Funding Live-in Care in Darlington

Understanding how to fund live-in care can seem overwhelming, but this detailed guide will take you through the different funding options available to you in Darlington, including council funding, NHS continuing care, and private funding. Each of these funding types has its own process and requirements, which we will delve into in this article.

Live-in Care in Darlington

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Council Funding for Live-in Care

Understanding Council Funding

Council funding is one of the most common sources of funding for live-in care. The local authority provides financial support to those in need of care who cannot afford it independently.

Eligibility for council funding depends on two key factors - an individual’s care needs and their financial situation. An assessment is carried out by the Darlington Local Authority, which not only determines the level of care you require but will also consider your income and savings to assess whether you’re eligible for financial support.

First Steps to Access Council Funding

The first step to access council funding is to contact your local authority to undergo a Care Needs Assessment. This assessment will evaluate your physical and mental wellbeing, as well as your overall ability to carry out daily living tasks such as eating, bathing, and moving around.

If your care needs meet a certain threshold, then a Financial Assessment (or means test) will follow to ascertain your ability to contribute towards the cost of your care. The threshold is based on both your income and savings.

Should you be deemed eligible, the council can either arrange the services you require, or provide a Direct Payment, allowing you to choose and pay for your care independently.

NHS Continuing Care

Understanding NHS Continuing Care

NHS continuing health care (CHC) is a package of care arranged and funded solely by the NHS, provided to individuals who have complex, ongoing healthcare needs.

This differs from Local Authority care because it covers more than just social care — it can also include healthcare, such as services from a community nurse or a therapist. The key characteristic of NHS CHC is that the NHS pays for all of the care costs, including living costs, personal care, and healthcare costs.

First Steps to Access NHS Continuing Care

The application process for NHS CHC requires an initial screening, usually undertaken by a nurse or social worker, to see if you qualify for a full assessment. This initial screening uses a tool called the Checklist Assessment.

If the Checklist Assessment indicates NHS CHC may be appropriate, a more detailed assessment is carried out by a multi-disciplinary team from the Durham, Darlington, Teesside, Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby integrated commissioning board.

This full assessment uses a Decision Support Tool (DST), which focuses on 12 care domains (or areas) to assess the level, complexity, and unpredictability of needs. If the DST indicates a 'primary health need', the NHS will fund the care through NHS CHC.

Private Funding for Live-in Care

Understanding Private Funding

Private funding, otherwise known as 'self-funding’, refers to using personal savings, investments or assets to cover the costs of care. This is often the avenue pursued by those who do not qualify for council funding or NHS CHC.

Although this can initially seem daunting, private funding provides greater flexibility over the choice of care, without the restrictions that can come with council and NHS funding. Carefully planning your funding strategy can help make private funding more manageable, such as using immediate needs annuities or equity release schemes.

First Steps to Access Private Funding

When planning to use private funding, the key first step is to get a full understanding of the potential costs involved. This means researching the cost of live-in care in Darlington.

You may also find it beneficial to seek independent financial advice to help you navigate through the various financial products and schemes available. This can range from investment strategies, to learning about the ways to maximize your income and savings.

Choosing The Best Live-in Care

With a clearer understanding of how to fund live-in care in Darlington, you can start searching for the best live-in carers. Remember, the most important thing is finding the care that works best for you, and that all options explored meet your individual needs and circumstances.

Accessing care can mark a new phase of life. Fully understanding all your options, from council funding, to NHS continuing care, to self-funding, can help you make confident, informed decisions that result in the best possible care for your unique situation.

For further reading, have a look at our complete guide to Live-in Care. Providing care should never be a burden; we're here to support you and your loved ones on this journey. Always remember, irrespective of the funding methods involved, the quality of care and the wellbeing of the individual in need is paramount.