Funding Care: What Are Your Options?

Introduction

Navigating the various funding care options can feel overwhelming, but it’s essential to understand the different routes available. Whether your loved one is self-funding or eligible for local authority support, understanding the options ensures they get the care they need without unnecessary financial strain.

Aurem Care

Option 1: Self-Funding

If your loved one has assets or savings above a certain threshold, they may need to cover the costs of their care themselves. This is known as self-funding. It’s essential to understand the various costs involved, from accommodation to medical care, and plan accordingly to avoid any surprises.

At Aurem Care, we understand how important it is to have clarity from the start. Our care home teams are always ready to meet with families and prospective residents to fully understand their care needs. During these discovery visits, we take the time to listen to your concerns, assess your loved one’s requirements, and offer guidance on the best type of care.

Following these visits, we can provide indicative pricing tailored to the level of care required. This allows families to address important financial questions at the early stages of their care search, ensuring they feel informed and empowered as they make decisions.

“For those considering self-funding, all Aurem Care homes offer transparent pricing, ensuring families understand all costs from the outset.”

Option 2: Local Authority Funding

If your loved one’s savings and assets fall below a set threshold, they may be eligible for local authority funding. The local authority will carry out a financial assessment to determine how much financial support they can offer. It’s worth noting that some funding may only cover part of the care, with families required to top up the remainder.

Option 3: NHS Continuing Healthcare and Funded Nursing Care (FNC)

For individuals with complex and ongoing medical needs, the NHS may cover the full cost of care through a programme called NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC). To qualify, your loved one must undergo an assessment to determine if they meet the eligibility criteria, which is based on their healthcare needs rather than their financial situation.

If your loved one requires nursing care but doesn’t qualify for full NHS Continuing Healthcare, they may still be eligible for Funded Nursing Care (FNC). FNC is a payment from the NHS to cover the nursing element of care provided in a care home with nursing. This payment is made directly to the care home to reduce the overall cost of care for the resident.

Option 4: Deferred Payment Agreements

A deferred payment agreement (DPA) allows individuals to use the value of their home to help pay for care home fees without needing to sell the property immediately. The local authority covers the cost of care, with repayment made from the property’s value at a later date.

Attendance Allowance and Other Benefits

In addition to direct funding, there are several benefits that can help with the cost of care, such as Attendance Allowance, which provides financial assistance to individuals over 65 who require personal care. Other benefits like Personal Independence Payments (PIP) may also be available.

Consulting a Financial Advisor

Given the complexity of funding care, consulting a SOLLA-accredited financial advisor is recommended. They can provide personalised advice based on your loved one’s financial situation and help you make informed decisions.

Conclusion

Understanding the various funding care options can make a significant difference in ensuring your loved one receives the best care possible. Whether you’re self-funding, exploring local authority support, or considering NHS Continuing Healthcare, Aurem Care is here to help you navigate the process. Contact us today for guidance on the next steps, or visit one of our homes to learn more.

More Information

If you are finding it difficult to choose the right care home for your loved one, then why not take a look at our handy ‘Step by Step’ blog here

Our Values

Aurem Care homes are all about people caring about people, we believe our care homes should be happy homes for loved ones.

Where older adults can forge worthwhile, meaningful relationships with our team and make new friends.

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