Help with Care Home Costs

Paying for care home costs can be a significant financial challenge for many families in the UK. Whether you’re looking for help with residential care costs, nursing home fees, or private care home expenses, there are options available to ease the burden. This guide explains the financial help available, who qualifies, and how to access support for care home costs.

1. Who Pays for Care Home Costs?

In the UK, care home costs are typically paid for in one of three ways:

Self-Funding: If you have savings or assets above a certain threshold (£23,250 in England as of 2024), you may need to pay for your care home fees yourself.
Local Authority Support: If your savings and assets are below the threshold, your local council may help pay for your care home costs. This is determined through a financial assessment.
NHS Funding: In some cases, the NHS may cover care home costs for individuals with significant health needs through schemes like NHS Continuing Healthcare.

Understanding who pays for care home costs depends on your financial situation and care needs. Let’s explore the available support options in more detail.

2. Government Help with Care Home Costs

The UK government provides several forms of financial help for care home costs. These include:

Local Authority Funding: If you qualify for local authority support, the council will contribute towards your care home fees. You may still need to pay a portion of the costs, depending on your income and savings.
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC): This is a fully funded care package for individuals with complex medical needs. If you qualify, the NHS will cover the full cost of your care home fees, including nursing care.
NHS-Funded Nursing Care: If you’re in a nursing home and don’t qualify for CHC, the NHS may still contribute towards the cost of nursing care provided by a registered nurse.

To find out if you qualify for government help, contact your local council or speak to your GP about an NHS assessment.

3. Benefits to Help with Care Home Costs

There are several benefits that can help with care home costs, including:

Attendance Allowance: A non-means-tested benefit for individuals over state pension age who need help with personal care due to a disability or illness. This can be used to help pay for care home fees.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP): For individuals under state pension age, PIP can help cover care costs if you have a long-term illness or disability.
Pension Credit: If you’re on a low income, Pension Credit can provide additional financial support, which may help with care home costs.

These benefits can provide extra money to help pay for care, even if you’re already receiving local authority or NHS support.

4. Financial Assessments for Care Home Costs

If you’re seeking help with care home costs, you’ll need to undergo a financial assessment by your local council. This assessment considers:

Your income, including pensions and benefits
Your savings and assets, including property (in some cases)

If your assets are below the threshold (£23,250 in England), the council will contribute towards your care home fees. If your assets are above this amount, you’ll be expected to self-fund your care until your savings fall below the threshold.

It’s important to note that the value of your home may be excluded from the assessment if certain conditions apply, such as if a spouse or dependent is still living there.

5. Crowdfunding for Care Home Costs

If you’re struggling to cover care home fees, crowdfunding can be a valuable option. Platforms like JustGiving allow you to raise money from friends, family, and the wider community. Here’s how it works:

Create a Fundraising Page: Set up a page explaining your situation and why you need help with care home costs.
Share Your Story: Be open and honest about your needs. Sharing photos and updates can help connect with potential donors.
Promote Your Fundraiser: Share your page on social media, via email, and within your local community to reach as many people as possible.

Start your JustGiving fundraiser today and let your community help you manage care home costs.

6. Practical Tips for Managing Care Home Costs

In addition to seeking financial help, there are steps you can take to manage care home costs more effectively:

Negotiate Fees: Speak to the care home about reducing fees or setting up a payment plan.
Consider Deferred Payment Agreements: If you own a property, your local council may offer a deferred payment agreement, allowing you to delay paying care home fees until your property is sold.
Seek Financial Advice: Consult a financial advisor who specialises in care funding to explore your options and plan for the future.

Take Action Today

Paying for care home costs can be challenging, but there are many options available to help. From government support and benefits to crowdfunding and financial planning, you can find the assistance you need to manage these expenses.

Create your JustGiving page now and let your community support you in covering care home costs.