Navigating Care Funding

Navigating the financial landscape of home care services can be complex, but at Living at Home, we’re here to guide you through the various support options available. From government benefits to local authority funding, there are numerous avenues to explore to ensure you or your loved one receives the care they deserve.

Carer’s Allowance: As of 2024, the current rate for Carer’s Allowance in the UK is £81.90 per week. This is applicable to eligible individuals aged 16 or older who spend over 35 hours a week caring for someone with disabilities.

Attendance Allowance: Available for individuals aged 65 and over who require assistance due to a physical or mental handicap. The current rates for Attendance Allowance in the UK for 2024 are as follows:

• Lower rate: £72.65 per week, for individuals requiring frequent help or constant supervision during the day, or supervision at night.
• Higher rate: £108.55 per week, for those who require help or supervision throughout both the day and night, or for individuals with a terminal illness.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP): Aids with extra living costs for those with long-term physical or mental health conditions. The current rates for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in the UK for 2024 are as follows:

• Daily Living Component:
• Standard rate: £72.65 per week
• Enhanced rate: £108.55 per week
• Mobility Component:
• Standard rate: £28.70 per week
• Enhanced rate: £75.75 per week

PIP provides financial assistance to those with long-term physical or mental health conditions, and the weekly rates vary based on the level of support needed.

Funding from Social Services: In Swansea and Cardiff, the maximum weekly charge for non-residential social care services is set at £100, but this is due to rise. This maximum charge applies if an individual’s disposable income and savings exceed £24,000, not including the value of their home. Charges for services are determined after a financial assessment, and local authorities ensure that individuals retain a certain amount of their income to cover daily living costs​ (WALES)​.

Direct Payments: Provides individuals with control over their social care funding, allowing them to purchase home care services independently. The Direct Payment amounts that individuals can receive in Cardiff and Swansea are determined based on the level of support needed. In Swansea, the rate for Direct Payments is £15.36 per hour, while in Cardiff, it’s £20.71 per hour. These rates reflect the funding allocated to help recipients manage their care independently by employing personal assistants, purchasing home care services, or otherwise arranging their own care to suit their specific needs and preferences.

These hourly rates are integral in providing the flexibility for individuals to arrange the most appropriate and effective care for themselves, ensuring that the services they pay for directly align with their personal requirements and support plans.

Personal Health Budgets: Personal Health Budgets (PHBs) in the UK are part of NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) and are tailored to meet individual healthcare and wellbeing needs based on a detailed assessment. These budgets help recipients manage their care in a way that best suits their conditions and lifestyle preferences, offering flexibility over how the NHS funding is spent.

For more detailed information on funding options for home care, download or contact us for a to request our comprehensive booklet, ‘Funding Options & Guidance For Home Care.’ This booklet provides detailed information on all aspects of funding for home care, offering valuable insights and guidance to our clients.

Planning for home care services is not just about addressing immediate needs but also preparing for the future. Our team can assist you in developing long-term care plans that adapt to changing needs and circumstances, ensuring that you have the support you need at every stage of life.

At Living at Home, we believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality home care services. Whether you’re seeking information on home care funding, government-funded programs, or creating a personalised care plan, our team is here to provide expert guidance and support. Contact us today to start planning for your home care needs and experience the comfort and peace of mind that comes with quality care at home.