The Government’s newly released White Paper entitled Caring for People outlines the basic principles for the provision of community care. The Paper states that anyone who needs health or social care because of problems associated with old age should be able to obtain adequate care services and support. This includes provision for specially tailored care at home or in residential accommodation.

The National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990 (NHSCCA) provides the framework for the assessment of care needs and the arrangement of services by the local authorities. Application for an assessment can be made directly to local social services departments, GPs or health consultants.

Every UK citizen is entitled to an assessment, regardless of whether care is to be state funded or paid for privately. Anchor Retirement Homes: http://www.anchor.org.uk/retirement-homes-and-care-homes/default, suggest that private funders could benefit from an assessment to measure future needs.

There could be a chance that a care home resident’s financial resources are reduced to a level where council funding becomes necessary. Should this happen, it would be unwise to choose a care home that does not match the applicant’s assessed needs. In this situation a third party would need to contribute towards care fees.

Applicants whose assessments suggest that they require care and who have capital below £23,250 are entitled to financial support from their local authority. Applicants do have a choice of care home, as long as it is suitable for their assessed needs, complies with any terms and conditions set by the authority, and does not exceed the standard subsidy relative to their needs.

Self-funding applicants may be entitled to other forms of financial assistance. If the applicant’s other capital is below £23,250, the local authority will help subsidise costs during the first twelve weeks of permanent care. Social Services can also lend money to pay for care, which is charged against the applicant’s property value.

For more information on care home costs and retirement home options, visit www.anchor.org.uk.

Disclaimer:

Please note that the above article was written on behalf of Anchor by a third party content provider. While every measure has been taken to ensure its relevance, timeliness and accuracy, this cannot be guaranteed.