Funding Live-in Care in Sutton

Paying for live-in care can often be a concerning aspect for many individuals and their families in the UK. However, help is often available and understanding the basics of potential funding sources can make a significant difference. This article will guide you through the primary funding sources for live-in care in Sutton and highlight clear next steps. Key sources of funding to be covered are council funding, NHS continuing care and private funding.

Live-in Care in Sutton

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Council Funding for Live-in Care

Council funding is one of the most common sources of financial support for live-in care in Sutton and across the UK. Local authorities have a duty to assess anyone who appears to require care and support, regardless of their financial situation. If you or your loved one appears to need support, you can contact Sutton local authority to arrange a care needs assessment.

How Does Council Funding Work?

If the care needs assessment finds out you have eligible care needs that you cannot meet within your current circumstances, the local authority will discuss how care services will be provided. If the total value of your capital and savings is above £23,250, you'll usually have to pay for your own care. Below this threshold, you will be entitled to some council funding, though you may still have to contribute towards the cost of care.

First Steps to Access Council Funding

The first step, as mentioned, is to contact the local authority to arrange a care needs assessment. After the assessment and if eligible, a local authority will conduct a financial assessment or 'means test' to determine whether you are eligible for funding support.

Further details on local authority funding can be found at our comprehensive Complete Guide to Local Authority Funding.

NHS Continuing Care

While council funding is means-tested, NHS Continuing Healthcare (NHS CHC) is a package of continuous care provided outside hospital, arranged and funded fully by the NHS, and is therefore free at the point of use.

How Does NHS Continuing Care Work?

NHS CHC is available for individuals with complex medical conditions that need significant ongoing care outside of a hospital setting. To be eligible, the primary needs must be health-related, rather than social or personal care needs. NHS CHC covers a broad range of care, including personal care and healthcare costs.

First Steps to Access NHS Continuing Care

Start with a 'Checklist Assessment' that evaluates whether you may qualify for full assessment for NHS CHC funding. If you qualify for full assessment, it's usually carried out by a multidisciplinary team (MDT) who will use a 'Decision Support Tool' to decide whether you're eligible for NHS CHC.

Sutton is part of the South West London integrated commissioning board that will assess a patient's need for ongoing care.

Learn more from our Complete Guide to NHS Continuing Healthcare.

Private Funding for Live-in Care

When council funding or NHS CHC isn't available, or it's insufficient to cover all care costs, resorting to private funding is often the route taken by families.

How Does Private Funding Work?

Private funding means meeting the cost of care from one's own resources. It may come from savings, earnings, pensions, investments, or selling assets such as property. When you privately fund your live-in care, you have more control over the type of care you receive and when you receive it. The cost of live-in care in Sutton varies widely dependant on services required.

First Steps for Private Funding

The first step in private funding is a comprehensive evaluation of income, savings, and other assets, followed by a thorough mapping of expected costs. You might find it helpful to seek professional advice from a financial adviser specialising in healthcare.

More detailed information about self-funding care is in our Complete Guide to Self-funding Care.

Finding the Best Live-in Carers in Sutton

Once you have successfully identified your funding resource, the next big task is finding the right live-in care. Thankfully, services like PrimeCarers offer a range of the best live-in carers in Sutton.

The process of figuring out how to fund for live-in care can seem overwhelming, but please remember there are professionals, resources and organisations that exist for this purpose. Take each step one at a time, make sure to ask for any advice when needed, and hopefully, the burden will feel a little bit lighter. Funding care is merely a starting point on a journey to a better care system.