4 minute read
Paying for care
Most people will have to pay something towards the cost of their care.
Before we talk about paying for care, it is important that we have a discussion with you to identify and establish any care and support needs that you have (see page 46 for more information). This is so that we can help and advise you on a solution that supports you to remain independent and save you from paying for more care than you might need. This section will give you some information so that you can feel more confident when you are thinking about the care options that are right for you or the person you care for.
In most cases, if you are eligible for our support, we will provide you with a short period of intense care and support in your own home. This is the reablement service which is discussed in more detail on page 47. During this period, we might also provide you with specialist equipment, for example, a Lifeline service.
Deprivation of assets and/or income
When we are asked to consider providing financial assistance towards social care and support services, we will require evidence of your finances. If, because of reviewing these, we believe that you and/or your financial representative has deliberately deprived you of any asset and/or capital with the intention of avoiding paying for your care and support, we will assume that this capital or other asset is still available and will charge you accordingly.
How do we work out how much you will need to pay?
To work out how much you will need to contribute to the cost of your non-residential care, we will carry out a financial assessment, sometimes called a ‘means test, which entails a specialist benefits and assessments officer visiting you at your home, or another agreed location. Sometimes, we may be able to complete the financial assessment by post, email, telephone or by using our online facility. When the initial discussion takes place regarding any care and support that we may be able to provide you with and the related financial assessment, the options will be explained to you in more detail.
You can arrange for someone to be with you when the assessment is completed if you want to. The officer will ask you to give details of your financial circumstances, including details of your income, outgoings and capital. Examples of these are as follows.
Income
This could be your: • State retirement pension. • Private pension. • Disability benefits and some other benefits. • Interest from investments.
It does not include any earned income such as wages.
Outgoings
This could be money going out, such as rent, mortgage, Council Tax and water rates. When we carry out your financial assessment, we will need to see evidence of these costs.
• In the bank.
• In the building society.
• Shares.
• Investments.
• Equity in your home.
A financial assessment for home care does not include the value of your home. See page 53 for information on paying for residential care. Our benefits and assessments officer will use these details to work out your assessable income and the amount of money that you may have to pay for services. Assessable income is the amount you have left after taking away certain outgoings and disability-related costs.
Does everyone have to pay for their services?
Generally, you will not have to pay anything for your care or support costs if your income is less than the appropriate level of income set by the Government each year, plus an additional 25%. Most people are likely to need to pay something towards the cost of their services. Contact us for more information.
What if you have savings?
If you have savings below £14,250, they are not considered when working out your charge for services. If you have savings over £14,250, these will be considered when working out your charge for services.
These figures may change in April every year.
What else do we look at when working out your charges?
During your financial assessment, we will talk to you about any additional expenses that you may have because of your illness or disability. We will ask you to provide evidence of the additional expenses, for example, receipts. These expenses may then be considered when we work out how much you have available to pay towards your services. The benefits and assessments officer will also make sure that you are receiving all the welfare benefits to which you may be entitled; they will help you to claim these if appropriate.
Expect more from life with Maria Mallaband
Our Care Homes in North Yorkshire offer the highest quality nursing, residential and dementia care for your loved one who needs a little more care or looking for a respite care. Enjoy delicious food along with our “ by Maria Mallaband” lifestyle programme in beautiful surroundings. Whether you are looking for care in York, Ripon, Harrogate or Kirk Hammerton, we have a home for you.
www.mmcgcarehomes.co.uk
Belmont House
Harrogate Tel: 01423 580 884 Oaklands
Kirk Hammerton Tel: 01423 580883 The Moors
