What Help Can I Get with the Cost of Home Care?

Are you struggling with the cost of home care? You’re not alone. 

Whether you’re supporting a loved one or looking for yourself, today we’ll break down what help is available to make homecare more affordable.

Hello, shwmae. 

I’m Joanne from Living at Home, and we know how overwhelming it can be to find affordable care solutions for yourself or a loved one. 

In this blog, we’re going to explore various financial support options, including Direct Payments, allowances, and even local benefits, so you can navigate the cost of home care without the stress. 

By the end of this blog, you’ll have a better understanding of what help is out there and how to access it.

Direct Payments

Let’s talk about Direct Payments:

Direct Payments are cash payments provided by your local authority, giving you the freedom to choose your own care services instead of relying on those arranged by the council.

If social services have assessed you and determined that you need support, you may be eligible to receive Direct Payments. 

In Swansea, the current rate in 2024 is £15.36 per hour, while in Cardiff it’s £20.71 per hour.

The greatest advantage of Direct Payments is the flexibility they offer, allowing you to tailor your care to your specific needs and preferences. 

They put you in control, enabling you to arrange care on your own terms and create a personalised support plan that truly suits your lifestyle.

Attendance Allowance

Another financial support option is Attendance Allowance. 

This is a non-means-tested benefit specifically designed for individuals over State Pension age who need help with personal care due to a physical or mental disability. 

Unlike other benefits, it doesn’t depend on your income or savings, making it accessible to a wide range of people.

How To Qualify?

To qualify for Attendance Allowance, you do not need to have had a formal assessment by social services, but you must demonstrate that you have needed help or supervision with personal care for at least six months. 

Personal care includes tasks like bathing, dressing, or needing someone to keep an eye on you to ensure your safety. 

This benefit is available at two rates, depending on the level of support required:

• Lower rate (approximately £72.65 per week) – for those needing help during the day or night.
• Higher rate (approximately £108.55 per week) – for those needing help both day and night, or if you are terminally ill.

What’s especially beneficial is that qualifying for Attendance Allowance can unlock additional entitlements, such as higher Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or reductions in Council Tax. 

It can even contribute to certain NHS costs, depending on your circumstances.

To apply, you’ll need to complete a detailed claim form, which you can find online through the GOV.UK website or request from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). 

The form requires specific information about how your disability affects your daily life, so it’s helpful to take your time or get support in completing it.

If you need help with your application or want to maximise your benefits, reach out to us and we’ll help navigate the process.

Or you can seek support from Age UK, Citizens Advice, local welfare rights teams, or charities like Carers UK and Independent Age.

NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding

Did you know that in some cases, the NHS may cover the cost of your home care entirely? 

This is through something called NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding. 

It’s a bit tricky to qualify because you need to have what’s called a ‘primary health need’, but if your needs are more health-related than social care-related, this could be a huge support. 

Make sure to ask your healthcare provider for an assessment if you think this might apply to you.

It’s worth checking, even if you’re unsure.

Getting this funding can save thousands of pounds per year in care costs.

Other Benefits and Support

There are also several other benefits that can ease the financial burden of home care. 

Carer’s Allowance, for example, is available if you spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone who receives a qualifying disability benefit. 

There’s also the Pension Credit for those on a low income, and the Council Tax Reduction Scheme if you’ve made modifications to your home for a disabled person.

If you’re not sure which benefits apply to you, we recommend using tools like Entitledto.co.uk or Turn2Us.org.uk. 

These websites have easy-to-use benefits calculators that will help you determine what you’re eligible for based on your circumstances.

More information

We hope this blog gives you some clarity and confidence to explore the financial help that’s available for your home care needs. 

If you found this information helpful, or if you need assistance in applying for these benefits, please feel free to contact us today or visit our website to download our Funding Options and Guidance for Home Care brochure.

For more detailed guides and additional resources, check out our other content. 

Navigating the costs of home care can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. 

We’re here to support you every step of the way.