Contact Numbers
Freephone : 0800 783 7672Out of hours : 07736 897600
Contents
Live-in Care Costs
FUNDING AVAILABLE
Recently funding is becoming more available which, in turn, enables Live-in Care to become more achievable. Therefore 24-hour Live-in Care could compete with the long-term cost of residential care.
Funding for live-in services can come from various sources, you may be able to fund the service privately, or maybe this can be provided by Social Services or split through direct payments, it maybe that you are able to approach the Independent Living Fund for assistance or approach the local Primary Care Trust's Health budget. Please see guide lines below or for more assistance please follow the link www.fundingcaring.co.uk/home.htm
ATTENDANCE ALLOWANCE
This is a tax free benefit for people who are aged 65 years and over who need assistance with personal care either because they are mentally or physically disabled. You may be eligible for attendance allowance if:-
- You have a disability severe enough for you to require help caring for yourself
- You have a physical or mental disability or both
- You are aged 65 or over when you claim
Attendance allowance is not affected by savings or income. The amount that you receive depends on how you are affected by your disability and there are two rates:-
- Higher rate - £70.35
- Lower rate - £47.10
You are able to apply on line at www.dwp.gov.uk/eservice or ring the Benefit Enquiry line on 0800 88 22 00
DIRECT PAYMENTS
These are payments made by Local Councils for people who have been assessed as requiring help from Social Services and who would like to arrange and pay for their own care and support services rather than receiving them from the Local Council directly. You can request a visit from a Social Worker in your area, however, they will be unable to assist with funding if your savings exceed £22,500. Once you have reached this threshold Social Services will assess your needs and fund accordingly with an upper limit of calls of 2 hours a day approximately 14 hours a week.
CARERS ALLOWANCE
This is a benefit to assist people who look after someone who is disabled. The carer does not necessarily have to be related to or to live with the person but you must be aged 16 years or over and spend at least 35 hours a week caring for a person who is in receipt of Attendance or Disability Allowance. The weekly rate presently is £53.10 For more information contact the Benefit Enquiry Line 0800 88 22 00
DISABILITY LIVING ALLOWANCE
This allowance is as above but for children and adults (who are under the age of 65) who require assistance with walking or personal care with a physical or mental disability. For more information please contact the Benefit Enquiry Line on 0800 88 22 00
CONTINUING CARE
This is fully funded care for people who do not require care in an NHS acute hospital but who do require high degrees of health care. providing your needs satisfy the required criteria you could qualiify, however, the largest group who receive continuing care are the elderley. Continuing care is intended to cover the entire costs of all care, including medical, nursing and personal care together with living and accommodation costs, the same as if care was being provided in an NHS Hospital. More information can be obtained from NHS Direct on 0845 4647
INDEPENDENT LIVING FUNDS
These are financed and set up by central government and are dedicated to the financial support of disabled people thus enabling them to live in the community as opposed to residential care. Both the earnings and that of any partner are disregarded by the ILF thus enabling you to continue to earn without losing any funding.
Contact ILF directly ILF on 0845 601 8815 or email your qnery to funds@ilf.org.uk www.ilf.org.uk
CARE FEE PAYMENT PLANS
Can provide guaranteed monthly payments to cover all or part of nursing home or home care costs. This can be for thos planning for future elderly care or for immediate care needs. Check your existing policies to see if they cover the cost of care or contact an insurance provider or independent financial advisor.
