Funding Live-in Care in Herefordshire

Arranging care for yourself or a loved one can be a daunting task, but understanding the financial aspects should not compound the stress. This article will guide you on different avenues to secure funding for live-in care, focusing on Herefordshire. Live-in care, which allows individuals to receive specialised personal care whilst staying in the comfort of their own home, can be funded through several channels including council funding, NHS continuing care, and private funding.

Live-in Care in Herefordshire

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Council Funding

Herefordshire council can provide financial aid toward live-in care. To qualify for this help, the individual requiring care must undergo a care assessment, and afterwards, a financial assessment.

The care assessment aims to understand the level of support needed by the individual. It covers various aspects – from everyday tasks to specific needs like managing health conditions. On the other hand, the financial assessment will consider the income, savings, and assets of a person.

Herefordshire council uses the financial assessment to determine whether someone is eligible for financial support and if so, to what extent. Usually, if a person has over £23,250 in savings or assets, they may have to self-fund their care. However, the value of their primary residence is not taken into account if they or their partner are still residing in it.

For further information on council-funded care, consult Herefordshire’s social and care support page.

NHS Continuing Care

NHS continuing healthcare is a funding scheme catered for individuals enduring significant ongoing healthcare needs. It covers the entire cost of care – from care home fees to the expenses for a carer to provide live-in care at home.

The eligibility for NHS continuing healthcare is not age-dependent but needs-based. The NHS uses a comprehensive assessment process, focusing on the nature, complexity, intensity, and unpredictability of an individual’s healthcare needs.

It’s important to note that the NHS continuing healthcare is entirely funded by the NHS, implying the individual's financial condition does not influence eligibility.

Herefordshire and Worcestershire integrated commissioning board administrate this funding process locally. For detailed information on NHS continuing healthcare in Herefordshire, visit the Herefordshire and Worcestershire CCG's page on continuing healthcare.

Private Funding

If you do not qualify for council funding or NHS continuing healthcare, private funding is an alternative route to cover live-in care expenses. This refers to paying for care services personally, or 'self-funding'.

The principal benefit of private funding is choice and control – you can choose the service you want, when you want it, without navigating institutional rules and requirements.

However, self-funding care can be expensive, putting a significant dent in savings. Consequently, it's recommendable to seek financial advice to identify and manage resources effectively. An advisor familiar with care costs and funding options can help make the most of your financial reserves while ensuring the right care is accessible when it's needed. To learn more about self-funding and how it works, read the Prime Carers' complete guide on self-funding care.

The First Steps

The process begins by identifying the appropriate care required and qualifying for funding.

If council funding is the intended route, begin by contacting social services at the Herefordshire Council to initiate a care and financial assessment.

For those considering the NHS continuing healthcare, it'll be ideal to request an assessment via a health or social care professional like the GP, social worker, or district nurse. The first stage (the checklist assessment) can be executed at home, a hospital, a nursing home, etc.

When opting for private funding, it's advisable to conduct comprehensive research about live-in care services within Herefordshire. Use resources like the Prime Carers site to find and compare different care services. Make sure to seek financial advice if you're feeling lost with expenditure planning.

Final Thoughts

Funding live-in care in Herefordshire, or any part of the UK, can be intricate. It's crucial to research all available options and familiarise oneself with potential funding avenues, whether it's Herefordshire council funding, NHS continuing healthcare, or private funding.

Although securing funding can be time-consuming and potentially overwhelming, remember that help is available. Arm yourself with appropriate knowledge, get professional guidance, and take one step at a time toward the goal of securing the right quality care for you or your loved one.

For more information on live-in care in Herefordshire, look through our comprehensive guides:

• Cost of Live-in Care in Herefordshire
• Find Live-in Care in Herefordshire
• Best Live-in Carers in Herefordshire
• Complete Guide to Live-in Care