Funding Live-in Care in Hackney

There's no question that everyone deserves comfortable and safe living conditions, especially as they age. Many elderly and disabled individuals across the United Kingdom, especially in Hackney, require live-in care to maintain their quality of life. However, understanding how to fund live-in care can often be challenging. This is a complete guide aimed at demystifying the various ways to fund live-in care in Hackney.

Live-in Care in Hackney

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Understanding Live-In Care

Before delving into the nitty-gritty of the funding sources, it's essential to understand what live-in care entails. Live-in care involves having a professional caregiver live in the same home as the person needing care. The carer provides all necessary support, from personal care to assistance with daily activities or household chores. The cost of live-in care varies, and you can find the live-in care cost in Hackney here.

Primary Sources of Funding for Live-In Care

The three primary funding sources for live-in care are Council (Local Authority) Funding, NHS continuing care, and Private Funding. Each funding type differs in its approach, workings, and required first steps.

Local Authority Funding

Local Authorities, including Hackney's, can potentially provide financial assistance for live-in care. If the person needing care has a low income and limited savings, he or she might be eligible for council funding.

To access this funding, the first step is to contact the Hackney Local Authority to request a care needs assessment. This assessment examines the individual's care requirements to determine what kind of help is needed. Following this, a financial assessment (means test) will evaluate the person's financial resources to ascertain if they qualify for financial support.

If you qualify for aid, the Council will create a care and support plan, providing information on the services they will fund. You should note that the Hackney Local Authority can only fund support provided by approved agencies, so it's important to verify if your intended care provider is approved. More information about local authority financial arrangements for care can be found here.

NHS Continuing Healthcare

NHS Continuing Healthcare is a package of care funded entirely by the NHS for individuals who have significant ongoing healthcare needs. To be eligible, it must be apparent that the primary need is health-based, not related to social or personal care.

The first step in accessing this funding is a NHS screening process, known as a Checklist Assessment. If you qualify, a comprehensive assessment of your healthcare needs will be undertaken by a multidisciplinary team (MDT).

The decision to award funding considers the nature, complexity, intensity, and unpredictability of health needs. If granted, the NHS will take complete responsibility for funding the entirety of your healthcare.

North East London integrated commissioning board provides further details on NHS continuing healthcare here.

Private Funding

Private funding is the preferred route for individuals who have the financial resources to directly pay for live-in care. This option provides maximum control over the type of care that can be received, as it is not limited by local authority-approved providers or health-based requirements of the NHS Continuing Healthcare.

Private funding requires discussing requirements and associated costs with your chosen care provider. Be clear about your budget and financial expectation upfront to ensure you can adequately finance the care arrangement long-term.

More information on funding live-in care privately can be found here.

Other Funding Avenues

While the above are the primary funding sources for live-in care, there are other avenues you could explore:

• Collected Pension Plans or Disability Benefits: Many people forget that their careful pension planning could help cater for later life care. Also, remember to claim any disability benefits that could facilitate care costs.
• Equity Release: This involves releasing the value tied up in your home without having to move out. However, careful consideration is necessary due to the implications for inheritance and tax.
• Care Annuities: These are designed specifically to cover the cost of care. You pay a lump sum to an insurance company, and they provide a guaranteed income to cover your care costs for life.

Congratulations! You've taken the first step toward understanding how to fund live-in care. The road ahead may seem complex, but thorough research and careful planning can pave the way to comfortable living for you or your loved ones. Whether you choose to apply for local authority or NHS funding or have the means to privately fund your care, remember that live-in care is a valuable choice that promotes independence, dignity, and personalised care.