Funding Live-in Care in Wiltshire

Caring for a loved one is a rewarding task but can also be physically and emotionally challenging. When the person you're looking after needs round-the-clock support due to aging, an illness, or a disability, live-in care is one of the best options. The burning question, however, often revolves around funding. How do you fund live-in care in Wiltshire? In this article, we unravel the different avenues for funding live-in care and offer steps on how to access them.

Live-in Care in Wiltshire

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Understanding Live-In Care

Before we delve into financing, it's essential to comprehend what live-in care entails. Live-in care is a long-term care option where a caregiver 'lives' with the person receiving care in their home. It's an excellent alternative to nursing homes as it allows the individual to maintain their independence and lifestyle, while also receiving necessary support. You can find out more about live-in care here.

The Cost of live-in care in Wiltshire may vary depending on a variety of factors, including the level of care and support needed.

FUNDING THROUGH WILTSHIRE LOCAL AUTHORITY

One of the primary sources of live-in care funding is the local authority. In Wiltshire, the Local Authority may be able to provide funding if the person requiring care has insufficient savings and assets. Here's how this funding works:

Needs Assessment

The first point of contact is conducting a needs assessment where the local council evaluates the individual's care needs. This helps to identify the level of support required and whether it can be met by live-in care.

Financial Assessment

The local authority will then carry out a means-tested financial assessment to gauge whether you are eligible for financial assistance. In England, if the person needing care has savings and assets below £23,250, they are typically entitled to some support.

Personal Budget

If your loved one qualifies, the council will draw up a support plan that indicates their personal budget – the amount the council feels will meet their assessed needs. If they opt for live-in care, this budget could be used to fund it.

If you fund the care privately initially but your savings deplete over time, the local authority may step in to help cover the cost. Visit Wiltshire's local authority website for more detailed information on this funding option.

NHS CONTINUING CARE

The NHS Continuing Healthcare is a fully-funded care package for individuals who have substantial and ongoing healthcare needs.

Assessment

Much like with council funding, the journey starts with an assessment of the individual's needs. A team of healthcare professionals, the multidisciplinary team (MDT), performs this detailed assessment.

Checklist

The preliminary screening tool, called the Checklist, helps identify whether the person is eligible for full assessment of NHS continuing healthcare.

Decision Support Tool

Following the Checklist, if the individual appears eligible, they'll undergo further assessment using the Decision Support Tool. This tool gathers further information about the individual's needs from assessments or care reviews.

Funding

If the MDT recommends the person for NHS continuing healthcare, and the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) agrees, then the NHS will pay for the individual's health and social care, including live-in care.

Visit the Bath, Swindon and Wiltshire integrated commissioning board for more information on NHS continuing healthcare.

PRIVATE FUNDING

If the person needing care has savings or assets above the £23,250 threshold, they will likely have to fund their care privately. Their funds could be used to pay for live-in care directly, or they could consider investing and then using the returns to cover the cost of care. There's also the option of releasing equity from the individual's home, through a lifetime mortgage or a home reversion scheme. A financial advisor with a qualification in long-term care should ideally guide this funding route.

Live-in care can be an excellent solution for someone needing support and assistance while still maintaining their independence and staying in their familiar surroundings. Effective research, along with careful financial planning, can help to navigate this journey. Let us assist you with financial planning – see our Complete Guide to Self-Funding Care to learn more about your options.

Conclusion

Arranging and managing care for loved ones who need full-time care can be a daunting task, but by understanding the funding options available, it can become more manageable. By fully exploring the routes and advice provided, you can find the best solution for you and your loved ones. Ultimately, well-being, quality of life, familiar surroundings, and peace of mind are paramount, and live-in care can provide all these and more.

Remember, happy care begins with the Best Live-in Carers. Don't be afraid to seek the support and advice needed to make the best choice for your loved one – after all, they deserve nothing but the best.