If you’re exploring the cost of care for the first it may seem confusing and cause unnecessary anxiety.

The rules can seem a complex, and it’s likely that many people will have to make a contribution to meeting the cost of their care.  But this shouldn’t stop you finding out where you stand or getting the care you need to live a more comfortable and enjoyable life.

There’s plenty of information available about care costs and funding either online, through your local council, or through organisations like Citizens’ Advice. Perhaps the simplest option is to pick up the phone and talk to the team at Altogether Care.

Your Online Care Cost Calculator

Another convenient way to explore how much the care you need is likely to cost, is to use our online care cost calculator. This will guide you through a short series of questions about your care needs and preferences. You’ll then be sent a personalised estimate of the likely cost.

Accessing Financial Support

Depending on your financial situation, your local council might pay for some or all of your care costs. The first step to accessing support is to have a care needs assessment. To request an assessment, contact your local council’s social services department: find your local council

Once the council has assessed and agreed your care needs they’ll carry out an assessment of your income and assets to work out how much financial support you’ll receive.

If you’re assessed as needing a place in a care home you’ll have to fund all of your care costs if you have assets worth more than £23,250. Depending on your personal circumstances, the value of your home may or may not be included in your assets.

The value of your home won’t be included in your assets if you receive care in your own home rather than residential care.

NHS Care

If your care needs are mostly medically-related the NHS might arrange and pay for your ongoing care. The NHS may also pay a contribution towards the cost of your nursing care directly to a nursing home.

Time to Talk?

Perhaps you’d prefer to talk to somebody rather than wade through information on your own. Call the friendly team at Altogether Care and we’ll happily talk you through your care options and likely costs without any obligation.