Funding Live-in Care in Wandsworth

As your loved ones grow older, the idea of live-in care in Wandsworth could be an attractive yet daunting prospect. On one hand, it offers the reassurance of professional health care within the comfort of the home, but on the other hand, the question of funding can be a source of some distress. Fear not. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the key funding avenues available to support live-in care costs in Wandsworth, giving you an understanding of what's possible, and how to navigate each avenue.

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Understanding the Cost of Live-in Care

The cost of live-in care in Wandsworth does vary depending on a variety of factors like the level of care required and by whom it is provided. This article provides an in-depth view of these costs and factors affecting them.

The Wandsworth Local Authority Funding

Link: Wandsworth Local Authority

Your first port of call when considering funding options should always be the local authority. In Wandsworth, the local authority provides funds for home care under certain conditions. Like with all local authority funding, the first step is the assessment of the care needs of the individual.

Need Assessment

You can request a need assessment for the person requiring care. This will determine whether they are eligible for financial support, along with the level of care they require. The need assessment is undertaken by social services and looks into the physical health, mental health, emotional well-being, social networks, and housing conditions of the person in question.

Means Testing

Following the need assessment, means testing comes into play. This determines the level of financial contribution you will have to make towards the cost of care. This testing takes into consideration income, savings, properties, and various other factors.

Care and Support Plan

Once it's established that care is required and can be funded by Wandsworth Local Authority, a care and support plan is developed. This plan includes details on the type of care required, who will provide it, when it will be provided, and its cost.

It's important to note that the amount of support provided varies from case to case. It depends on financial circumstances and care needs. Some individuals may have the cost of their care fully covered, while others may need to make contributions.

NHS Continuing Care

Link: South West London Integrated Commissioning Board

Another option for those looking for help funding care in the home is NHS continuing care. This is available for individuals who have more complex medical requirements that cannot easily be met by social care providers alone. Here's how you can access this funding.

Eligibility Check

The first step you'll need to take is an eligibility check. This is typically done by a nurse or doctor and involves an assessment based on specific criteria referred to as ‘domains’. For more information, check out this comprehensive NHS Continuing Healthcare Guide.

Assessment

If you meet the eligibility criteria, a full assessment is done by a multidisciplinary team. This involves a more detailed appraisal of your health and care needs. This information is then used to discern whether or not NHS continuing healthcare is the appropriate support route for the person in concern.

Care and Support Plan

If you qualify for NHS continuing healthcare, a care and support plan similar to Local Authority funding is developed. The plan is designed to suit your personal needs and lifestyle and covers all costs of care, whether that's done at home or in a care home setting.

Importantly, post-qualification for NHS continuing healthcare, reviews are conducted for the first three months and then yearly to ensure the care package is still appropriate.

Private Funding

If the individual is not eligible for assistance from the local authority or NHS continuing healthcare, you might have to self-fund care. Self-funding doesn't need to be daunting, and with some planning, it can provide the flexibility and peace of mind you desire. Here's a comprehensive guide.

Cashing in Investments or Savings

One way to fund home care privately is through personal savings or investments. This can be a complex process, so it's always a good idea to speak with a financial advisor before making big decisions.

Equity Release

An equity release scheme allows homeowners to access some of the money tied up in their property, either as a lump sum or in smaller, regular amounts.

Insurance Costs

Another option to consider is insurance policies. Some include provisions for care needs.

A Final Word

Navigating the path to securing live-in care in Wandsworth can admittedly feel overwhelming. In grappling with these choices, remember you aren’t alone and there are numerous resources (like the guides linked to above) to help you. Above all, remember that the underlying essence of home nursing is the delivery of personalised, warm and empathetic care to your loved one. In the search for funding, never lose sight of this human reality at the heart of live-in care.

For more impartial advice and support services, do remember to explore the Find Live-in Care in Wandsworth page and our directory of the Best Live-in Carers in Wandsworth.

In planning for the care needs of a loved one in Wandsworth, a little careful preparation goes a long way in making the process less daunting. Let it not be a holding place for worry, but an opportunity to memorialise your love as a caring act of detailed planning, so they can settle into life with the reassurance that their needs are well taken care of.