The cost of a care home differs for everybody. It depends on

the type of care you require and your capital.

In the UK, it’s up to the Local Authority to determine how much of your care home costs you can

afford to pay. They calculate this based on your total capital and – in some cases – on what they

determine to be your ‘weekly income’.

If your total capital (i.e. the value of your solely-owned properties, savings and investments)

falls between the upper and lower limits shown on the left side of this page (excluding Wales,

which only has an upper limit), then that figure is used to determine your ‘weekly income’. For

every £250 of capital you have, you’re given a weekly income of £1. It is this ‘income’

calculation that the Local Authority uses to determine how much financial assistance you’re

entitled to.

If your capital falls below the lower limit, then your capital won’t factor into your fee

assessment. If it falls above the upper limit, you’ll be required to pay your care home fees in

full.

If your weekly income adds up to more than your weekly care home costs (plus an additional

expenses figure, £23.50 in Scotland/England, £24.00 in Wales), then you’re required to pay for

your care yourself.

England

Upper limit: £23,250

Lower limit: £14,250

Scotland

Upper limit: £24,750

Lower limit: £15,250

Wales

Upper limit: £22,000

Lower limit: £22,000

Source: Direct.gov.uk

Image via Loretta Prescott via Pinterest

While the way in which care home cost assistance is calculated is set in stone,

you still have the power to ensure you’re getting the proper funding you are

entitled to. Here are some ways you can make sure you’re getting the financial

help you need:

When you move into a care home, you should still receive the state benefits

you’re entitled to. In fact, it’s important to claim all the benefits you qualify for,

as this is calculated into the Local Authority’s assessment of your finances. Here

are some of the most common benefits care home residents receive:

• State Pension

• Disability Living

Allowance

• Attendance Allowance

• Income Support/Pension

Credit

• Assess your care needs- if necessary, work with your GP and the Local

Authority to get an official assessment of your financial needs

• Update your Local Authority when your financial needs change

• Double-check that you are receiving all of the benefits (i.e. the ones listed

in the section above) you’re entitled to

Source: Bupa.co.uk , Bupa.co.uk

In addition to care homes, there’s also

the option to receive in-home care.

If you have a full-time carer – perhaps a

friend or family member – you can look

into temporary care home stays or

respite care options for when your full-

time carer is on holiday.

It’s also worthwhile for your carer to

look into Carer’s Allowance.

Image via Heather Green via Pinterest

Direct.gov.uk

AgeUK.org

Turn2Us.org.uk

Bupa.co.uk