Understanding the Cost of Home Care
Home care is designed to help individuals who are experiencing difficulty with daily tasks. Receiving home care is an out-of-pocket expense, with several exceptions and opportunities for financial support. This guide highlights home care payment options, local authority funding, and the benefits you may be entitled to.
Accessing Home Care
If you struggle with specific tasks, such as cooking or dressing, you may coordinate a care needs assessment through your local council or allow your carer, district nurse, or doctor to refer you for a needs assessment. The needs assessment will determine what course of action will aid you in remaining at home and independent.
The Cost of Home Care in the UK
Depending on the complexity of your care needs, home care may be more cost-effective than residential care. The cost of home care will vary depending on the area of the UK you reside in and the number of hours you require assistance per week. On average, home care in the UK costs £20-£30 hourly. Home care rates may increase during weekends and bank holidays.
The Cost of Live-In Care
The cost of live-in care is determined by the individual’s care needs, the services required, and the chosen care provider. Live-in care fees will be £1,000-£1,600 per week but can be more costly depending on the specifics of the situation.
Factors to Consider When Making Home Care Arrangements
As the cost of home care can be a significant expenditure, it is recommended to determine your specific needs and budget by asking yourself these questions:
- What type of care do I require?
- How frequently will I require assistance?
- How long do I need home care?
- What is the hourly rate of my home care?
How to Pay for Home Care
When it has been determined that an individual requires home care, there are three ways the home care may be paid for in the UK.
- Local Authority Funding: Financial support for home care through your local council.
- Self-funding: The individual requiring home care or the individual’s family covers the majority or all of the cost.
- NHS funding: The NHS may cover some or all costs.
Local Council Funding Eligibility Process
To determine your eligibility for support from your local council, they will conduct a needs assessment. If you are recognized as having suitable needs for home care, they will then hold a means test to determine your financial standing and the limit of financial support you are entitled to. The means test varies in different areas of the UK.
Receiving Financial Support Through the Local Council
If you are deemed eligible for funding through the local council, you may be offered a budget to cover care needs. With this budget, you are free to make your own choices about your home care arrangements.
Local Council Financial Support Capital Limitations in England
The upper limit for financial support for home care is £23,250. If your capital is between £14,250 and £23,250, you are entitled to some financial support towards home care from the local council. If your capital is below £14,250, it will not be included in the means test, and the local council will fund your home care.
Local Council Financial Support Capital Limitations in Scotland
The first £10,000 of your savings is disregarded if you are over the state pension age. If you have over £10,000, £1 for each £500 becomes the weekly tariff income. Below the state pension age, the first £6,000 is disregarded. The tariff income is £1 per £250.
Local Council Financial Support Capital Limitations in Wales
In Wales, any savings below £24,000 is disregarded. The means test solely observes your income to determine the cost of your home care services.
Local Council Financial Support Criteria in Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland, the Health and Social Care Trust evaluates your care needs to determine what kind of support you are eligible for, such as help at home, home adaptations, or financial assistance.
Self-Funder Criteria
Several factors may make you ineligible for financial support for home care. If your income or savings and assets, excluding the value of your home, are above £23.250, you will not be a candidate for funding. You may also be exempt from financial support if your needs assessment does not meet the criteria for local council support.
Care Payments as a Self-Funder
If you self-fund your home care, you use savings, investments, income from your pensions, work, or property, and financial aid from loved ones. Some self-funded individuals will use an equity release to receive money from their property value. Certain homeowners may be entitled to an immediate needs annuity. Downsizing your home or letting a room may also ensure funding to cover care needs.
Needs Assessment as a Self-Funder
If you pre-determine that you are ineligible for financial support, it is still recommended to have a needs assessment, as it can be highly beneficial for your care. A needs assessment will offer a better understanding of your home care needs and provide you with various services and resources to accommodate you.
NHS Funding
Certain individuals will be qualified for fully funded home care under NHS Continuing Healthcare. NHS funding does not require a means test and is granted to individuals who require ongoing health care outside the hospital due to complex medical needs associated with severe illness, disabilities, or an accident-related cause.
Direct Payments
For individuals currently receiving social services, the local trust will offer the option of direct payments. Recipients must be able to consent to direct payments and manage costs or appoint a suitable individual to manage expenses. These payments are made to those assessed as eligible for home care but who would rather organize and pay for services than receive them from their local authority.
Required Criteria for Direct Payment
The criteria for receiving direct payments are as follows:
- You have been assessed as in need of home care.
- You are 16 years of age or older with a disability.
- You are a care worker with parental responsibilities for a disabled child.
- You are an older person.
Direct payments will not interfere with other benefits you receive.
At Home Care Providers
When seeking at-home care services, you have a choice between a domiciliary care agency or a private care professional. If you are being discharged from the hospital, the hospital staff can arrange your home care assistance when necessary, and a social worker will lead with a long-term home care provider if continued assistance is required.
You May Be Entitled to Benefits
There are benefits an individual seeking home care may be entitled to. It is essential to explore benefit options, even if you have substantial capital, and claim those you are eligible for. The benefits include:
- Attendance Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment
- Industrial Injuries Disablement
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- Carers Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Disability Premium
- ESA Support
- Council Tax Discount
Can I Employ My Own Care Worker?
You are entitled to employ your own care worker. If you choose to do so, you must draw up a contract of employment with clear guidelines that highlight expectations from both parties. Several financial considerations, such as holiday pay, Income Tax, National Insurance and pension contributions, must be taken into account when employing a care worker directly.
What If I Run Out of Money?
If you are funding your home care and your capital falls below £23,250, you will be eligible for financial support through funding by your local council. Requesting an assessment before your money reaches that point is recommended.
Am I Eligible for Free Equipment or Adaptations?
Several equipment and adaptations may be available to individuals regardless of their income or ability to pay for their care. This includes equipment or home adaptations that cost less than £1,000, such as:
- Staircase handrails
- Bathroom grab rails
- Intercom system
- Access ramps
- Walking frame
- Perching stools
- Heating system improvements when applicable
How Can I Receive Free Adaptations or Equipment?
You must first ask your local council’s adult social services department for a home assessment. You can request your home assessment in person, by phone, or online. Once an appointment is scheduled, an occupational therapist will determine your home care needs. If you’re found to be eligible for specific equipment or adaptations under £1,000, the council will supply it free of charge.
Can I Receive Free Care After I Come Home From Hospital?
Free care and support for up to six weeks after being discharged may be available through NHS to reduce an individual’s risk of returning and to help them regain independence. This service is known as NHS intermediate care or reablement. This resource is arranged before discharge.
Shine Care At Home Is Here to Help
Beginning the at-home care process may be daunting, but Shine Care At Home is here to assist you. Contact Shine Care At Home today if you are interested in learning more about at-home care payment options, financial aid requirements, or the benefits you may be entitled to.