CARE FUNDING - WHICH WAY TO TURN ?

With funding provision starting to become more readily available, live in care has become a more viable prospect financially. Constant specialist attention can provide cost savings over hourly care and also compete with the long term cost of residential care. Some privately funded customers comparing the costs of residential and live in care often offset any difference by taking into account the capital appreciation they enjoy by not having to sell the main residence,

Helping Hands are able to work flexibly with multi-funding sources. As of June 2006 we are also now able to offer payment by direct debit for those clients who would prefer to manager their care in this way. You can download the direct debit form here or alternatively speak to your Live In Care Manager for a copy to be posted.

The cost of providing the live in service from £644 per week depending on the individual care needs, in general we do not charge over £747 per week (note bank holidays are double time). This includes all travel costs. For specific costs you would need to speak to a Live In Care Manager directly on 0808 180 9488.

The funding for the live in service is varied, it may be that you are able to fund the service privately, social services may choose to provide total or split funding through direct payments, you could approach the local Primary Care Trust’s Health budget, or maybe choose to approach the Independent Living Fund for financial help. A guide to some of the funding options available is listed below.

ATTENDANCE ALLOWANCE

Is a tax free benefit for people aged 65 and over who need help with personal care because they are mentally or physically disabled. You may get attendance allowance if :

• You have a physical or mental disability or both
• Your disability is severe enough for you to need help caring for yourself
• You are aged 65 or over when you claim.( under 65 see Disability Living Allowance)

Attendance allowance is not usually affected by any savings or income. The amount that you get depends on how much your disability affects you. There are 2 rates :

1, Higher Rate = £62.25

2. Lower Rate =  £41.65

For more information contact the Benefit Enquiry Line on 0800 882200 or apply online at www.dwp.gov.uk/eservice.

DISABILITY LIVING ALLOWANCE(DLA)

Is the same as the above but for children and adults with a physical or mental disability who need help with walking or personal care and who claim before the age of 65.

For more information contact the Benefit Enquiry Line on 0800 882200 or apply online at www.dwp.gov.uk/eservice.

CARERS ALLOWANCE

Is a benefit to help people who look after someone who is disabled. You do not have to be related to or live with the person you care for but you must be aged 16 or over and spend at least 35 hours a week caring for a person who gets either Attendance or Disability Living Allowance. The weekly rate at the moment is £46.95.

For more information contact the Benefit Enquiry Line on 0800 882200.

DIRECT PAYMENTS

Are local council payments for people who have been assessed as needing help from Social Services and who would like to arrange and pay for their own care and support services instead of receiving them directly from the local council.

For more information you would need to contact your own local social services department.

CONTINUING CARE

This is fully funded care for people who do not require care in an NHS acute hospital but who nevertheless require a high degree of ongoing health care. Anybody can qualify if their needs satisfy the eligibility criteria although the largest group who receive continuing care is the elderly. It is intended to cover the entire costs of care including all medical care, nursing care, personal care, living and accomodation costs, the same as if their care was being provided in an NHS Hospital.For more information contact NHS Direct 0845 4647,

INDEPENDENT LIVING FUNDS

Are set up and financed by central government and are dedicated to the financial support of disabled people enabling them to choose to live in the community rather than residential care. ILF disregards a clients earnings and that of partners so that you can continue to earn without losing any funding.

Contact the ILF directly on 0845 601 8815 or email your query to funds@ilf.org.uk

CARE FEE PAYMENT PLANS

Can provide guaranteed monthly payments to cover all or part of nursing home or home care costs. It can be for immediate care needs or for those planning for future elderly care. Check your existing policies to see if they cover the cost of care, if not contact an insurance provider or speak to an independent financial advisor .