Homecare costs: How does it work, and what help is available
Published: 20/02/2023
When it comes to managing homecare, being prepared and knowing what's involved is vital. Understanding what services are available and their associated costs can help you make informed decisions that work best for you and your loved one.
Understanding Homecare costs
With so much information available, getting a better understanding of homecare may seem daunting. However, care at home providers have made it easier to estimate their service costs by basing fees on the number of hours needed and the type of homecare required. It is important to note that costs will vary depending on the provider, the services required, and additional support costs that may be incurred. With a better understanding and informed approach, finding the right homecare for your loved one is easy. The key is researching and asking questions, so you are fully informed and confident before you make any decisions.
Researching your local homecare services
When considering homecare services, finding a homecare provider that meets your loved one’s healthcare needs and your budget is important. Right At Home offers a broad range of homecare services in the Twickenham and Richmond area. They can work with you to advise on potential costs and carry out an assessment which will determine the type and level of care required. This could include help with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation and transportation. They can also advise what other services and support are available locally, and how you can find out about them.
Carrying out a care needs assessment
You can request a free ‘care needs assessment’ for your loved one, which the social services department of your local authority carries out. This assesses their physical and mental health, as well as their general wellbeing, to ascertain their needs. Following the assessment, it may be concluded that help is required with things such as practical support at home, mobility aids, or respite care. You can find details about your local council and social services on the Richmond adult social care website. If your loved one is assessed as being eligible for extra help then the council will conduct a financial assessment to determine how much financial support they will get. Even if it is determined that no financial support will be given, it is still important to get this assessment done as it can help with the arrangement of homecare and give you additional access to information about the range of services available.
Finding out what other financial help is available
If you are looking for additional financial help with homecare costs, there are a range of government benefits, such as Attendance Allowance and Carer's Allowance, that you may be eligible for. Attendance allowance is a tax-free benefit designed to help people who need extra assistance with homecare costs due to ill health or disability. It can provide financial support for those living independently who require additional help with day-to-day tasks and activities. This allowance offers individuals the freedom to stay in their home whilst having access to any necessary homecare they need. Carers Allowance is a benefit that helps people who care for someone at least 35 hours a week. Both allowances are not means tested, so it is worth checking to see if you are eligible by checking on the government website and using the TurnToUs calculator. You may also get some financial assistance from social services funding or NHS ‘continuing care’ funding, which can be a huge help and are worth investigating. You can find out more from the NHS website.
The internet is a great source of information when researching this. With the right help and planning, you can find the homecare services that suit your loved one’s needs and budget while providing professional home healthcare. If you would like to Speak with one of our care managers at Right At Home to discuss homecare services and, then please call us on 0203 3763535. We will be happy to explain how our services can help you.
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