Fees and Funding
Brook of Life Care Ltd provides an exceptionally responsive and bespoke care solution and we work with local councils to provide the same high level of service to both privately funded and council funded clients.
There are several ways of funding your care. This depends on your needs and circumstances. You may be eligible for financial assistance from your local council. With no obligation we can discuss your individual requirements and perhaps help put your mind at rest as to how our home care services can be funded.
As a general example, if you are looking to access home care services, either for yourself or for a relative or friend, then you need to inform your local council either independently (by yourself, or through your family or a friend) or via a healthcare professional such as your GP. Your council will then carry out an assessment of your needs to determine what level of support you require. They will then determine what level of financial support you might be eligible for to meet those needs.
If you qualify for funding, the council can organise and pay for your care on your behalf or give you a cash payment to do so yourself. Whichever option you prefer, we can work with you and whoever funds your care to make sure you get the care and support you need.
If you are not entitled to free or partially funded home care, or you wish to supplement your care, you can also pay for our services as a private client.
Be assured that whatever route you choose, we provide a quality service that is tailored to your unique needs.
More information on funding for care can be found on the NHS website www.nhs.uk. The NHS website states the following;
- You might be eligible for the local council to pay towards the cost of your care if you have less than £23,250 in savings.
- How much your council will pay depends on what care you need and how much you can afford to pay.
- If you need care, the council will then do a financial assessment (means test) to work out what you will have to pay towards the cost of your care.
The means test works out if:
- the council pays the full cost of your care
- the council pays some of the cost and you pay the rest
- you pay for all your care
The financial assessment is free. You don’t need to book it – it’ll be arranged for you after your needs assessment.
If the council is going to pay towards your care, you’ll get a personal budget. The amount will be worked out when the council makes a care and support plan with you.
You can choose to get your personal budget in 3 ways, as:
- A Direct Payment into your bank account each month for you to pay for your care – the council will usually ask for receipts to see you are spending your money on care
- The council arranges and pays for your care on your behalf.
- A mixed personal budget – the council arranges some of your care and you arrange and pay for the rest with a personal budget
Paying for your own care (self-funding)
You will not be entitled to help with the cost of care from your local council if:
- You have savings worth more than £23,250
- You own your own property (this only applies if you’re moving into a care home)
You can ask your council for a financial assessment (means test) to check if you qualify for any help with costs.
You can choose to pay for care yourself if you don’t want a financial assessment.
How to arrange your care as a self-funder; You can:
- Arrange and pay for care yourself without involving the council
- Ask the council to arrange and pay for your care (the council will then bill you, but not all councils offer this service and they may charge a fee)
Benefits can help with care costs
You may be eligible for benefits, like Attendance Allowance and Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which aren’t means-tested.
You can use them to pay towards the cost of your care.
Advice on paying for care can be found from:
Age UK freephone 0800 169 6565
Independent Age freephone 0800 319 6789
The Money Advice Service freephone 0800 138 7777
