Funding Live-in Care in Bath and North East Somerset

Coping with the reality that a loved one may no longer be able to care for themselves independently can be distressing. However, obtaining suitable and quality care is necessary to ensure their wellbeing. One such care option is live-in care.

Live-in care offers a means for individuals to obtain round-the-clock care within the comfort of their own home. However, an obstacle that many individuals and families face when arranging live-in care is securing appropriate funding.

In Bath and North East Somerset, there are three primary sources of funding for live-in care: Council Funding, NHS Continuing Care, and Private Funding. This article aims to shed light on these funding sources, explaining how each one works and the initial steps to take to secure them.

To learn more about the cost and benefits of live-in care, be sure to read our articles on the Cost of Live-in Care in Bath and North East Somerset and Best Live-in Carers in Bath and North East Somerset. Also check out our Complete Guide to Live-in Care for a comprehensive understanding of this type of care.

Live-in Care in Bath and North East Somerset

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Council Funding

Council funding for live-in care is directed by the local authority in Bath and North East Somerset. It's designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who are deemed unable, due to physical or mental health conditions, to handle everyday tasks.

How Council Funding Works

Council funding primarily operates on the basis of an assessment. Performed by a professional assessor, this evaluation seeks to understand the applicant’s care and support needs. During the assessment, the assessor will look at your relative's needs, what outcomes they wish to achieve, and what level of financial support is appropriate.

The subsequent financial assessment, or means test, determines whether the individual is eligible for financial support from the council. It is calculated based on the person’s income and capital, including pension, benefits, and savings.

Please note, if the person is eligible to have their care needs assessed and is in immediate need of care, the council may provide interim funding.

For more information, our Complete Guide to Local Authority Funding provides an in-depth overview of this type of care funding.

First Steps to Council Funding

To start the application process for council funding, you must reach out to the Bath and North East Somerset local authority. You can find additional information on their website here.

After contacting the council, the individual in need of care should prepare for the Care Needs Assessment and the Financial Assessment.

If the Bath and North East Somerset council deems the individual eligible for care funding, they'll receive a personalised care and support plan. This plan outlines the care services they'll require and how they'll deliver them.

NHS Continuing Care

NHS Continuing Healthcare is a free package of care for people with significant and complex health needs. This scheme fully funds ongoing care, administered by Bath, Swindon, and Wiltshire's Integrated Commissioning Board (ICB).

How NHS Continuing Healthcare Works

To receive NHS Continuing Healthcare, an individual's need for care must be primarily health-related, and the level of care required must be significant. This requirement makes the scheme less suited for those whose needs are primarily social, although it can still be combined with other forms of funding.

For those eligible, the NHS funds the entire cost of care, including accommodation and healthcare costs. It is a particularly beneficial funding source for those requiring expensive, long-term healthcare services.

For more comprehensive information about the benefits, application process, and eligibility criteria, check out our Complete Guide to NHS Continuing Care.

First Steps to NHS Continuing Healthcare

To initiate the funding process, you should contact NHS Continuing Healthcare services at the Integrated Commissioning Board of Bath, Swindon, and Wiltshire. Further details are available here.

The initial step is to undergo a screening process using the NHS Checklist tool. If this screening is positive, the individual will then undergo a comprehensive assessment by healthcare professionals to identify if they are eligible for funding.

Private Funding

Private funding is an option for individuals or families who are not eligible for funding from the council or NHS, or for those who wish to augment the care services they receive.

How Private Funding Works

When it comes to private funding, the individual or their family covers the costs of care. This funding could come from savings, private insurance, equity release, or annuity purchase.

One vital aspect to consider with private funding is the potential fluctuations in costs. The cost of care can depend on the level of support needed, the care provider chosen, and the region. In Bath and North East Somerset, the cost of live-in care can vary. For more information about costs, you might find our article on the Cost of Live-in Care in Bath and North East Somerset helpful.

Make sure to read our Complete Guide to Self-Funding Care for a more detailed explanation of private funding.

First Steps to Private Funding

The first step in private funding is usually consulting a financial advisor. This professional can help identify the financial resources available and the best ways to use them to cover care costs.

To begin looking for a suitable live-in carer in the Bath and North East Somerset region, check out Find Live-in Care in Bath and North East Somerset.

Conclusion

Choosing and funding live-in care can at first seem daunting. However, with the right information and resources, there are avenues to secure funding whether through the council, NHS, or privately.

The key is to ascertain the care needs of the individual, figure out what care is required, and then investigate the most suitable funding options. By doing this, you can ensure your loved ones receive the care they deserve without undue financial strain.