Costs
What’s the Cost of In-Home Care for Elderly Individuals?
How to Access Care Services?
There are two gateways to accessing a care service. First, through direct contact with a Care Provider, like Beloved Homecare, who can come out and assess your needs alongside the different types of care that can be offered. Second, the local authority can conduct a needs assessment to decide the level and frequency of care required. An assessment referral can be submitted via a GP, district nurse or directly to the local authority.
Finding the right home care provider can be as easy as a quick Google search. We’d recommend having a look at Homecare.co.uk ( An independent home care review site). Here, you can access the latest reviews and ratings of all the local home care providers.
Funding Care
The financial assessment will take into account your income and savings, excluding the value of your house unless it is residential care you are considering. Other types of income, including disability benefits, are not usually included in the assessment either. Residential and Nursing Home costs are calculated slightly differently and your home may be included in the valuation of your assets.
There are certain thresholds that the individual must meet to be entitled to financial support.
1. Over £23,250 -The full costs of care fees must be paid by the individual. The individual is regarded to be self-funding.
2. Between £14,250 & £23,250 – The local council will fund part of the care costs with the rest coming from the individual.
3. Below £14,250 – These funds will be ignored and the local authority will pay 100% of the care costs.
If you or a loved one is qualified to be a self-funder and your capital decreases past £23,250, you can request a reassessment whereby the council may assist with funding.
If you or a loved one are eligible for financial support you either let the council arrange the package of care on your behalf or request a direct payment. Direct payments can offer greater flexibility and control when paying for elderly care.
Home Care Costs
The time should be agreed upon between the care provider and individual to suit the individual’s needs. This usually follows a risk and environmental assessment.
An hour of care can be between £17.20 & £35.00. The cost of care can change regionally throughout the UK. Prices can vary at weekends and bank holidays as some companies may choose to charge slightly more on these days.
Care home fees are different to home care costs for elderly individuals as they are paid weekly and often include the room, food & drink, medications and personal care within the cost. Residential care homes usually charge between £750 – £2,000 depending on the location and amenities available on site.
If you’re undecided as to whether home care or residential care suits you best, read our article that runs through the benefits and limitations of both.
If you’d like to speak with someone about arranging care for yourself or a loved one, our supportive office team is here to help and guide you through the journey – 0161 711 0750.