由 home-healthhaven 
Putting an elderly relative into a nursing home or care facility can be a tough and emotional decision for many families. Sometimes, the relative may have severe physical or mental health issues, or might just be too frail to live alone, and the family may not be able to provide the necessary care.
Choosing the right care home involves considering several factors like the level of care needed, the location, and the quality of the facility. One major concern is the cost. On average, care homes in the UK cost about £27,000 a year for basic residential care, and even more if nursing care is needed. Often, elderly individuals cover these expenses by selling their homes and using their savings. If their assets exceed £23,250, they usually have to pay for their own care. However, if they have a spouse or partner, the property might not need to be sold.
For those with assets below the threshold, the local authority typically covers the care costs. Yet, if the chosen care home is pricier than what the local authority would normally fund, the family might have to pay extra fees. Personal costs and necessities still need to be paid from the elderly person’s pension or by their family. If there is any suspicion that assets were transferred to avoid care costs, the local authority will seek to recover those funds.
In cases where the elderly person has severe medical needs, the NHS might fund their care under the Continuing Care Scheme. This scheme, which is not widely known, covers the full cost for patients with complex medical conditions and significant care requirements. The NHS also provides a small personal allowance under this scheme for everyday needs like toiletries.
Medical staff conduct assessments with the patient’s consent to determine eligibility for the scheme. The initial assessment includes a checklist and a detailed evaluation based on criteria like cognitive abilities, communication skills, and physical and emotional needs. If the individual has significant needs in any of these areas, they may qualify for the scheme. Patients are reassessed annually to ensure they continue to receive the appropriate level of care.
If a person does not qualify for the Continuing Care Scheme, the NHS may still help by contributing towards the nursing costs through the Registered Nursing Care Contribution. This covers a fixed amount each week for nursing care, but accommodation and personal care costs still need to be self-funded, which can be expensive.
When selecting a care home, it’s a good idea to look into these funding options to potentially reduce costs.