SOCIAL CARE FUNDING
When planning long-term care and support for a loved one, it is sensible to start thinking about your financing care options as soon as it is practically possible.
At Prestige Nursing & Care we have been helping families up and down the country to understand how they can finance care, whether that is through funding available to them, or financing initiatives that can contribute to the cost of care.
If you need care and support for day-to-day tasks and activities that enable you to maintain independence, then you may be entitled to social care funding to get the help you need. If you are living with a complex care need and require nurse-led care, it is worth exploring whether you are entitled to any healthcare funding first, as this could considerably contribute to the overall cost of care.
Here we explain all you need to know about your health and social care funding options.
WHAT IS SOCIAL CARE FUNDING IN ENGLAND?
Social care funding is means tested and allocated by your local authority. The level of funding you might be entitled to depends on your financial circumstances, as well as your care and support needs. Social care funding is provided to people to help them with everyday activities and tasks. If you need help with feeding, continence management, washing or dressing, then you could be entitled to social care funding, if you do not exceed the financial threshold level in the means test.
WHAT IS SOCIAL CARE FUNDING IN SCOTLAND?
Unlike in England, if you live in Scotland funding for personal care is available to everyone who is assessed as needing it. Your income, capital assets, marital or civil partner status do not impact your ability to access this funding from your local authority. An assessment for funding in Scotland will look at your needs relating to personal hygiene, continence management, food and diet, problems with mobility, counselling and support and nursing, including clinical interventions required.
If you require daily support with housework, laundry and shopping, activities outside the home, or providing food then these may well be chargeable and will be subject to a means test assessment, which looks at your income when assessing the funding available.
OUR WORK WITH LOCAL AUTHORITIES
At Prestige Nursing & Care we have developed strong relationships with many social services case managers that are based on a shared goal of securing the right funded care package for clients that mean they get the right care, at the right time, for all of life. We work in collaboration to ensure that the care and support provided evolves with changing needs. Throughout the process we engage with our client and their family so everyone is involved in making sure our client can live a meaningful and fulfilled life, with independence, whilst their family gets all the support they need.
WILL SOCIAL SERVICES FUND LIVE-IN CARE OR VISITING CARE?
THE CARE ACT
The Care Act 2014 is the piece of legislation that sets the rules for council funding. It is the law that governs the rules that local councils must follow when assessing your care needs and determining whether you are eligible for social care funding.
Before the Care Act, the laws governing the various care entitlements people had were spread out amongst several different different pieces of legislation. This created a complex and confusing system that was difficult to navigate.
The Care Act has simplified the process and made it much easier to understand whether you are entitled to publicly-funded care. It also makes it easier to understand your rights should you ever have to challenge any decisions you believe to be wrong.
THE CARE NEEDS ASSESSMENT
There are a series of steps required to determine if you are eligible for social care funding, the first of which is the care needs assessment. This assessment is carried out by your local council and it is used to determine if you are eligible for the council to pay towards the cost of your care. This assessment is free and anyone can ask for one.
During your needs assessment, a trained professional from your local council such as a nurse or social worker will visit you at your home or in hospital to carry out your assessment. You may also be offered an assessment over the phone or online, although we suggest requesting an in-person assessment whenever possible.
You will be asked questions about your care needs and how you cope with many day-to-day tasks such as food preparation, mobility or personal care. Before your assessment takes place, it is a good idea to think about the areas of your life in which you feel you could use extra care and support.
You can request an assessment by contacting your local council by telephone, in writing or online. Each council is different so contact your own to learn more about their application process. If it is determined you do need care, you will need to undergo an additional financial assessment (means test) to work out if you will have to contribute to the cost of your own care.
SOCIAL CARE FUNDING MEANS TESTING
Means testing is the method by which your financial eligibility to receive funding for your care is assessed. The outcome of the means test will determine how much social care funding you are eligible to receive.
Your local authority will look at your income, savings, and property to determine how much you need to contribute to the cost of your care. If you are receiving care in your own home, then the means test will not consider the value of your property. However, if you move permanently into a care home, the means test may include the value of your property, which may reduce the level of funding available to you.
If you are moving into a care home, your home will not be included in the means test if you home remains occupied by:
- Your partner or spouse
- A close relative who is either over the age of sixty or incapacitated
- A relative younger than sixteen whom you are legally obliged to support
- An ex-partner if they are deemed a single parent
Below is an example of how the means test is applied in England.
| Capital | Costs to be met by you |
| £23,250+ | You will need to meet the full cost of your care and support |
| Between £14,250-£23,250 | The local authority will fund part of your care and support, you will need to meet the rest. |
| Less than £14,250 | Full social care funding will be provided. |
HOW IS SOCIAL CARE FUNDED IN THE UK?
PERSONAL HEALTH BUDGETS
If you are an adult eligible for social care funding you will be offered the choice of receiving your funding through a personal health budget (PHB). The purpose of a PHB is to give those living with long-term health conditions and disabilities choice and control over how their funding is spent on their health and well-being needs.
Social care funding is provided by your local authority and there are options as to how you manage your funding and care arrangements:
Direct payments
You or your representative receives the funding directly to procure and manage the care, support and services you need. Whilst there are procedures to follow and guidance governing how it is spent, this gives you more freedom and control to decide what is best for you. You will have to provide evidence as to how the direct payments have been spent.
Third-party personal health budget
An independent organisation, for example a lawyer will hold the funding on your behalf and arranges and pays for the care and support you need as identified in a plan of care.
Notional personal health budget
The funding available to you based on your assessed needs will be managed by your local authority, or your NHS team. They will arrange the care and support you need, including choosing the care provider and pay for the care directly, which means you do not get any funding directly.
If you manage your own personal budget you will be free to choose the provider you wish to receive care from, whereas if the local authority manage it through your social services team you will be restricted to using a provider from their preferred supplier list. However, it is worth noting that you can be rest assured that the care providers on the social services approved suppliers list will have gone through rigorous checks for safety and compliance.
ACCESSING SOCIAL CARE FUNDING IN ENGLAND
There are a series of steps involved in securing social care funding.
- Firstly, speak to your GP. If they feel you are eligible, they will refer you to your local authority
- The adult services team at your local authority will then arrange for an assessment of your care needs
- A report is produced defining your assessed care and health needs
- A financial assessment (means test) will be conducted to determine your ability to pay the cost of the care you need. All your personal assets, liquid and fixed are considered in the process
- The results of the means test will determine whether you are eligible for part of full social care funding, or you whether you will need to self-fund the care you need
ACCESSING SOCIAL CARE FUNDING IN SCOTLAND
In Scotland you can access social care funding by taking the following steps:
- The first step is to contact your local authority social services team to arrange an assessment
- The social services team will then arrange for an assessment of your care needs
- A report is produced defining your assessed care and health needs
- If you are assessed as needing personal care or nursing care, this will be funded by the local authority, however the cost of any other care and support needs may need to be funded by you
Arranging for Home Care
If you are eligible for social care funding or if you already have funding for social care in place, we can provide impartial support and guidance on how you can arrange home care for yourself or a loved one.
The personal budget you receive will show how much the council is paying towards your care. This may be enough to cover some or all of the cost of receiving care in your own home. We can provide a care package that is tailored to your unique care needs and preferences while also considering your budget and future care costs.
Do not hesitate to call one of our friendly care experts to discuss the next steps in arranging quality care at home.
GOVERNMENT FUNDING
You may also find that you are eligible to access the following Government funding.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children
If you have a child under the age of 16 who has complex care needs and requires more support from you than a child without the disability, you may be eligible to claim DLA
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for adults
A new Government social care funding scheme called Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is replacing the DLA for adults over 16 with a disability or a long-term condition. This is available to adults until the state pension age.
Attendance Allowance
The Attendance Allowance benefit for people of state pension age or older who require care and support or have a disability and need a family member to look after them regularly.
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
If you are unable to work due to long-term illness or disability you may be entitled to ESA.
HOME ADAPTATION FUNDING
If your home requires minor adaptations to make it more suitable for your care, you may be entitled to funding. Most local authorities offer up to £1,500 for small adaptations such as installing lever taps or handrails around the home. This funding is available as long as you’ve been assessed by your local authorities as qualifying for home adaptions. Disabled Facilities Grants for major adaptations are also available for up to £35,000 if you meet the eligibility criteria.
SOCIAL CARE FUNDING RESOURCES
If you require independent information and care funding advice about your home care funding options, there are a number of charities and advisory services that can provide you with valuable care funding guidance, including:
Get in touch with our friendly care experts about social care funding or contact a location near you. We provide impartial guidance and advice, so you make the right choice for you and your family
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10 top tips to fight fatigue this winter
1. Try eating smaller-portioned meals throughout the day
It’s not just what you eat that impacts your energy levels, but also when you eat. For instance, have you ever noticed how you feel sluggish after a big lunch or dinner? That’s because your body is using its energy to digest that big meal instead of powering the rest of your body. Start with a healthy, hearty breakfast to start your day right, and then try eating smaller-portioned meals throughout the rest of the day. This will keep your body fuelled regularly and may even help you lose weight.
2. Spice up your meal-times
Try creating a special theme day each week. Whether you join a Hello Fresh-style recipe order scheme or simply decide to make a new special dish every week, the effort will be worth it. From weekday lunch or dinner to weekend lazy brunch, It doesn’t have to be difficult, can include all the family and provides a welcome distraction.
3. Avoid processed foods – think fresh first!
While a Cornish pasty or cheeseburger and fries might be comforting while you’re eating it, its nutritional value can be extremely low. Processed foods, such as some packaged or canned foods, sweets, ready meals, and pre-cooked meats are typically full of preservatives, additives, sodium, trans-fats, and artificial ingredients that may slow you down. Check out these delicious, fresh recipes from our partners, WWF.
4. Fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables – remember your ‘five a day
The fresher your food is, the more nutrients it will contain. Enjoy eating the rainbow with delicious fresh fruit and vegetables locally in season and from around the globe. Fruit and vegetables are good sources of vitamins, minerals and fibre – essential nutrients that your body needs to work properly. Check out this recipe to give you a head start to the day ahead with quick and easy smoothies.
5. Go with the grain
Choosing whole-grain foods and complex carbohydrates ensures that your body gets the full benefits of the hull of the grain that adds fibre to your diet. For delicious grain-based recipes, check out our Future 50/Finer Diner Initiative focusing on the most sustainable ingredients, many of which are whole and ancient grains, readily available from supermarkets.
6. Lean and mean is best
Beware the unsaturated fats hidden in red meats. Leaner meats, like chicken, turkey, and fish, still provide quality protein but contain less saturated fat. Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and tuna, can add beneficial, heart-healthy fats.
7. Nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds are some of the best foods to beat fatigue and fight hunger. Getting a variety of nuts and seeds in your diet can provide healthy nutrients and energy. Try almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds. Perfect for a mid-afternoon snack.
Why not try chia seeds? An excellent source of prolonged energy thanks to carbohydrate content, healthy fats, and filling fibre. Two tablespoons of chia provide about 12 grams of carbs and a whopping 5 grams of omega-3s, which are heart-healthy and anti-inflammatory.
8. Avoid caffeinated drinks – water for the win!
While caffeine is OK in moderation, providing a short-term boost, it doesn’t provide the body with any energy. If you must have your fix, opt for black coffee or unsweetened tea. Alternative milk replacements are all the rage too, but check the pack for added sugars and fats.
Drinking water is essential for optimal functioning of the body. Keep hydrated and sip 2-3 litres of water throughout the day. This simple change can make a big difference, and you’ll feel better before you know it.
9. Vitamins and supplements
If you’re not getting everything you need from your food, you may want to consider taking a daily vitamin. Right now, as autumn turns into winter, and the sunshine starts to fade, a good Vitamin D supplement may work wonders. Make sure you talk to your doctor about any nutritional supplements you’re considering.
10. Try the ‘No Takeaway’ challenge
Remember that instant gratification versus the crash-and-burn feeling? You may find your takeaway is the culprit here. Instead, why not try a homemade takeaway – fresh ingredients, no nasties and lots of fun too?
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The variety of a day in care
People often ask, ‘what’s a typical day in the life of a carer?’ To be honest there is no such thing, and that is why the job role is so exciting, so varied and so interesting. There is a huge opportunity to positively impact the lives of the people that we’re caring for.
At Prestige Nursing + Care, our carers help people with a variety of needs, whether it be complex care needs, brain or spinal injury rehabilitation, dementia support (including ensuring that that their family and friends are also supported) all the way through to companionship.
Many of our carers choose the career as they want to make a positive impact on other people’s lives, and giving care gives that opportunity. One of our care assistants from Leicester cares for and supports clients with a range of needs in the local area. Her care includes looking after a one year old boy with complex care needs, through to an adult male with a brain injury. As part of her day-to-day, wherever possible Sadie also spends time with the families of those she’s caring for, helping with domestic tasks and putting the world to rights to offer some respite.
Another or our carers, from the Prestige Nursing + Care Derby branch has made a real drive to get her clients more engaged with the local community. For one of the people she’s caring for that means a trip to the local pub for a meal. Like many of our carers, she is responsible for medication procedures and complex interventions – which means that people can get assessed and cared for in a relatively short timeframe, in their own home which can make all the difference.
We’re really proud of all of our carers. They are making real, positive differences to people’s lives and we want to acknowledge and thank them. If you think that a career in care is for you, check out our recruitment page.
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The key to maintaining brain health late in life
A complex organ
When it comes to exploring the brain, it would seem that with each breakthrough the scientific community makes, new unprecedented questions arise. While this is certainly positive in that it allows research to become more focused, it also illuminates the fact that the brain is vastly and endlessly complex.
In spite of all of its mysteries, one thing we do know is that the brain – like all of our organs – does indeed age. As we get older, the brain’s overall volume gradually decreases (at approximately 5% per decade after the age of 40), causing nerve cells to lose certain connections. Reduction in blood flow and certain cardiovascular conditions can add to this as well.
For seniors, these factors may lead to occasional forgetfulness or lapses in memory. Significant memory loss, however, is not a normal part of ageing and may be indicative of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. If your ageing loved ones are experiencing memory loss or have had problems with language skills, perception, or other mental functions, it’s imperative that you address these concerns with a physician.
Ways to keep the brain healthy
Research has indicated that there are several ways that older adults (and those of all ages) can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline – many of which are beneficial for other aspects of the body. Encourage your ageing loved ones to incorporate the following best practices into their lifestyle. Be sure that, prior to beginning any new exercise regimen or diet, your loved ones consult with a physician and dietitian.
- Stimulation: In the last few years, there have been numerous research studies in the area of neurological plasticity, which refers to the brain’s ability to structurally modify in response to new experiences. This “re-wiring” of nerve cells is actually what is at the centre of most cognitive and physical rehabilitation practices. However, it essentially serves the same function for those looking to keep their brains healthy, and it can be done simply by learning new skills or keeping the brain regularly “exercised” through puzzles or games. Many suggest that seniors enrol in a class or other form of organised learning – which will help not only in developing new skills but also with cultivating socialisation.
- Exercise regularly: While it’s not exactly news that exercise is good for the body, it may come as a surprise to some that regular exercise also has quite an impact on mental health. Physical activity improves cardiovascular health, which in turn helps supply the brain with blood. It also helps in developing new/increasing existing neural connections (see neurological plasticity above), allowing the brain to be more adaptive. Research suggests that regular exercise can also significantly reduce mental stress. Some seniors may choose to join a class with close friends for exercise, but it can just as easily be done at home. The key is to ensure that the heart rate is elevated through moderate activity, for at least 20-30 minutes every day.
- Watch your diet: The food we consume has a direct effect on our mental well-being and health. In order to operate at its optimum level, the brain requires fuel in the form of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. If your current diet consists primarily of salt, sugar, fat, and refined/processed foods, consider switching things around. Studies show that diets consisting of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, sources of B vitamins, and lean meats can significantly reduce anxiety levels and even the risk of depression.
- Stay social: Although it’s not entirely understood how socialisation bolsters brain health, studies show that a correlation between having strong social connections and longer life expectancy does exist. Interaction, whether it be with friends, family members, or next-door neighbours, appears to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and improve overall mental well-being. This is especially evident in those who volunteer their time to help others. Try reaching out through organisations, community centres, or schools to see how you can help make a positive impact on others – and the health of your brain.
What unifies all of these best practices for maintaining brain health? The key, as countless scientific studies would suggest, is engagement. In this case, it means getting out and meeting new people versus staying inside and watching TV, choosing to find healthy alternatives to cheap fast food, and finding ways to help not only yourself but those in your community as well.
Prestige Nursing & Care can help
If your loved ones are working to improve their mental well-being and want to incorporate the aforementioned best practices into their lifestyle, we can help. In addition to companionship services, our caregivers can provide safe, reliable transportation to your loved ones’ destinations. Whether they need to get to the community centre to visit friends or to the grocery store for the week’s supply of nutritious food, we can help them get there safely.