Funding Home Care in Wiltshire

Funding home care in Wiltshire can be navigated through understanding the available resources like council funding, the NHS continuing care, and private funding.

Home Care in Wiltshire

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Understanding Home Care

Before delving into how to fund home care, it's crucial to understand what it encompasses. Simply put, home care is a flexible form of support that allows individuals, particularly the elderly or those with medical conditions, to remain in their home environment while receiving the necessary care. Home care may include services ranging from live-in care, hourly care, to respite care. You can learn more about these different categories of home care in Wiltshire on the PrimeCarers website.

Council Funding for Home Care

The first main type of funding to consider is council funding. This involves financial support given by the local authority, in this case, the Wiltshire council. If you have a limited monthly income, have personal savings of less than £23,250, and have been assessed to have eligible care needs, then you may qualify for council funding.

How Does Council Funding Work?

Once your financial and care needs assessments have been done, a personalized care plan will be created if you are eligible for support. The local authority allocates a “personal budget” to meet your care needs, which can be managed in various ways. The local authority can either pay a care agency of your choice directly, or you can receive the cash to pay for your care services yourself.

How Can I Apply?

The first step to applying for council funding is to contact Wiltshire’s local authority and request an assessment. The Wiltshire Council's website provides more detailed guidance on the application process.

NHS Continuing Care

The second primary source of funding home care is through the NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC). If you have complex, intense, and unpredictable healthcare needs due to disability, accident or illness, you may be eligible.

How Does NHS Continuing Care Work?

NHS CHC is a package of care arranged and funded solely by the healthcare system. The NHS pays for the entire package of care, including personal care and healthcare needs. However, securing CHC is not easy. Being deemed eligible for CHC involves an in-depth assessment by a team of health and social care professionals.

How Can I Apply?

Your GP or social worker can refer you for an NHS CHC assessment if they deem you might be eligible. The Bath, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Commissioning Board has more information on this.

Private Funding

The final funding avenue to explore is private funding, for individuals who can afford it. Self-funding means paying the fees for your care services independently, without financial support from the local authority or the NHS.

How Does Private Funding Work?

Private funding gives you the flexibility to choose your care provider without having to meet any eligibility criteria for financial assistance. However, it is crucial to get financial advice before choosing this option to ensure it is sustainable in the long term.

How Can I Go About It?

With private funding, you would typically approach a home care provider directly, like PrimeCarers, who can provide a comprehensive cost estimate for the services you require.

Conclusion

Understanding the funding options for home care in Wiltshire, from council funding, NHS Continuing Healthcare to private funding, is crucial to navigating the process and making the best decisions for you or your loved ones. Remember, every situation is unique, and there is more than one path to securing quality home care in Wiltshire. So, take the time to explore all your options, seek advice as needed, and make the financial decisions that are best for you and your family.