Paying for Home Care

Choosing to receive care in the comfort of your own home can be a wonderful way to maintain independence and well-being. However, understanding the financial aspects of home care can sometimes feel overwhelming. This guide will break down the different ways of paying for home care, both locally here in Cumbria and across the UK, to help you navigate your options with confidence.

Many people are eligible for financial assistance from the local authority, which in Furness is the Westmorland and Furness Council. Here’s how the process typically works:

1. Needs Assessment:

• The first step is often a Care Needs Assessment. This is a detailed evaluation conducted by the council's social services team to understand the your care requirements. They will look at things like personal care (washing, dressing), mobility, medication support, meal preparation, and any other areas where assistance is needed.

• How to access this in Barrow-in-Furness: You can contact Westmorland and Furness Council's Adult Social Care team directly. Information and contact details are available on their website here. You can also ask your GP or another healthcare professional to make a referral.

2. Financial Assessment (Means Test):

• If the Needs Assessment determines that care is required, the council will then conduct a Financial Assessment, often referred to as a "means test." This assessment looks at your income and capital (savings and assets) to determine how much you can contribute towards the cost of their care.

• National Framework: The government sets national thresholds for capital. As of April 2025 (based on typical annual updates), individuals with capital above a certain upper limit (currently £23,250 in England, and this generally applies across the UK with minor variations) are usually expected to pay the full cost of their care. Those with capital below a lower limit (currently £14,250 in England, again, generally similar across the UK) are usually not expected to contribute from their capital. Those with capital between these two figures may need to contribute a tariff income based on their capital. Income is also taken into account.

• Local Considerations: While the national framework provides the basis, Westmorland and Furness Council will apply these rules specifically within their policies. They will consider various sources of income, including pensions and benefits, and different types of capital.

  
  

For example, Mr Jones, a resident of Barrow, had savings of £25,000. When he underwent a financial assessment, his capital was above the upper threshold, meaning he was likely to be assessed as being able to pay for his own care.

3. Care Plan and Personal Budget:

• Following the assessments, if the council is contributing to the cost of care, a Care Plan will be developed outlining the specific care services required and how they will be delivered.

• A Personal Budget will also be allocated, which is the amount of money the council will contribute towards the care.

• Direct Payments: In many cases, you're offered the option of receiving Direct Payments. This means the council pays the personal budget directly to the you (or your representative), giving you more control over how your care is arranged and purchased. This can allow you to choose your own care provider, like MSH Healthcare.

Important Considerations for Council Funding:

• Eligibility Criteria: Meeting the eligibility criteria for care needs does not automatically guarantee financial assistance. The financial assessment is a separate process.

• Contribution: Even if you are eligible for council funding, you may still be required to make a contribution towards the cost of your care, depending on your income and capital.

• Review: Care needs and financial circumstances can change, so the council will usually review care plans and financial assessments periodically.

National Payment Options

While the local authority plays a significant role, it's important to understand the broader national context of funding home care:

• NHS Continuing Healthcare: This is a package of care arranged and funded solely by the NHS for individuals with complex health needs that have arisen as a result of disability, accident or illness. Eligibility is based on the individual's primary health needs, not their financial situation. This is a national system, and assessments are carried out by NHS professionals.

• Disability Benefits: Certain disability benefits, such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Attendance Allowance, are paid to individuals to help with the extra costs of living with a disability. While these benefits are not specifically for home care, they can be used to contribute towards the cost. These are national benefits with set eligibility criteria and payment rates.

• Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP): This provides financial support to veterans who have a serious injury or illness as a result of their service. It can be used to help fund home care.

Private Payment Options

For those who do not meet the criteria for council funding or who choose to arrange additional care, private payment is an option.

• Self-Funding: You can use your own savings, investments, pensions, or other income to pay for your home care services.

• Family Contributions: Family members may pool their resources to contribute to the cost of a loved one's care.

• Insurance: Some people may have long-term care insurance policies that can help cover the costs of home care. It's important to review the terms and conditions of these policies carefully.

• Equity Release: This allows homeowners to access some of the equity tied up in their property as a lump sum or regular income, which can then be used to fund care. This is a significant financial decision and should be considered carefully with professional advice.

Navigating the System: Tips

• Early Contact: Don't wait until a crisis point to explore care options. Contact Westmorland and Furness Council's Adult Social Care team (or your local council's social care team) early to understand the assessment process.

• Seek Advice: There are local and national organisations that can provide impartial advice on funding care, such as Age UK and Citizens Advice.

• Be Prepared: Gather relevant financial information before your financial assessment to help the process run smoothly.

• Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to ask the council or potential care providers any questions you have about costs and payment options.

Understanding how home care is funded is a crucial step in making informed decisions about your or your loved one's care. By familiarising yourself with both the local authority processes in Furness and the broader national landscape, you can navigate the system more effectively and ensure access to the care you need. If you're considering private home care in Cumbria or Lancashire, please don't hesitate to contact our team to discuss your specific needs and how we can help.