Paying for Care

The amount of help with care you can receive in England depends on various factors, including your care needs, financial situation, and the type of care you require. Social care funding in England is means-tested, meaning that your income and savings will be taken into account when determining the level of financial support you may be eligible for.

Here are some key points:

1. Local Authority Support: Your local authority is responsible for assessing your care needs and determining the level of support you require. The local authority may provide financial assistance to cover some or all of your care costs. The amount you receive depends on your financial situation and the results of your care needs assessment.

2. Means Testing: Means testing takes into account your income, savings, and assets to determine the level of support you're entitled to. If you have significant savings or assets, you may be required to contribute more to your care costs.

3. NHS Continuing Healthcare: In some cases, individuals with complex medical needs may be eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare, which covers the full cost of care. This is not means-tested, and eligibility is based on the severity and complexity of your health needs.

4. Personal Budgets and Direct Payments: Some individuals may receive a personal budget, allowing them to have more control over how their care needs are met. This can include receiving direct payments to arrange and pay for their own care. RBWM supports this but Slough Borough doesn't really.

5. Non-means Tested Benefits: Some benefits, such as Attendance Allowance or Personal Independence Payment, are not means-tested and can provide additional financial support for individuals with disabilities or long-term health conditions.

Adult social care funding is allocated by your local authority and is means-tested. Means testing is the method by which your financial eligibility to receive funding for your care is assessed. It takes into consideration any regular income you may receive and any capital assets you own. This includes savings, investment and property.

Eligibility for social care funding in England will be impacted by your capital (savings and property), as described below:

Your home will not be counted as an asset if it remains occupied by:

• Your partner or spouse
• A close relative who is either over the age of sixty or incapacitated
• A relative younger than sixteen whom you are legally obliged to support
• An ex-partner if they are deemed a single parent.

NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) funding is a package of care provided by the National Health Service (NHS) in England. It is designed to fully cover the cost of care for individuals with complex and severe health needs, regardless of where the care is provided (at home, in a care home, or in a hospice). Unlike social care funding, NHS CHC is not means-tested, meaning that it is not dependent on your income or savings.

Here's an overview of NHS Continuing Healthcare and how you can potentially access it:

1. Assessment:

   • To be considered for NHS CHC, you will need to undergo a comprehensive assessment of your care needs. This assessment is usually carried out by a team of healthcare professionals, including nurses, doctors, and other relevant specialists.

2. Decision-Making:

   • The assessment team will consider the nature and complexity of your health needs, including both physical and mental health requirements. The focus is on determining whether your primary need for care is due to health needs rather than social care needs.

3. Decision Support Tool (DST):

   • The assessment is often guided by a tool known as the Decision Support Tool (DST). This tool helps professionals evaluate your needs across different domains, such as mobility, cognition, communication, and behavior.

4. Outcome:

   • Based on the assessment and the DST, a decision will be made on whether you are eligible for NHS CHC. If eligible, the NHS will fully fund your care needs.

5. Care Planning:

   • Once eligibility is confirmed, a care plan will be developed to outline the specific services and support required to meet your health needs. This plan will be tailored to your individual circumstances.

6. Placement and Provider Choice:

   • You can choose to receive your care at home, in a care home, or in another suitable setting. You have the flexibility to choose your care provider.

It's important to note that eligibility for NHS CHC is based on the intensity and complexity of your healthcare needs. The process for accessing NHS CHC can be complex, and individuals may seek support from healthcare professionals, family members, or advocacy services during the assessment.

If you believe you or a loved one may be eligible for NHS CHC, you can start the process by discussing it with your healthcare provider or GP. They can guide you through the assessment process and provide more information on whether you meet the criteria for NHS CHC funding.