Funding Live-in Care in Barking and Dagenham

When it comes to caring for your loved ones, be it an elderly parent, a disabled family member, or a spouse with complex medical needs, choosing the right care is paramount. One such option is live-in care, but figuring out how to fund it can be a daunting task, especially in Barking and Dagenham. Fortunately, there are several ways you can do this, including council funding, NHS continuing care, and private funding.

Let's take a closer look at each of these sources of funding, how they operate, and the necessary steps to begin the process.

Live-in Care in Barking and Dagenham

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Council Funding: Local Authority Support

The local authority plays a considerable role in offering financial support for live-in care. It all begins with a care assessment, which determines the sort of care you need, what level, and how it fits into the care system.

After this, the council performs a means test to evaluate your financial state. If the result suggests you can't pay for a carer, the local authority can contribute or fund the full costs of care. For those living in Barking and Dagenham, the local governing body to reference would be the Barking and Dagenham council.

The primary eligibility factor is based on three things: your physical and mental state, the level of support needed, and the sustainability of your financial situation.

Therefore, the first step is to contact your local Barking and Dagenham council and arrange for a care needs assessment. The process can take several weeks, so ensure to factor in this time when planning.

NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)

Our NHS provides continuing healthcare for those with long-term, complex health needs. The North East London Integrated Commissioning Board (ICB), which includes Barking and Dagenham, covers such an option.

Continuing healthcare is a package funded entirely by the NHS. It's only available for individuals who demonstrate a 'primary health need'. This need is characterised by the nature, complexity, intensity, and unpredictability of a person's healthcare requirements.

The key steps to getting NHS CHC involve:

• Check the initial criteria: The professionals in charge of the person’s care carry out a “Checklist tool” which helps to decide if the person could be eligible for NHS CHC.
• Assessment: If deemed potentially eligible, a multidisciplinary team then conducts a full assessment using a 'Decision Support Tool.'
• Recommendation: The multidisciplinary team uses the DST to come up with a suggestion about whether the person has a primary health need.
• Decision: The final decision is made by the NHS North East London ICB based on the recommendation. The ICB will explain the reasons for its decision in writing.

For comprehensive details on NHS CHC, refer to Complete Guide to NHS Continuing Healthcare.

Private Funding: Self-Funded Care

There's also the option to privately fund care, which often provides flexibility and control over the care you receive, including live-in carers in Barking and Dagenham. If your income or assets (like your home or savings) disqualify you from receiving financial aid from the local authority or NHS, self-funding becomes the most likely possibility.

A crucial part of self-funding is understanding the cost of care in your area. You can reference this indepth guide on the Cost of Live-in Care in Barking and Dagenham that details the associated expenses.

The first step to self-funded care is finding and assessing potential care providers. Once you've shortlisted potential carers, you'll need to confirm they can meet your specific care needs. It helps to compile key questions and important details about the individual requiring care when meeting potential providers.

For a broader understanding of self-funding, check out the Complete Guide to Self-Funding Care.

Wrapping Up

Identifying how to fund live-in care can be overwhelming, but there's help available to navigate this complex process. Be it through local authority, NHS continuing healthcare, or private funding, you have multiple options to find one that suits your personal situation best.

Remember, the first step is often the hardest. Start by assessing your needs, reach out to your local council or ICB, and explore self-funding if needed. Regardless of your pathway, don't hesitate to seek advice and ensure that your loved ones receive the quality care they deserve.