Paying for Care
We understand that if you have just started to look at care for yourself or a loved one, trying to understand care home fees and funding options can be confusing and sometimes quite daunting. To make things easier, we have put together the following information to provide a clearer picture of how care home fees and funding works. However, if you need any further support, please do not hesitate to talk to us. We are here to help you navigate through any funding questions and provide peace of mind.
If you are a Local Authority funded resident, you will be provided with a contract by your commissioning authority before moving into a care home. This contract outlines all the relevant legal requirements, financial responsibilities and other care-related points in relation to you and your local authority. In most instances, where a commissioner’s contract is in place between a resident and a local authority, the contents of the contract will supersede (or replace) the Graysar Associates Ltd contract that each resident signs with us.
Self-funding residents, who pay for their own care, sign only the Graysar Associates Ltd contract, so everything is in one document.
All the information below applies to both local authority funded and self-funded residents, unless otherwise stated.
Pre-Assessments
Prior to moving into a home, a needs and financial assessment will be undertaken to ensure that the care services we provide are appropriate and affordable for you. A member of the care home team will come to your home, hospital or another place if you prefer. They will talk to you and your loved ones to better understand your physical and emotional needs.
Care Home Fees and Costs
Weekly fees are based on a person’s accommodation costs plus their individual care costs.
Care costs are based on a person’s assessed needs with different fees being assigned depending on the amount of care and support they require.
For residents without capacity, legal representatives should be in place to take care of contractual and financial responsibilities. Evidence of this legal status, such as Power of Attorney, Deputyship or Guardianship, is required.
Funding Care
You are entitled to a means assessment and, if eligible, may be able to apply for financial support from your commissioning authority.
We ask that a minimum of one year of funding be available at the time of moving into the care home and evidence of this, as well as a ‘Financial Assessment Form’, will be required prior to you moving in.
We ask that we are advised at least six months in advance of any anticipated changes to your funding situation. You are obliged to notify us before your assets reach the financial threshold (the threshold that would require you to have a financial assessment by your commissioning authority).
Fees are reviewed every 6 months and updated in accordance with Retail Price Index (RPI) and all relevant legislative increases such as National Minimum Wage, pensions etc. We will give you at least 28 days’ notice before any change is applied.
12 Week Property Disregard
12 week ‘Property Disregards’ may be available if a resident’s local authority has assessed their financial position and decided to disregard the value of their property for the first 12 weeks of the care placement. Commissioning placement authorities will provide residents and their families with specific details prior to any agreement.
Equity release
This is a financial plan which gives people wishing to release money from their home the opportunity to ‘sell off’ part of their estate, in return for a sum of money. It is very important that if you choose to do this, that you seek independent financial advice before making any decisions.
Included in your Care Home Fee
Both accommodation and care costs are included in your fee, including the following:
- accommodation in a single bedroom – with or without ensuite facilities, dependant on availability
- a personalised care plan
- residential care and/or nursing services, in accordance with your care plan
- food and non-alcoholic drinks and beverages
- room cleaning and laundry services
- utilities, including Council Tax and water rates, where applicable
- wi-fi access throughout the home
Care Home Trial Period
If you are a self-funded resident, the first 28 days of living in the home are a trial period. During this time, the agreement may be ended by providing seven days written notice.
NHS Funded Nursing Care (FNC)
FNC is a fixed weekly contribution made directly to the care provider by the NHS to fund the cost of nursing care delivered by registered nurses. Eligibility for FNC is assessed through an NHS assessment in the care home and is not means tested.
Respite Care Stays
Respite care stays are for people who would like a short-term break in a care home, ranging from just a few days to six weeks. A needs assessment will be carried out to ensure that the care services we provide meet your needs. Respite care charges are payable monthly in arrears.
We hope the above information helps to answer some of your questions, but please do not hesitate to get in touch with us if you’d like further advice. We are here to help.