The UK has an ageing population, so there is a lot of pressure to ensure older people can get the help and support they need. Luckily, there are lots of options. Home care and a personal assistant can be a really great arrangement for many people. It is appealing because it means they can stay in their homes.

While there is support available, some people worry about how they will fund their care in England. We want to have a closer look at that today. We’ll give you some advice for 24/25 that can be very useful.

Ageing

As we said above, the UK is ageing. In 2011 there were 9.2 million people over the age of 65. Within a decade the number had risen to over 11 million. Then by 2022 it was over 12.7 million. Projections from the Office of National Statistics suggest it could exceed 22 million by 2072. If it does, it would be 27% of the UK’s population.

People typically need more help as they get older. They can have mobility problems and different health issues. It can mean it is much harder to do routine things. Choosing home care is a really good idea.

Finances

The important thing to keep in mind is there can be lots of different support with care and personal assistant costs in England. In some cases the local council will pay. In others the NHS will cover the costs.

What will happen is there will be a financial means test or financial assessment. The local council will do it to see if you are entitled to funding. They’ll check earnings, benefits, pensions, and savings, combining everything to determine your capital.

For 24/25 there are two crucial numbers; £14,250 for the lower limit and £23,250 for the upper limit. If the total value of your capital is over the latter, you have to self fund your care. However, if it is less than the lower limit, you can get state funding. Finally, if it is between the two, you can get partial funding.

The NHS also has a programme to fund healthcare. It doesn’t depend on a specific diagnosis; the requirement here is the care must be necessary to support a ‘primary health need’. They will do an assessment and then decide if you are eligible. If so, you can get partial or full funding.

Benefits

It is also important to remember there are different benefits you can claim as well as getting funding. These can also help to fund home care and a personal assistant. For example, there is attendance allowance, disability premiums, and pension credit.

There are a few things to keep in mind here. Firstly, you need to apply for benefits separately; you won’t do it when applying for care funding. Secondly, if you do get home care funds, it could have an impact on your eligibility for other benefits.

Home adaptations

The final thing we want to look at is adapting the home. It can be necessary to ensure people can keep living there safely. Some changes are simple, such as installing handrails. Others are more extensive such as shower rooms and stair lifts.

Again you can apply for financial help from the local authority. They will do an assessment and decide what you need. Typically adaptations for less than £1,000 could be fully funded by the council. More expensive ones may need a contribution or full funding from you.

Do you want to find a personal assistant to help you at home?

Home care is a great option for elderly people as well as anyone with a disability or mobility issues. It can ensure you are happy and comfortable within your home. An assistant can do whatever you need, from cooking to cleaning and help with personal hygiene. There is fantastic flexibility to suit any needs.

So, if you want to arrange a great service in the North East, speak to us about choosing a personal assistant. We can find the perfect solution and will be happy to discuss fees with anyone that has concerns.