How To Pay For Care

How to fund care for a person with dementia.

Before any funding can be agreed an assessment must be carried out through the local authority’s social services department.  The community care assessment enables the local authority to establish what the needs of the person with dementia are.  The care needed could vary greatly and will change as the person’s needs change.  A package of services may be arranged to keep the person at home.  The local authority may charge for some services, but only the person who receives the services will be financially assessed.  Alternatively the local authority may agree to give money to the carer or person with dementia for them to organise and pay for their own care. This is known as personal budgets.  It is possible to remain at home even if the care needs are high, funding for this is available and is referred to as NHS Continuing Care or Fully Funded NHS Care. 

Residential Care

If a person can no longer stay at home and receive help at home they may need to go into residential care.

If it is decided that residential care is the most appropriate option there are restrictions to funding based on the person’s capital assets and income.  The Department of Health provides an explanation of the charging system. 

Live-In Carer

It may be an option to have a home care provider who lives with the person with dementia in their home.  This can be a good alternative to going into a residential care home, as there is less disruption and can also provide some reassurance to family who may live some distance away. The United Kingdom Home Care Association can provide information about live-in carers.