paying for a care home
DESCRIPTION
Information on how to pay for a care home in the UK.TRANSCRIPT
The cost of a care home differs for everybody. It depends on
the type of care you require and your capital.
In the UK, it’s up to the Local Authority to determine how much of your care home costs you can
afford to pay. They calculate this based on your total capital and – in some cases – on what they
determine to be your ‘weekly income’.
If your total capital (i.e. the value of your solely-owned properties, savings and investments)
falls between the upper and lower limits shown on the left side of this page (excluding Wales,
which only has an upper limit), then that figure is used to determine your ‘weekly income’. For
every £250 of capital you have, you’re given a weekly income of £1. It is this ‘income’
calculation that the Local Authority uses to determine how much financial assistance you’re
entitled to.
If your capital falls below the lower limit, then your capital won’t factor into your fee
assessment. If it falls above the upper limit, you’ll be required to pay your care home fees in
full.
If your weekly income adds up to more than your weekly care home costs (plus an additional
expenses figure, £23.50 in Scotland/England, £24.00 in Wales), then you’re required to pay for
your care yourself.
England
Upper limit: £23,250
Lower limit: £14,250
Scotland
Upper limit: £24,750
Lower limit: £15,250
Wales
Upper limit: £22,000
Lower limit: £22,000
Source: Direct.gov.uk
Image via Loretta Prescott via Pinterest
While the way in which care home cost assistance is calculated is set in stone,
you still have the power to ensure you’re getting the proper funding you are
entitled to. Here are some ways you can make sure you’re getting the financial
help you need:
When you move into a care home, you should still receive the state benefits
you’re entitled to. In fact, it’s important to claim all the benefits you qualify for,
as this is calculated into the Local Authority’s assessment of your finances. Here
are some of the most common benefits care home residents receive:
• State Pension
• Disability Living
Allowance
• Attendance Allowance
• Income Support/Pension
Credit
• Assess your care needs- if necessary, work with your GP and the Local
Authority to get an official assessment of your financial needs
• Update your Local Authority when your financial needs change
• Double-check that you are receiving all of the benefits (i.e. the ones listed
in the section above) you’re entitled to
Source: Bupa.co.uk , Bupa.co.uk
In addition to care homes, there’s also
the option to receive in-home care.
If you have a full-time carer – perhaps a
friend or family member – you can look
into temporary care home stays or
respite care options for when your full-
time carer is on holiday.
It’s also worthwhile for your carer to
look into Carer’s Allowance.
Image via Heather Green via Pinterest
Direct.gov.uk
AgeUK.org
Turn2Us.org.uk
Bupa.co.uk