Fees & Funding

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You may be surprised and pleased to learn that the majority of care homes in the UK are owned by the independent sector, and that 70 per cent of residents have their fees paid partly or wholly by their local authority. Fee levels vary widely, dependent upon individual needs, these must be comprehensively assessed and discussed before any decisions are made.

 

Care funding is a complex subject and whilst we are very happy to help in any way that we can, we recommend that those looking for care services go to independent sources of information to ensure that they gain advice based upon the most recent data and also that it relates to their local area and their personal needs. On this page, we have listed a number of sources of advice and we can also print information for you if you visit us, or email it to you.

 

 

If your local authority is assisting with funding, it doesn't mean you have to choose one of their homes. You can request any home that accepts residents funded by the local authority. However, the local authority will want to be sure that the home is suitable for your needs and doesn't cost more than it would usually pay for that type of care. If you want a more expensive home than the authority is willing to pay for, you are allowed to 'top up' their contribution from another source.

 

 

You may be entitled to additional benefits to enable you to stay in your home as long as possible including: Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance and Carers Allowance. Some benefits are not means tested, the Government Agency https://www.gov.uk/financial-help-disabled/home-and-housingshould be able to offer advice.

 

 

Where can I get more advice?

 

Paying for care is a complex subject, and everybody's situation is different. You should seek advice about your own personal circumstances from organisations such as:

 

1. Social Services find your Local Authority https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council
2. Government Agencyhttps://www.gov.uk/financial-help-disabled/home-and-housing
3. Age UK https://www.ageuk.org.uk 0800 00 99 66
4. Counsel and Care http://www.careforcarers.org.uk/support/counsel-and-care 0800 055 6112
5. Independent Age: https://www.independentage.org/ 0800 319 6789
6. The Money Advice Servicehttps://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en 0800 138 7777
7. Care Funding Guidancehttp://www.carefc.co.uk/ 01978 513317

 

 

How to Complain should the Local Authority or NHS refuse funding

 

You can challenge your council's decision if:

 

1. they refuse to pay for care services
2. you're unhappy with the service you've been offered
3. • you're unhappy with the service you've been offered
4. • you don't think they’re paying enough towards your care

 

First complain directly to your local council. Your council should have a formal complaints procedure on its website. Or you can phone them.

 

Find your local council

 

If you're not happy with the way the council handles your complaint, take it to the local government and social care ombudsman. An ombudsman is an independent person who's been appointed to look into complaints about organisations.

 

 

Fircroft Services Limited are delighted to provide you with advice on a confidential basis, either for yourself, a friend or a family member. We recognise that looking for a care home is an upsetting and confusing task and we are happy to support you where possible. We are here to assist both with the medical elements as well as fees and funding issues. We can also provide details of Independent Advice and Advocacy Services.

 

 

CALL FOR ADVICE Fircroft Services Limited are delighted to provide you with advice on a confidential basis, either for yourself, a friend or a family member. We recognise that looking for a care home is an upsetting and confusing task and we are happy to support you where possible. We are here to assist both with the medical elements as well as fees and funding issues.