Care Funding

What’s the Cost of In-Home Care

The cost of elderly care is one of the most common questions we receive from families. It can often be confusing, especially since NHS healthcare is free at the point of use. However, social care is different—it's not covered by the NHS and is rarely free. Depending on individual circumstances, care costs are typically paid either by the person receiving care or supported by the local council following a financial assessment.

How to Access Care Services?

If you or a loved one are finding it difficult to manage everyday tasks—such as personal care, household cleaning, or going out to the shops—additional support could make a real difference.

There are two main ways to access care services:

Through a Care Provider – You can contact a provider like Solafide Healthcare directly. We’ll arrange a visit to assess your needs and discuss the most suitable care options available.

2. Local Authority – Your local council can carry out a formal needs assessment to determine the level and frequency of care required. Referrals for this can be made by a GP, district nurse, or by contacting the council directly.

Funding Care

Most individuals are now required to contribute towards the cost of their care. If you or a loved one are found to have eligible care needs, the local authority can carry out a financial assessment—also known as a means test—to determine whether you're entitled to support.

This assessment looks at your income and savings. The value of your home is not included unless you're applying for residential or nursing home care. Certain types of income, such as disability benefits, are typically excluded from the calculation.

When it comes to residential or nursing home care, the assessment criteria differ slightly, and your property may be considered part of your assets.

Eligibility for financial support depends on meeting specific financial thresholds set by the government.

1. Over £23,250 -The full costs of care fees must be paid by the individual. The individual is regarded to be self-funding.
2. Between £14,250 & £23,250 – The local council will fund part of the care costs with the rest coming from the individual.
3. Below £14,250 – These funds will be ignored and the local authority will pay 100% of the care costs.

If you or a loved one are classed as a self-funder and your savings or assets fall below £23,250, you can request a reassessment. At this point, the local authority may begin to contribute toward the cost of your care.

If you're eligible for financial support, you have two main options:

Council-Managed Care – The local authority arranges care services on your behalf.
Direct Payments – Funds are provided directly to you, allowing greater choice and flexibility in selecting and managing your own care arrangements.

Care Funding

What’s the Cost of In-Home Care

How to Access Care Services?

Funding Care

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