Funding Information
Whilst it isn’t important to us where the money comes from, we do get asked a lot about where financial help can be found and how it all works – so in a nutshell…
How your care can be financed
We work with both private funders (those who pay for their support from their own savings or income) and those who receive a direct payment from local authorities (councils), or the NHS.
If you think you, or someone you know, needs help to cope day-to-day, the first thing is to get a needs assessment from your council. The needs assessment is free and you have the legal right to ask for one.
You will need to have this assessment before the council can recommend a service such as:
- Practical help from a paid carer or care agency
- Day care for your child if either you or they are disabled
- Access to day centres and lunch clubs
- Moving to a care home
- Equipment like a walking frame or personal alarm
- Changes to your home such as a walk-in shower
The process involved in getting an NHS continuing care assessment can be complex.
An organisation called Beacon gives free, independent advice on NHS continuing healthcare. Visit the website https://beaconchc.co.uk/ or call the free helpline on 0345 548 0300
If the results of the assessment identifies that you need help, you will then have a financial assessment (means test) to see if the council will pay towards it. This will be arranged for you. Support that is to be funded through the NHS is not means tested.
Financial help comes in two forms:
Commissioned Care
This is when the council fixes your support plan and finds a suitable agency to deliver the support you need. Your care is paid for directly by the council to the care agency. This is the most simply managed process.
Direct Payments
You may choose to have the value of your support plan paid directly to yourself. This option means you choose who cares for you and what care you receive. But, direct payments are not for everyone as you do need to employ your own personal assistant/buddy, account for the money and ensure the bills are paid. However, we can help with this. See our Manage my Own Care section and learn more about our Direct Payment Support Service.
What if I’m told I don’t need care?
If the needs assessment finds that you need some help but the financial assessment shows you don’t qualify for council or NHS funding, you can purchase these services yourself as a private funder. The council should still give you free advice about where you can get help in your community. Ask if this doesn’t happen.
Useful numbers:
Herefordshire Council Adult Social Care; for advice and an assessment:
Hereford Citizens Advice Bureau: