Funding Live-in Care in York

Live-in care can be a wonderful option for those who want to maintain a level of independence, despite health changes or the challenges of getting older. However, the main concern for many in York is how to fund this significant and often complex expense. Understanding the funding options can alleviate some of these tensions and provide a sound basis for navigating through the complexities of care funding. This article explores and provides insights into the three main funding streams for live-in care: Council funding, NHS continuing healthcare and private funding.

Live-in Care in York

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Council Funding

Council funding, or local authority funding, is one of the most common forms of financial support for live-in care. If you have assessed care needs and limited financial means, you may qualify for financial assistance from the York local authority. This money can then be used to fund live-in care, amongst other needs.

To receive council funding, you must first undergo a care needs assessment. This assessment considers your physical, mental, and emotional needs to identify what care services you require. If the outcome confirms that live-in care is needed, the council will proceed with a means test.

The means test is an evaluation of your financial circumstances. It determines how much you need to contribute to your care costs based on your income and savings. If your saving is less than £23,250, you might qualify for council funding.

One great advantage of local authority funding is the ability to opt for a direct payment scheme. This allows you to take control and responsibility of your care costs, giving you the freedom to choose your services, including live-in care.

For more information, please refer to the Complete Guide to Local Authority Funding.

NHS Continuing Healthcare

NHS Continuing Healthcare is a funding stream offered by the NHS to individuals with long-term, complex health care needs. Notably, York is part of the Humber, Coast and Vale integrated commissioning board, which assesses patients’ needs for continuing care.

To determine your eligibility for NHS Continuing Healthcare, an initial screening is done using a Checklist Tool. If you pass this stage, a more detailed assessment, known as Decision Support Tool, will be carried out by a healthcare professional.

The NHS Continuing Healthcare covers the entire cost of care, including the cost of live-in care. If you qualify, it exists as a tax-free and non-means tested funding option, meaning your financial circumstance will not affect your eligibility.

For more detailed information about NHS Continuing Healthcare, see our Complete Guide to NHS Continuing Healthcare.

Private Funding

In situations where you either do not qualify for the previously mentioned funding schemes or prefer to have more control over your care options, you may choose to adopt private funding (also referred to as self-funding).

Private funding ultimately offers you a lot of choice in your care services, as you can select your preferred provider and the type of care received, including live-in care. In York, it will typically cost you around £800 to £1,500 per week for a live-in carer, as described in our guide on Cost of Live-In Care in York

There are several ways to privately fund your live-in care needs. These can include savings, investments, equity release schemes, annuities or long-term care insurance. To navigate these options, it may be beneficial to get financial advice from a professional who specializes in care funding solutions.

It's worth noting that even with private funding, you can still receive help. No matter how you pay for your care, you’re entitled to a care needs assessment from your local authority, and potentially a care plan, which will detail what type of care you need.

For even more insights and guidance regarding private funding, see our Complete Guide to Self-Funding Care.

Conclusion

Funding for live-in care can feel overwhelming. By understanding the available options like council funding, NHS Continuing Healthcare, and private funding, you can make a well-informed decision that best suits your circumstances and care needs. Always remember to consider seeking professional advice when navigating through the complex care funding landscape.

Live-in care is an excellent way of supporting the independence of loved ones while providing the complex care they need. Whether you're just beginning your care journey or you're looking for more suitable care for a loved one, find live-in care in York with great ease. And if you need assistance sourcing the best live-in carers in York, we're here to make that process as simple as it can be.