or use the online application portal. It may be beneficial to gather financial documents such as bank statements and asset details before the financial assessment to speed up the process.

NHS Continuing Healthcare

NHS continuing healthcare (CHC) is another source of funding for those whose primary care need is a health need. This is a package funded by the NHS, offering care for individuals who have complex medical conditions that require substantial ongoing care.

How NHS Continuing Healthcare Works

NHS continuing healthcare is coordinated by Westminster’s Integrated Commissioning Board (ICB). This replaces the previous system involving Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs). The ICB undertakes a comprehensive assessment of an individual’s care needs to determine if they qualify for funding under CHC.

If eligible, the NHS funds the totality of the individual's care costs, inclusive of care home fees or the cost of care at home. The primary factor in determining eligibility for CHC funding is the level and complexity of health needs, not the specific illness or diagnosis.

Taking The First Steps

To get assessed for NHS Continuing Healthcare, you can approach your GP, social worker, or a healthcare professional. They should be able to guide you through the steps in your locality. You can also retrieve more details on continuing healthcare from the North West London Integrated Commissioning Board.

Private Funding

Private funding offers another option for funding home care in Westminster, especially for individuals who may not be eligible for council or NHS funding.

How Private Funding Works

With private funding, the individual requiring care or their loved ones bear the cost of the care. The main advantage of private funding is the flexibility it offers; you can choose the type of care you need and when you want it.

The cost of private home care varies depending on the level and type of care required. Fortunately, PrimeCarers can help you understand the potential cost of home care in Westminster.

Taking the First Steps

The first step to private funding is evaluation, understanding the type and amount of care needed and how much this might cost. You can use the PrimeCarers platform to explore potential caregivers in Westminster to give you an idea of the costs involved. If long term care is required, consulting a financial advisor to discuss the best ways to fund the care could be beneficial.

Wrap up

Navigating the care system in the UK can be overwhelming, but understanding the form of funding and starting early is paramount. Whether you apply for Local Authority Funding, qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare or decide to goPrivate](https://primecarers.co.uk/funding-care/self-funding) With PrimeCarers, you’re never alone in this journey, and we’re here to help make this process as smooth as possible.