Help with the Costs of Home Nursing & Care

Both the state and local councils may provide financial assistance, advice and other forms of support to most elderly, sick and disabled people who need help with personal care or nursing and some of these benefits are not means-tested. 

Additionally you may purchase insurances that can pay for long-term care. The following is a summary of the main forms of support as we understand them.

Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance is a tax free benefit for people over 65 who need help with personal care such as getting in and out of bed, washing, eating, taking medication or mobility, or because they can become confused and need to be watched.  Attendance Allowance is not affected by savings and is usually unaffected by any other income you may have.  Phone your local Benefits Office on (0845) 712 3456.

Benefit Enquiry Line

A confidential telephone service for people with disabilities, their representatives and carers.  Phone (0800) 882200.

Community Care “Direct Payments” and “Personal budgets”

Councils can give you direct payments (if you meet certain conditions) to pay for your own care and related activities such as doing your shopping.  If you provide care for someone, you may also be able to get direct payments.  You cannot use direct payments to pay for permanent places in residential or nursing homes or to buy care from the council but you can use it to pay for professional homecare.

Long-term Care Insurance (or “Care Fee Payment Plans”)

This type of insurance pays a care provider for care if you become unable to cope on your own.  The income can be used to provide private help in your own home.  You should also check if any existing health insurance would pay the cost of your nursing fees. If you would like further information about this type of provision or indeed an advice concerning Care Fee funding, we recommend that you use an Independent Financial Advisor who is a member of the Society of Later Life Advisers (SoLLA). We are an affiliated member of SoLLA which is a not-for-profit organisation. Its aim is to ensure that consumers are better informed about the financial issues of later life and can find an Accredited Adviser. To find your local SoLLA adviser please go to www.societyoflaterlifeadvisers.co.uk

NHS Continuing Care

You may be able to get help for you nursing and care costs at home if, following a short clinical assessment, your local NHS Primary Care Trust agrees your need is great enough.  This may amount to more than £1,000 per week which can be spent, for example, on live-in care, 24-hour care, night nurses or daily respite. 

Disability Living Allowance

A tax-free benefit for children and adults with a disability or illness who need help with getting around or personal care and who claim before the age of 65.  Phone your local Benefits Office or (0845) 712 3456.

Independent Living Fund

The top-up fund that works in conjunction with Society Services.  ILF pays grants to people with high support needs who wish to live independently.  ILF disregards a client’s earnings and that of partners so you can earn without losing any funding.  Phone (0845) 601 8815.

Advice Line

A welfare advice line run by Age UK for older people and their carers.  Free, confidential and impartial advice about benefits and community care.  Phone (0808) 800 6565.

Please note that Convivium Care has provided this information as a guide only. This information is correct to the best of our knowledge but we do not accept responsibility for any errors or omissions.