Start with a free needs assessment from Somerset Council
Anyone who seems to need care and support can ask Somerset Council for a care needs assessment. It's free, and you don't have to be on a low income to ask. The council looks at what help the person needs and whether they meet the national eligibility criteria.
If they do, the council then carries out a financial assessment (a means test) to work out how much, if anything, they should contribute.
The means test, simply put
In England, the council looks at income and savings. The key point for home care is this: the value of the home someone lives in is not counted when they're receiving care at home. That's different from moving into a care home, where the house can be included.
People with savings above the upper limit (currently £23,250 in England) usually pay for their own care.
Direct payments
If the council funds some or all of the care, you can often ask for it as a direct payment. That's money paid to you or the person needing care, so you choose the provider yourselves. Direct payments can be used to arrange care with us.
Attendance Allowance: often missed
Attendance Allowance is a benefit for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care because of an illness or disability. It isn't means-tested, so savings and income don't affect it, and you don't need a diagnosis or a carer already in place to claim.
Lots of people who qualify have never claimed. It's worth checking. The current rates are on GOV.UK.
NHS Continuing Healthcare
Where someone's needs are mainly health needs (rather than social care), the NHS may fund care in full. The assessment is detailed and the bar is high, but if your relative has complex medical needs, it's worth asking their GP or hospital team about a checklist assessment.
Paying privately
If you're paying yourself, you'll deal with us directly. We'll explain our charges clearly before anything starts, and the care plan shows exactly what you're paying for. Just ask and we'll give you a clear quote.
Where to get free, independent help
- Somerset Council Adult Social Care for needs and financial assessments
- Age UK Somerset for benefits checks and advice
- An adviser accredited by the Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA) if there are larger sums or property involved
We're not financial advisers, but we're very happy to talk you through how care is usually arranged locally. Call 01278 488799 or pop into our office on Monmouth Street, Bridgwater.
