Funding live-in nursing
Funding live-in nursing
Funding live-in nursing care is an important consideration for many families when planning long-term care. Having a clear understanding of the available options can make this process easier and ensure your loved one receives the necessary nursing support without financial concerns. At Consultus Care and Nursing, we are here to support you in exploring the various funding and financing options, helping you make informed decisions for you or your loved one’s care.
Understanding your funding options
When arranging live-in nursing, it's essential to be aware of the different ways to cover the costs. This guide outlines various options, including self-funding, local authority assistance, NHS Continuing Healthcare, and more. By better understanding the options you can make an informed decision about how you can fund live-in nursing at home.
Local authority funding
If your assets fall below the financial upper threshold, you may qualify for partial or full funding from your local authority, although this funding is very unlikely to cover the full cost of live-in nursing, and you will be required to ‘top up’ to cover fees.
How local authority funding works
To check if you are eligible for local authority funding, you can request a financial assessment from your local council. During this evaluation, your financial status will be reviewed, including your income, savings, and sometimes the value of your property. Benefits you may be receiving are also taken into account. If the assessment finds that your assets are below the financial threshold, the local authority may fully fund your nursing care. If your resources are higher but insufficient to cover the full cost, partial funding may be offered, with you responsible for paying the difference.
Here are the key asset thresholds:
Over £23,250: You are expected to cover the full cost of your care.
Between £14,250 and £23,250: The local authority will contribute to your care costs.
Below £14,250: Your care will be entirely funded by the local authority.
Personal budget/ direct payments
If you are eligible for funding from the local authority, you might receive a personal budget, giving you more flexibility in arranging care. You can opt for direct payments, allowing you to organise and pay for your own care, or you can have the local authority manage it on your behalf.
Attendance allowance
If you are over 65 and need help with personal care due to illness or disability, you could qualify for attendance allowance. This non-means-tested benefit is designed to help cover the extra costs of care, and it is available regardless of your financial situation.
Benefits of attendance allowance
Attendance allowance is not dependent on your income or savings, meaning anyone who meets the eligibility criteria can receive it.
You can apply through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The amount provided depends on the level of care you require, with higher amounts available for those needing care both day and night.
The allowance can be used to help cover the costs of live-in nursing care or other care-related expenses, providing more flexibility in managing care costs.
Talk to us today
Give us a call to discuss your needs with one of our friendly, expert Care Advisors. They will guide you through your options to ensure you make the right choice for you and your family.
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
NHS Continuing Healthcare is a fully funded care package for individuals with complex and ongoing medical needs. If you qualify as having a "primary health need," the NHS will cover the entire cost of your care, whether provided at home or in a nursing home.
Eligibility for NHS Continuing Healthcare
Your eligibility for NHS Continuing Healthcare is determined by your health needs, not a specific medical condition. If you have substantial physical or mental health care needs, you might qualify for this type of funding.
You might be eligible if you:
Have significant on-going physical or mental health requirements.
Need care primarily focused on meeting health needs.
Have a condition that will not significantly improve over time and requires long-term care.
The eligibility process involves a comprehensive evaluation by your local Integrated Care Board (ICB), formerly the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).
Applying for NHS Continuing Healthcare
If you believe you or your loved one may qualify, your first step is to speak with a healthcare professional, such as a doctor, nurse, or social worker, who can begin the assessment process. Alternatively, you can contact your local Integrated Care Board (ICB), formerly the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) directly to discuss your case and start the assessment process.
How the NHS Continuing Healthcare assessment works
The process begins with a checklist, typically completed by a healthcare professional. If this screening suggests potential eligibility for NHS Continuing Healthcare, a full assessment is conducted.
A detailed evaluation follows, where healthcare and social care professionals gather all relevant information about your needs. A Decision Support Tool (DST) is used to assess your health and care requirements across 12 key areas.
The collected information is reviewed by a multidisciplinary team (MDT), who recommend whether or not you qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare. You or your representative can participate in this meeting to ensure your views are heard.
The final decision is made by the Integrated Care Board (ICB), which will approve funding based on the MDT's recommendation. Although the ICB typically follows the MDT's advice, there may be exceptions.
Once the decision is made, you will be informed in writing of the outcome. If you qualify, the ICB will arrange and fund your care. If not, you will receive a detailed explanation, and you have the right to appeal.
For those whose condition is rapidly declining, there is an expedited Fast-Track Pathway to ensure care is provided as quickly as possible.
Self-funding live-in nursing care
For most families, self-funding is the only option to finance live-in nursing care. If your assets exceed £23,250, and you cannot access ICB funding, you will need to cover the cost of nursing care yourself. This threshold may change based on your location in the UK.
Equity release
For homeowners, equity release can be a useful way to fund care without having to sell the family home immediately. It allows you to access the value tied up in your home to pay for care.
Equity release lets you unlock some of the value in your home without having to sell it outright. The most common option is a lifetime mortgage, where you borrow against the value of your property and repay the loan when the home is sold.
Care fees annuities
A care fees annuity, also known as an immediate needs annuity, guarantees a regular income for care costs in exchange for a one-time payment. This offers peace of mind with consistent funding for as long as care is needed.
Enquire now
Get in touch with one of our friendly Care Advisors who will guide you to make the right choice for you or your loved one.
How we can help
At Consultus Care and Nursing, we understand that every family’s situation is unique. Our Nurse Consultants are here to guide you through all aspects of nursing care, offering support every step of the way. Whether you are exploring care options or need help with planning, we help you every step of the way.
Talk to us today
Give us a call to discuss your needs with one of our friendly, expert Care Advisors. They will guide you through your options to ensure you make the right choice for you and your family.
Why choose Consultus Care and Nursing?
One of the longest-established and most trusted providers
Founded in 1962, we have always been innovators in live-in care and live-in nursing. With over 60 years’ experience, we are one of the country’s longest-established, most highly recommended and experienced providers.
Unrivalled choice and control over your care
We understand that every person’s needs are different and every family’s situation is unique. With our choice of fully managed live-in care and nursing, and our introductory service, we offer more flexibility and personalisation than any other provider.
Highly trained nurses and carers
We are nationally recognised for the quality of our nurses and carers. With market-leading training, delivered at our own, multi-award-winning training centre (a Skills for Care Centre of Excellence), they provide exemplary, compassionate care tailored to individual needs, offering total peace of mind for clients and their families.
Expert care and support, dedicated to you
Our Care Consultants oversee our nursing and managed care services supporting only a small number of families. This means our service is truly personal, with unrivalled support and continuity of care. Reassurance that we are there when you need us most.
Family-founded, family-owned
We continue to be a family-owned and family-managed business. The largest wholly family-owned live-in care provider in the UK, we focus on what our clients and their families need from a high-quality care service, not on meeting investors’ expectations.
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