Home Care Funding Options

A live-in carer putting their hand on the shoulder of a patient

Home care offers a personalised, round-the-clock care solution that allows you to maintain your independence and quality of life in the familiar surroundings of your own home. While the benefits of care at home are clear, understanding how to fund this type of care is crucial. At Promedica24, we’re committed to helping you navigate the various funding options available to ensure you receive the care you need.

NHS Funding

While full NHS funding is available for a small number of individuals with complex health needs, there are alternative options to explore:

Continuing Healthcare Checklist

Request this screening tool from your GP
It helps determine if you should proceed with a comprehensive assessment
This assessment evaluates your eligibility for NHS-funded care

Personal Health Budget (PHB)

If eligible, a PHB provides greater flexibility in your healthcare choices
You can collaborate with your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) to access funding
This funding can be used to secure resources tailored to your specific needs, including care services
Over 80,000 individuals in England have benefited from the flexibility of a PHB

Local Authority Funding

Local Authorities are required to assess care and support needs for all individuals, regardless of financial circumstances:

Comprehensive Needs Assessment

This thorough evaluation determines your care requirements

Financial Assessment

Determines your eligibility for funding towards care costs
Considers your assets and income

Eligibility Criteria

If your assets don’t exceed £23,250, you may qualify for financial assistance
The Local Authority may cover part or all of your care costs, depending on your situation
For care at home, the value of your property is not taken into account (unlike in residential care settings)

Direct Payments

You can request your funding as a Direct Payment, giving you control over how to allocate funds for your care needs
You can choose how and when your care is delivered

Attendance Allowance

If you’re 66 or over and need help with personal care or supervision due to illness or disability, you may be eligible for Attendance Allowance:

Current Rates (2023/2024)

Lower rate: £68.10 per week (for those needing frequent help during the day or supervision at night)
Higher rate: £101.75 per week (for those needing help or supervision throughout both day and night)

Key Facts

Tax-free benefit
Not means-tested
Can be spent as the recipient chooses
May increase eligibility for other benefits like Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Reduction
Doesn’t affect other benefits but may be counted as income for means-testing in local authority funded care homes

Private Funding

If you’re not eligible for NHS or Local Authority funding, there are still options available:

Equity Release

Allows you to access the value tied up in your home
Can provide a lump sum or regular payments to fund your care
Various types available, including lifetime mortgages and home reversion plans

Financial Products

Immediate needs annuities
Care fees payment plans
Long-term care insurance

We recommend consulting with a financial adviser who specialises in later life planning. As an affiliate member of the Society of Later Life Advisors (SOLLA) [link to SOLLA website], we can help connect you with trusted, accredited advisers who understand the financial needs of older individuals.

At Promedica24, we understand that every situation is unique. Our dedicated team is here to guide you through the funding process and help you find the best solution for your circumstances. We can support you with:

Understanding your eligibility for various funding options

Connecting you with financial advisers specialising in later life planning

Navigating the application processes for benefits and funding

Creating a personalised care plan that fits your budget and needs

Unsure of the level of care you need? Speak to a member of our team today or take our online assessment for more information.

Speak to your Local Care Consultant Take our Online Care Assessment

Funding Your Home Care