At-Home Care
Caring for yourself or a loved one can be costly. Many people often fret over the possibility of selling their homes to secure a place in a residential care home. Fortunately, at-home care, a more affordable option for many, doesn’t necessitate such drastic measures. It allows you or your loved one to stay within the comforting confines of your own home.
Besides, more funding opportunities are available for home care than residential care. Let’s embark on a journey where we’ll explore all available funding options for you.
What is At-Home Care
At-home care entails a carer providing care for you or your loved one right in your own home. It could be on a live-in basis where the carer resides in your house, offering round-the-clock care, a situation known as having a live-in carer.
So, alternatively, depending on your needs, the carer might provide care on a visiting basis, known as domiciliary care. In-home care allows you or your loved one to steer clear of care homes while still receiving the best possible care in the comfort of your own home.
Find out how Domiciliary Care can help your loved one here.
Funding Options for At-Home Care
Numerous funding options exist to help you manage the costs of home care. Some are means-tested, meaning that your income and personal assets are considered when evaluating your required funding. Others are solely based on the extent of care required. However, it’s not a guarantee that you’ll secure funding from the government or your local authority.
Let’s discuss Local Council Support
Your local council might be able to finance your home care. They conduct a means test that considers your income and savings, collectively known as your capital. If your capital surpasses £23,250, you’ll need to foot your care fees. One in three individuals funds their own care.
Nevertheless, self-funding is only for a while. Once your assets decrease below a specific threshold, you’ll be eligible for funding from your local council. If your capital is between £14,250 and £23,250, you qualify for financial support from the council, albeit needing to contribute from your income.
You’ll also need to pay a tariff income, which is calculated by assuming that you have an extra £1 per week for every £250 you have between £14,250 and £23,250 in capital. If your capital is less than £14,250, the council will provide financial support, and you’ll need to contribute from your income. However, you won’t need to pay a tariff income.
If the local council finances your care, they’ll provide you with a personal budget. This budget lets you make choices about your care arrangements. Regrettably, local councils have reduced spending on social care for older people by 17%, even with rising demand. Nevertheless, other funding options are still available.
Personal Independence Payments
If you’re between 16 and the state pension age and have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability, you may qualify for Personal Independence Payments.
These payments aren’t means tested and can be used for care. They consist of two parts; a daily living part and a mobility part. You can claim both of these or just one. The amount you receive is dependent on the severity of your condition.
Attendance Allowance
Should you be over the state pension age and possess a disability severe enough that you need care, you might qualify for an Attendance Allowance. However, you must have required help for six months to be eligible unless you’re terminally ill. If your local council funds your care, you won’t be eligible for an Attendance Allowance.
This allowance isn’t income-based. Two rates are available – a lower rate if you need help during the day or night and a higher rate if you need help both during the day and night.
Disability Living Allowance
Anyone under 65 who needs help with personal care and/or has mobility issues due to their disability can apply for a disability living allowance.
The only condition to qualify for this allowance is that your disability is severe enough that you need help caring for yourself. This allowance isn’t income-based and isn’t affected by whether or not you work. There are different rates of funding depending on the severity of your disability.
Next on the list is Pension Credit
Two types of pension credit are available. Guarantee Credit is for individuals who have reached the minimum qualifying age, and it ensures that you receive a minimum income by boosting your weekly income.
Savings Credit is for anyone aged 65 and over with savings contributing towards their retirement or a second pension. The amount you receive may increase if you’re disabled, have care responsibilities, or have housing costs like mortgage interest payments.
Finally, we have the NHS Continuing Healthcare
NHS continuing healthcare can also assist in funding healthcare in your home. A team of healthcare professionals will need to assess you to decide whether or not you qualify for help. In this assessment, these professionals will examine:
- The help you require
- The complexity of your needs
- The intensity of your needs
- The unpredictability of your needs, e.g any risks to your health if the right care isn’t given
It’s always best to reach out to the local authorities or a healthcare professional for an assessment for funding, as they’re the only ones who can grant it.
At A1 Care, we’re committed to providing you or your loved one with the best possible care, and we firmly believe we can accomplish this in the comfort of your own home.
Browse through our website today to discover how we can assist you.
Alternatively, you can reach out to us to schedule a care assessment and see how we can lend a helping hand.
A1 Care offers services within a 20-mile radius of Bournemouth and Wareham, making us your #1 choice if you’re in the area and require a carer. We’re proud to have earned a perfect 10/10 ranking by Home Care and hold the No.1 position in the BCP area.
