Paying to live in care homes can be very expensive. Some people can meet the full cost of living in a care home. However, you may be able to get help to pay the fees from your local council. If you are eligible for help then you will be expected to make a contribution towards the fee.
To be considered for help when this directory was published you had to:
•be assessed by your council as needing a Care Home
•have less than £22,250 in savings or other assets To find out if they can help councils have to assess people’s care needs and financial situations.
This includes finding out about people’s income, savings and property.Each council sets an amount it will normally pay towards care home fees. Some Homes set their fees to be in line with this amount, but others charge more.
This may limit the choice you have.In some instances if a Home charges more than your council will pay, you may be able to find someone else to pay the difference. This is called a third party contribution or “top-up” fee.
However, if this payment is not maintained it will become necessary for you to move to another Home.You must let your council know if your financial situation changes.
This is particularly important if you have been paying for yourself, but your savings are reducing and will fall below £22,250 in the future.
It is very important to let your council know about this as soon as possible.For more details of help with Care Home fees contact your local council.
