Q. Will I have to pay the full costs of my care?
This is dependant on your capital (savings, investments, etc). If your capital is below £22500
then your local authority will pay towards the cost of your care at Sable Cottage. If it is above this figure, you will have to pay the fees in full yourself.
Q. Is my home counted as an asset?
Unfortunately, your home is included in your assets if you live alone or
you and your spouse are both moving into a care home.
Q. What funds will the NHS provide?
If you are assessed as requiring nursing care and even if you have to pay your own costs, the NHS should make a contribution
to your nursing homes fees if they assess that you need care from a registered
nurse. This contribution is called the Registered Nursing Care Contribution
(RNCC) and is payable whether you are paying the full costs or the local
authority are contributing towards the fees. The current weekly rate for
eligible residents is £108.70.
Q. What will I have to pay if the local authority
are funding my care?
You will be expected to make a contribution towards the fees as assessed
by the local authority. This amount will normally be your total weekly income
(including your pension) less £20.45, which they will allow you to
keep for personal expenditure.
Q. Are there any benefits that I can claim?
As not everyone's situation is the same, there is no straightforward answer
to this question. However, it is quite likely that you will be eligible
for Attendance Allowance, which does not depend on your capital, savings
or income.
Q. Where can I get more advice?
The funding of nursing home care is, as I am sure you are aware by now,
a very complex subject depending on the individual's circumstances. We would
strongly advise that you seek advice about your own individual circumstances
and try to accumulate as much information as possible. There are various
organisations offering specialist advice, such as:
| Counsel and Care | 0845 300 7585 |
| Age Concern | 0808 808 6060 |
| Help the Aged | 0808 800 6565 |
| Social Services | |
| Benefits Agency | |
| Independent Financial Advisors | |
| Insurers who specialise in care fees planning |