Working out exactly what you're entitled to under the UK care home fees system can be fiendishly difficult. We've put together a list of simple tips that can help you master the system and ensure you, and your loved ones, get exactly what you're entitled to.
Secure appropriate funding
To find out exactly what funding you, or a loved one, might be entitled to, get in touch with your local authority. There will be a specific person or team of people responsible for assigning funding for care home fees, and they will be able to give you an initial idea of the kinds of funding you could claim.
During the course of your funding investigations, you may also discover that the NHS is obligated to provide free continuing care, or cover nursing costs for any care a loved one receives; more on this next.
Secure appropriate funding
To find out exactly what funding you, or a loved one, might be entitled to, get in touch with your local authority. There will be a specific person or team of people responsible for assigning funding for care home fees, and they will be able to give you an initial idea of the kinds of funding you could claim.
During the course of your funding investigations, you may also discover that the NHS is obligated to provide free continuing care, or cover nursing costs for any care a loved one receives; more on this next.
Could you be eligible for NHS continuing care?
Whether or not you, or your loved one, qualify for free care on the NHS depends entirely upon the health of the individual in need of care. If you don't qualify the first time around you can request regular reassessments if the person in question's health deteriorates.
Make sure you get a health assessment
The best way to ensure you make the most of the benefits and funding options available is to schedule a health assessment with your local authority representative. A thorough assessment by an experienced professional will guarantee you don't miss out on any funding options.
Will your home count against you?
Bear in mind that if you have assets in excess of 23,250, and this can include your home, you won't qualify for help with care costs. You can get around your home being counted as part of your assets if you have a spouse or relative over the age of 60 in residence at the property. Also, if care needs are designated as temporary, your home will not be included in any assets calculation.
Top-up fees could help you pay for a more expensive care home
If you are hoping to use a higher priced care home but are concerned that you won't be able to cover the costs on your own, you may be able to make use of the top up fees system. If you can convince a third party, such as a charity, to top up the fees provided by the local authority, the basic care home fees will still be covered by your local authority.
Need more information on care home fees?
Whether or not you, or your loved one, qualify for free care on the NHS depends entirely upon the health of the individual in need of care. If you don't qualify the first time around you can request regular reassessments if the person in question's health deteriorates.
Make sure you get a health assessment
The best way to ensure you make the most of the benefits and funding options available is to schedule a health assessment with your local authority representative. A thorough assessment by an experienced professional will guarantee you don't miss out on any funding options.
Will your home count against you?
Bear in mind that if you have assets in excess of 23,250, and this can include your home, you won't qualify for help with care costs. You can get around your home being counted as part of your assets if you have a spouse or relative over the age of 60 in residence at the property. Also, if care needs are designated as temporary, your home will not be included in any assets calculation.
Top-up fees could help you pay for a more expensive care home
If you are hoping to use a higher priced care home but are concerned that you won't be able to cover the costs on your own, you may be able to make use of the top up fees system. If you can convince a third party, such as a charity, to top up the fees provided by the local authority, the basic care home fees will still be covered by your local authority.
Need more information on care home fees?
Bear in mind that if you have assets in excess of 23,250, and this can include your home, you won't qualify for help with care costs. You can get around your home being counted as part of your assets if you have a spouse or relative over the age of 60 in residence at the property. Also, if care needs are designated as temporary, your home will not be included in any assets calculation.
Top-up fees could help you pay for a more expensive care home
If you are hoping to use a higher priced care home but are concerned that you won't be able to cover the costs on your own, you may be able to make use of the top up fees system. If you can convince a third party, such as a charity, to top up the fees provided by the local authority, the basic care home fees will still be covered by your local authority.
Need more information on care home fees?
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Top-up fees could help you pay for a more expensive care home
If you are hoping to use a higher priced care home but are concerned that you won't be able to cover the costs on your own, you may be able to make use of the top up fees system. If you can convince a third party, such as a charity, to top up the fees provided by the local authority, the basic care home fees will still be covered by your local authority.
Need more information on care home fees?
About the Author:
For more information on the care home fees system and how you could claim back unfairly charged fees, contact the team at care home claims specialists Precision Claims.