Options for paying for care at home

We all need a little help from time to time. Some in-home support could be all you need to help you stay at home for longer. Choosing to receive care at home for yourself or a loved one is a significant decision. Care agencies like Papillon Home Care are here to ensure that this transition is as smooth as possible.

The first step in securing home care is to explore various funding options to cover the cost of care. This includes local authority funding, self-funding (using pensions, savings, or releasing equity), and state benefits such as Attendance Allowance or Personal Independence Payments, subject to eligibility.

Below, we have covered the various options:

Local Authority Funding: Eligibility: Your local council (Kent County Council) may contribute to home care costs based on your needs assessment and financial situation. Financial Assessment: A means-tested financial assessment will determine your eligibility and how much you’ll contribute, considering your income and savings. Personal Budget: If eligible, you’ll receive a personal budget to cover your care needs, allowing you to decide about your care and who provides it. Kent Card: Kent County Council offers a Kent Card for direct payments, allowing you to pay for care services online or over the phone. Deferred Payments: You can apply for a deferred payment agreement to spread the cost of care over time.

State Benefits: Attendance Allowance: If you have a disability or health condition, you may be eligible for attendance allowance. Personal Independence Payments (PIP): You may qualify for PIP if you have difficulties with daily living. Pension Credit: If you are of pensionable age and have a low income, you may be eligible for pension credit. Council Tax Reductions: You may be eligible for council tax reductions.

Self-Funding Options: Pensions and Savings: You can use your pension and savings to cover home care costs. Releasing Equity: Consider releasing equity from your property to fund care. care funding

Other Considerations for the cost of care: Private Health Insurance: Check your private health insurance policy to see if it covers any part of the cost of care. Charities and Non-Profit Organizations: Explore charities and non-profit organizations in Kent and South London that may offer advice and guidance on paying for care or contribute to the costs. NHS Continuing Healthcare: If you have complex ongoing healthcare needs, you may be eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare, which is free. Financial Estimator: Use the Kent County Council financial estimator tool to estimate how much you may need to pay towards your care

Whether you are eligible for assistance with the cost of care from your local council, such as through direct payments or a Kent Card, or you are paying for your care yourself, Papillon Home Care is here to support you.

We offer both short-term and long-term support in the following areas:

Ashford – Wye, Kennington, Willesborough, Kingsnorth, Town centre, Stanhope, South Ashford.

Folkestone – Folkestone, Cheriton, Hythe, Hawkinge and Lympne.

The Marsh – Lydd, Lydd-on-sea, Greatstone, Littlestone, New Romney. ST Marys Bay and Dymchurch.

To see how Papillon Home Care can help you, contact our team at 01303 255785

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