Funding Live-in Care in Medway

As we age, the need for support, both physically and emotionally, intensifies. However, the question of how to fund this care can often be a daunting one. This article aims to unravel the complexities of live-in care funding in Medway to provide you with the information needed to address this problem effectively. We will be providing insights into council funding procedures, NHS continuing care, and private funding.

Live-in Care in Medway

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Council Funding: Medway Local Authority

One of the primary sources of funding for live-in care is your local council. The Medway local authority can play a significant role in helping to fund your live-in care.

The first step is to request a care assessment. The purpose of this is to establish the care and support needs of the individual in question. Once this has been conducted, the council might provide a personal budget, which you can use to pay for your care services.

In order to be eligible, you must be over 18 and have physical or mental needs that are affecting your wellbeing. Your income, savings, and assets will also dictate whether you are eligible for financial help.

It's important to note that the government sets a maximum threshold for savings (currently £23,350 in England), above which you are expected to contribute towards your own care, as pain in our Complete Guide to Local Authority Funding.

NHS Continuing Care

A common source of confusion is the difference between council funding and NHS Continuing Health Care (CHC). CHC is an NHS funding package, unlike funding provided by the council, which can be means-tested. CHC is not reliant on a person’s ability to pay, but on their health needs.

To qualify for CHC, you must be assessed as having a primary need for health care related to a medical condition. Assessments are primarily administered by the Kent and Medway Integrated Commissioning Board. It's important to note that CHC assessments do not consider your ability, or inability, to pay for your care. Instead, they focus on your health needs.

You can read about it in detail in our Complete Guide to NHS Continuing Healthcare.

Private Funding

Private funding is another key option for financing live-in care in Medway. This essentially means covering the cost of your care services without seeking financial assistance from the local council or the NHS. Self-funding enables you to maintain complete control over your care and support.

Self-funding provides a certain level of freedom, although it is crucial to consider that live-in care costs may vary. Therefore, it is advised to plan meticulously when considering this route. To gain a better understanding of this, please refer to our Guide to Self-Funding Care and to estimate the cost, you can refer to our Cost of Live-in Care in Medway page.

Finding the Best Care

To get the best from your care, regardless of your funding method, it is crucial to choose the right care provider. The quality of your carer can make a world of difference to your, or your loved one’s quality of life. To help you in this aspect, our Best Live-in Carers in Medway page could be a good place to start.

Conclusion

Funding live-in care in Medway, or any other region in the UK, requires careful consideration and planning. While there are several avenues to explore - be it Medway Local Authority's council funding, the NHS continuing care, or private funding - the ultimate goal is to ensure you, or your loved one, receive the vital care and support needed.

The journey may be challenging, but with careful planning, the right resources, and a bit of time set aside for understanding the intricate details of the funding process, you are one step closer to securing the care required. Our Complete Guide to Live-in Care is designed to provide you with practical, step-by-step guidance to demystify live-in care and aid you in making the best decisions to suit your situation.