Navigating the care journey with Care Navigators
We know how time consuming and overwhelming it can be when you’re faced with the world of care, funding, and what options you may or may not have – that’s why we set up Care Navigators.
Everyone we speak to is at a different stage along that journey. Whatever the many and varied circumstances, generally everyone has the same first question in common: “Where do I start?”
Get help and don’t leave it too late would be our key message! It’s so important it’s here twice! Don’t give up work or all of your friends, social life and family. Don’t keep calm and carry on, put your hand up and ask for help!
Here’s where we start, the things we will help you with – and the answers to some of the most commonly asked question
How to Start: Making decisions
As a care funding and benefits adviser the most important thing, in every case, is what do you want and who is making the decision in question?
There’s so much that could lie ahead of you, and each step may mean life changing considerations and decisions, so it’s important to know what is the mental capacity to make the decisions and what legal decision-making arrangements are in place to support decision making or decide in someone else’s ‘best interest’.
Before diving into care options and available funding, the most important step is understanding who makes the decisions and whether you’re legally prepared.
Who is making the decision?
- Do you have the mental capacity to make your own care and financial decisions?
- If not, is someone legally authorized to make decisions for you?
Partners and family often assume they can step in to manage affairs, but without a Power of Attorney, it’s not that simple.
What is a Power of Attorney?
A Power of Attorney lets someone you trust make decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to. It ensures your wishes are respected and can avoid costly legal processes later.
Questions to Consider:
- Who will manage your finances or health decisions if you can’t?
- Have you made a will or outlined your care preferences?
- Does someone know where to find this information when needed?
Having these legal arrangements in place provides peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
Learn more about Powers of Attorney and how to apply here.
Care Options: Do I have to go into a care home?
Going into a home doesn’t have to be the only solution, and most people would like to stay at home for as long as they can. That can be a real possibility for many, both the local authority and NHS have services designed to support independent living for as long as it’s practical and safe – some of which are free.
You may be paying for this care and arranging it yourself, putting the right care in place at the right time can help you stay at home for as long as possible and your loved ones healthy.
Care funding and benefits advice can help you access the right care and support to help you retain your independence, including adaptations to your current home, or different levels of care support, this doesn’t have to mean personal care but going out, having some company or giving your loved ones a break.
Whatever your situation, it may be worth requesting an assessment of your care needs from the Local Authority and making sure that Continuing Healthcare has been considered if your care needs are primarily health as your care can be paid wherever you receive it, even in your own home.
If you do need to think about moving into permanent care, a residential home, or a nursing home, we can help you to choose the right one – start with our Choosing a Care Home Checklist.
Funding Care Costs: Will the Council Pay?
Who Pays for Care? Care funding depends on your situation:
- Local Authority Funding: Some services are free of charge but ongoing care will be means tested and subject to specific eligibility criteria. Your home’s value is often disregarded.
- NHS Continuing Healthcare: Fully funded for health-related care needs, which can even cover care at home.
- Benefits: You might be eligible for Attendance Allowance or Pension Credit. There are millions of £££ of benefits left unclaimed every year. Make sure it isn’t you.
Learn more about how the Council may help here.
Get in touch and we can help you explore all funding sources to ensure you receive the support you’re entitled to.
Do I Have to Sell My Home to Pay for Care?
Selling your home to pay for care isn’t necessarily the only solution and a property is often disregarded for means test benefits and adult social care.
There are many reasons for not wanting to sell a property, often it is because it’s been the family or marital home for many years. Not being able to return home may seem very final. The house may need some work or there may be a family member living in it.
Some of the options maybe:
- Moving to a smaller or adapted home: downsizing can make maintenance and mobility easier, and it might free up funds for care.
- Renting out the current home: this can generate an income stream, helping fund care while maintaining ownership.
- Equity release schemes: these can allow you to access to funds tied up in the home’s value without selling.
- Savings and investments: using personal savings or pension funds to cover care costs instead.
- Selling assets: this could include downsizing or selling a second property to cover care expenses.
- Long-term care insurance: a long-term care insurance covering specific types of care.
- Deferred Payment Scheme (DPS): an agreement with the local authority, it may allow you to delay payment of care home fees.
We’ll help you explore these options and connect you with regulated financial experts if needed.
Find out more about using your home to fund care here.
Don’t Leave It Too Late: Get help
Whether you’re arranging care for yourself or supporting a loved one, please don’t leave it too late. Don’t take on too much or suffer in stoic silence. Don’t give up work or all of your friends, social life and family. Don’t keep calm and carry on, put your hand up and ask for help!
We can guide you through the process step by step.
Ready to Start?
Book a consultation with Care Navigators today and let us help you:
- Understand your legal and care options.
- Access the funding and support you’re entitled to.
- Make informed decisions to stay independent as long as possible.
