Who Pays for Live-In Carers? Understanding the Costs and Support Available
Who pays for live-in care? Explore funding options, council support, and NHS assistance for live-in carers.
Have You Ever Wondered Who Covers the Cost of Live-In Care?
Live-in care provides an excellent alternative to residential homes, allowing individuals to receive 24-hour assistance while remaining in the comfort of their own homes. However, the cost of this type of care can be a concern for many families. So, who pays for live-in carers? The answer depends on personal finances, council support, and eligibility for NHS funding.
Understanding how care costs are assessed and funded can help individuals and families make informed decisions about care options. Here’s what you need to know about funding live-in care in Hamilton and across the UK.
How is Live-In Care Funded?
When it comes to paying for care, individuals typically fall into one of three categories:
- Full council funding – The local authority covers the entire cost, with the possibility of a small personal contribution.
- Partial council funding – The council pays a portion, and the individual covers the rest.
- Self-funding – The individual pays for their care in full.
Whether a person qualifies for financial support depends on both care needs and financial circumstances. To determine eligibility, a two-stage assessment process is required.
Step 1: The Needs Assessment
The first step in accessing council-funded care is a needs assessment, which is free and available through your local council. This assessment determines whether the individual requires assistance with everyday activities such as:
- Personal hygiene (bathing and dressing)
- Mobility and transfers (getting in and out of bed, moving around the home)
- Meal preparation and nutrition
- Medication management
- Emotional and social support
A trained assessor will evaluate the level of care required. This is done either in person or over the phone. If the assessment confirms a need for care, the next stage is a financial assessment to establish eligibility for funding.
The needs assessment is an essential step as it helps determine the most appropriate level of support. For some, occasional home care visits may be sufficient, while others may require continuous live-in care. The council must ensure that the care plan meets an individual’s essential needs. If a person disagrees with the findings of the assessment, they have the right to challenge the decision.
Step 2: The Financial Assessment (Means Test)
The financial assessment, also known as means testing, evaluates an individual’s assets, including savings, pensions, and income, to determine whether they qualify for financial assistance.
How Much Can You Have in Savings?
- If savings and assets exceed £23,250, the individual is expected to pay for their care in full.
- If savings are below £23,250, the council may contribute towards care costs.
- Those with assets below £14,250 typically receive the maximum council support.
Some financial resources are not included in means testing, such as:
- The mobility component of Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment
- War widow and widower payments
- Pension Credit Savings Credit
For homeowners receiving care at home, the value of the property is not considered in the means test. This allows individuals to access support while remaining in their own homes.
The means test can feel complicated, but seeking professional guidance can help families understand their options. Charities such as Age UK and Independent Age provide helpful resources for those navigating the process.
How Does the Council Pay for Care?
If the council agrees to fund live-in care, it will allocate a personal budget, which can be managed in three ways:
- Direct Payments – Funds are deposited into the individual’s account, allowing them to arrange their own care services.
- Council-Managed Services – The council arranges and pays for care directly.
- Third-Party Management – A designated organisation handles care arrangements on behalf of the individual.
For additional guidance on personal budgets, individuals can contact the Disability Rights UK Personal Budgets Helpline at 0330 995 0404.
Choosing how the personal budget is managed is important, as it can impact the level of control an individual has over their care. Many families opt for direct payments to have more flexibility in selecting a care provider.
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC): An Alternative to Council Funding
Some individuals may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC), a fully funded care package provided by the NHS. Unlike council funding, CHC is not means-tested but is based on medical need.
To be eligible, an individual must require continuous, complex health support. The assessment process begins with a Continuing Healthcare Checklist, followed by a more detailed evaluation if necessary. The NHS will fund the entire cost of care if the individual qualifies.
This funding is particularly beneficial for individuals with progressive conditions, such as advanced dementia or Parkinson’s disease. However, the eligibility criteria can be strict, and many applicants are initially denied. Families can appeal if they believe a decision was incorrect.
Choosing a Care Provider
Whether funded by the council, NHS, or privately, individuals have the right to choose their care provider. This includes selecting between:
- Live-in care at home – Allowing individuals to remain in familiar surroundings with dedicated one-to-one support.
- Residential care homes – Offering 24-hour care in a communal setting.
If a preferred care provider charges more than the allocated council budget, a top-up fee may be required, which is usually paid by a relative or friend.
Many families find that live-in care offers a better quality of life than residential care, as it allows for a personalised approach tailored to the individual’s preferences and daily routines.
What Happens If Funding is Denied?
If the council refuses funding or offers inadequate support, individuals have the right to challenge the decision. The first step is to raise a formal complaint with the local council’s adult social care department. If this does not resolve the issue, the case can be escalated to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, an independent body reviewing disputes involving local authorities.
Legal advice can also be sought to help challenge council decisions, especially if errors have been made in the assessment process.
Seeking Advice and Support
Understanding care funding can be complex, but expert advice is available. For further information, individuals can contact:
- Age UK – 0800 678 1602
- Independent Age – 0800 319 6789
- Money Helper – 0800 111 3797
Live-in care is a valuable service, but funding it requires careful planning. By understanding how assessments work, what financial support is available, and the options for managing costs, families can make informed choices about the best care solutions.
If you need support navigating your options, Home Instead Hamilton is here to help. Get in touch today to learn more about our compassionate, professional live-in care services tailored to your needs.
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