Moving into a care home can be a big change, particularly if it is the first time someone you know has moved into one. One thing that can cause a bit of confusion is how to pay for a care home. We’ve put together a guide to paying care home fees to help clear some of the confusion.

 

Who Pays for Care Homes?

When it comes to paying for your care home care, there are a few options and it all depends on your personal circumstances or those of your relative or loved one who will be moving into the care home.

 

What is a Financial Assessment?

Before you or your loved ones are admitted to one of our care homes, you will undergo a financial assessment to decide how your place will be funded, undertaken by your local council.

 

What Happens During a Financial Assessment for Care?

When assessing your financial needs for care, your local council will assess your income and capital to see if you will be eligible for any financial support to help pay care home fees. This will also help your local council decide how much you will have to pay towards your own care fees. Some examples of income or capital could be any savings you have, any interest you may receive on those savings, pension credit or attendance allowance.

It is important to check that you are receiving all of the benefits you are eligible for before you submit your details for a financial assessment as your contribution to care home fees will be calculated assuming you are receiving all benefits you are eligible for. No matter how much you have in savings or assets, you will always be left with a base living allowance separate from the money that will be used to cover your care home fees.

 

Can I Get Support From My Local Authority to Pay for Care?

In some cases, such as having a low amount of capital to draw on, your local authority may offer support to help pay for your care. For example, if your capital is under £23,250 you may be eligible for some help paying for your care. Whether you receive help from your local authority or not, you will still be able to choose which care home you go to, that decision sits firmly with the person moving into a care home and their family or loved ones.

 

What Happens if I Can No Longer Afford to Pay for Care?

If you find yourself in a position where your capital or income can no longer cover your care costs, it is important that you contact social services and apply for help with your care. As mentioned in the previous section, you may receive help with your care costs if your capital falls under a certain amount. Applying to be reassessed for any support you may receive may mean that you are entitled to help from your local authority. If your income and the support you receive do not cover the costs of the care home you prefer, it is important to contact social services and ask their advice on seeing what alternatives are open to you.

 

Further Questions About Moving to a Care Home

If you have any more questions about moving into a care home or how to finance living in a care home, our care specialists are here to help. Contact our care home team now to find out more about the services we have available to you.

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