Paying for care - Where should I begin?
For most people, paying for care might not be something they’ve ever thought about. You might have been suddenly forced to explore your options. Perhaps a loved one had a nasty fall and can’t go home, or an elderly parent is no longer safe living alone.
Proud to be part of a not-for-profit organisation, at Sanctuary Care we’ve got over 20 years’ experience of providing affordable, high-quality care, with teams devoted to enriching lives every step of the way.
We’re transparent with our prices – and our starting prices are clearly displayed on each of our individual care home pages, with a helpful Paying for Care dedicated page online to detail in black and white what’s included in our fees from the very start.
We’re here to support you and guide you through the process – one step at a time.
Also, on our Paying for Care page you will find everything you need, including our free downloadable Paying for Care Guide, and questions and answers, all in one handy place.
Or if you’d like to talk to someone right now, our Enquiry Support Team advisors are available on 0800 917 0478.
The starting point
In a nutshell the amount you pay towards your care depends on three things - where you live, the type of care you need and the value of your capital and income.
Capital is the market value of your property, savings and any lump sum payments you receive (don’t forget if your spouse, civil partner, a close relative over 60 or a dependent child/disabled relative lives with you, your property isn’t included). Meanwhile income means any regular payments you receive such as pensions (these are halved if they are joint pensions with a spouse).
There are three main points to consider when starting your journey:
- Understanding what your care fees will be – following a free needs assessment, our friendly home managers will be able to tell you exactly what the fees will be.
- Work out your savings, shares, investments and income (including a pension or property you own).
- Confirm if you are entitled to state benefits.
The table below outlines the thresholds considered to determine funding:
| England | Scotland | Funding position | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Value of Capital and Income | £23,250 | £28,500 | You will pay your care costs in full as a 'self funder' |
| Value of Capital and Income | £14,250 - £23,250 | £18,000 - £28,500 | Your contribution is means tested - you will pay for some of your costs and your local authority will pay the rest |
| Value of Capital and Income | Below £14,250 | Below £18,000 | You should get maximum support from your local authority |
Additional allowances
Even if you are self-funding your care, you will still be able to apply to receive additional allowances:
Attendance allowance
Eligibility depends if you are 65 and over and you need assistance on a daily basis.
Nursing fees support
In England you may be entitled to financial support for nursing fees through Funded Nursing Care (FNC) or Continuing Healthcare Funding. And in Scotland, everyone aged 65 and over receives free personal care and nursing care (up to a certain limit).
*For further details, independent care home reviews website carehome.co.uk features a helpful blog on Care home fees and costs, that might provide some additional support.
If the Local Authority is paying for care, how do we then choose a care home?
Your LA often provides a list of care homes to choose from. We recommend doing your own research by using the independent website carehome.co.uk. Here you can read the genuinely honest reviews of those people who matter most – the residents living in these homes and their loved ones. The homes are scored out of 10 based on these reviews and the ratings that are given for things like the quality of the care and support, the food, the staff and activities on offer. It’s well worth a look for some truly honest feedback.
And don’t forget our Enquiry Support Team are only a phone-call away and can help you to find a care home near you. Call them on free-phone 0800 917 0478.
If you want to move out of the area to be closer to loved ones, the LA will still fund your care, but if there are no vacancies you may go on a waiting list.
Top-up fees
If you prefer a care home that is more expensive than the one offered by the LA, it, may ask your family for a ‘top up fee’ to meet the extra expense.
And if you have any benefits like a pension, this will go towards the cost of your care.
We hope this has helped you to navigate your way through the process. For more support why not visit out Paying for Care page, a one-stop shop with everything you need all in one handy place. Or if you’d like to talk to someone right now, our Enquiry Support Team advisors are available on 0800 917 0478.
*Sanctuary Care is not recommending this source; it is a signpost for further information.
