What is a care needs assessment?
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Going through the care planning and funding process can feel like navigating a maze. It’s often overwhelming and difficult to understand, with constantly shifting eligibility requirements. We recognise that there is a lack of sufficient support for those caring for loved ones, which can be especially stressful for families trying to arrange additional care. Here, we have put together some helpful hints and pointers to get you started when looking at how to pay for care.
What are my options?
The first step is to explore what support you may be eligible for. Covering the cost of long-term care can be quite expensive. According to carehome.co.uk, the average weekly cost of residential care in the UK is £1,160, though this can vary significantly by region, with higher prices in London and the South of England.
Homecare expenses also depend on location and the frequency of visits, typically ranging from £190 to £800 per week.
Live-in care offers a popular alternative to residential care, with around the clock at-home support starting at around £1,100 per week.
There are various financial products and options to help cover long-term care, so it’s essential to seek independent financial advice. Options might include Immediate Care Plans, Deferred Payment Agreements, Equity Release, or Downsizing.
Funding
Care funding could be available if your total assets are less than £23,250. Those with assets above this amount must pay for their care until their assets fall below this threshold. This threshold is due to rise to £100,000 from October 2025. As a first step, we recommend contacting the local council in your area to arrange a Care Needs Assessment.
CHC Funding: This option is designed for individuals with substantial care needs or serious health conditions. If eligible, the NHS will cover all assessed care requirements, whether provided at home, in a care home, or in a hospice. CHC funding is determined by the level of care required, not financial means, and there is no funding limit, guaranteeing complete coverage for the entire duration of care. For more information and helpful resources, we recommend you take a look at the following websites:
Financial support for carers
Carers allowance: The rules can be complicated and you can get help and support from Citizens Advice to check you’re getting what you should.
Carers credit: If you’re caring for someone for at least 20 hours a week, you could get a National Insurance credit that helps with gaps in your National Insurance Record. Carers UK offers guidance on protecting your pension during these times.
Council Tax Discount: If you provide care for someone for at least 35 hours a week and live with them, you may be eligible for a Council Tax discount. However, this applies only if you are not their spouse or partner. In this case, you may not be counted as a resident for Council Tax purposes, which could reduce the overall amount of Council Tax owed. If you live alone, you’re normally entitled to a 25% reduction on your Council Tax bill. Carers UK also have a great page on their website that gives more information.
Other carers: Sharing your experiences with others who’ve walked your path can be hugely beneficial. There are local support groups and online forums where you can meet other carers that are going through similar experiences as you.
We have hightled just some of the help and support that is out there and available. There are further options and it’s important that you take time to look and what you could potentially be entitled to.
At GoodOaks, we are on a mission to help; through our You Are Not Alone campaign. We’re providing free information guides, interviews with experts, local knowledge, and advice to help guide you on your journey so that you feel equipped with the tools and knowledge you need.
Click HERE to download our FREE, in depth Paying for Care Guide, or call the office and speak with a member of our friendly team about our visiting and live-in care services.
