Funding Live-in Care in Blackburn with Darwen

As our loved ones age, or experience difficulties related to health conditions, ensuring they receive the appropriate support becomes a top priority. For many people in Blackburn with Darwen, having a live-in carer is the preferred solution. But how can you fund such care? In this article, we explore a range of funding options from council funding to NHS continuing care, and private funding.

Live-in Care in Blackburn with Darwen

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1. Council Funding Options

Live-in care costs can be daunting. If you're not sure where to get help with the funding, Blackburn with Darwen local authority could provide assistance. This council’s Adult Social Care financial information shows links to sources of support and funding.

Under council funding, if you or a loved one have been determined to be in need of care, the local authority may provide financial support for live-in care services. This process starts with a care needs assessment where social services evaluate the individual's care requirements.

Once the need for care is established, a financial assessment, or means test, is carried out. This looks at income, savings, and assets to determine whether the council will fund the care, and if so, how much they will cover. If eligible, council funding could significantly reduce the care expenditure.

2. NHS Continuing Healthcare

NHS Continuing Healthcare is a package of continuing care that is arranged and funded entirely by the NHS, as the name suggests. This type of funding is for individuals who have complex medical requirements that can’t be met by regular social care services.

The funding is managed by the local Integrated Commissioning Board (ICB). They replaced the Clinical Commissioning Groups and are now responsible for assessing a patient's need for ongoing care.

The process begins with an NHS checklist assessment to ascertain whether the individual's needs are primarily health-based. If the outcome is positive, a full assessment is then conducted by a multidisciplinary team (MDT) to determine eligibility.

It's worth noting that the criteria for NHS Continuing Healthcare are stringent, and the funding is targeted at those with intense, unpredictable medical needs.

3. Private Funding or Self-Funding

For some people, self-funding or private funding is the most viable option. This usually means using personal savings, pensions, investments, or equity release schemes to meet care costs.

Private funding of live-in care provides the benefit of choice and control over care services, as there is no requirement to mainstream care providers. Information on the cost of such care is available in greater detail here.

It's worth working with a financial adviser familiar with long-term care funding to explore the best ways of managing your finances in such situations.

Taking the First Steps

The first steps in securing funding for live-in care are to identify the care needs and then understand the funding options. Knowing where to look for information can be daunting, so here are the key actions for each funding type:

Council Funding:

1. Request a care needs assessment from the local authority.
2. If eligible, a financial assessment (means test) will be conducted.
3. A support or care plan is developed, outlining the services to be provided and the financial contribution, if any, from the local authority.

Support in finding the ideal live-in carer in Blackburn with Darwen area is available here.

NHS Continuing Healthcare:

1. Request an NHS checklist assessment from the GP, social worker, or hospital discharge team.
2. If the checklist assessment is positive, a full assessment will be conducted by a multidisciplinary team (MDT)
3. If eligible, the ICB will organize and fund the full cost of care, including accommodation and healthcare.

Read more about the NHS Continuing Healthcare here.

Private Funding:

1. Set-up a consultation with a financial adviser to discuss options.
2. Determine the type of care required.
3. Search for the best live-in carers in Blackburn with Darwen area here.
4. Organise the care package directly with the care provider.

A comprehensive guide to self-funding care is available here.

In Conclusion

Taking steps towards arranging live-in care for your loved ones can be overwhelming. Yet, understanding the funding options available can help lighten the burden. If you've decided that live-in care is the best option, exploring these funding methods can give you a clear insight, aiding your journey to securing suitable care. Remember to always seek advice where needed, and to follow the correct channels in obtaining the necessary assessments for eligibility.