Advice & Support
Making decisions about care can feel overwhelming. We've brought together practical information to help you understand your options, to plan ahead and find the support you need.
Paying for Care
Understanding the cost of care
The cost of care should not stop you from receiving the quality support you deserve.
We understand that arranging care can feel overwhelming, particularly when you're trying to understand what support is available and how it can be paid for. There are different ways care and support may be funded, depending on your circumstances, your care needs and your financial situation.
You may choose to pay for your care yourself, or you may be entitled to financial support through your local authority, the NHS or certain benefits.
Benefits and other financial support
Depending on your circumstances, you may also be entitled to benefits or grants that can help with the additional costs associated with disability, illness or living independently. These may include:
Financial assistance to help you maintain independence
Many disability and independence benefits are non-means-tested, meaning your income and savings do not affect whether you qualify. Exploring all available support can make quality care and home adjustments far more accessible.
Attendance Allowance
For people who have reached State Pension age and have a disability or health condition that means they need help with personal care or supervision.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
For eligible people of working age with a long-term health condition or disability who have difficulties with everyday activities or getting around.
Disabled Facilities Grant
A local council grant that can help towards essential adaptations to the home, such as improving access or making the home safer and more suitable for independent living.
Other support
Depending on your circumstances, there may be other benefits, grants or financial support available. GOV.UK provides a useful starting point for exploring what you may be entitled to.
Where to start
If you're unsure how to pay for care, don't wait until you have all the answers. A good starting point is to follow these practical steps:
Understand your care needs
Identify daily living support, personal care tasks, or health needs to determine what help is required.
Ask your local authority for a care needs assessment if appropriate
Contact your local council's adult social care team and ask for a care needs assessment.
Explore your funding options
Find out whether you may be eligible for local authority or NHS support.
Check your benefits
You may be entitled to financial support that you aren't currently receiving.
Consider your longer-term finances
If you're paying privately, consider speaking with a qualified financial adviser before making significant financial decisions.
Ask for help
Our care team can help you understand the care options we provide and signpost you towards relevant organisations and sources of information.
⚖️ Power of Attorney
Understand what a Lasting Power of Attorney is, why it can be useful when planning for future care and where to find further information.
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows you to choose someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to make those decisions yourself. The person making the LPA is called the donor, and the person appointed to make decisions is called the attorney.
To make an LPA, the donor must be 18 or over and have the mental capacity to make the decision at the time they create it.
There are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney:
Property & Financial Affairs
Allows your attorney to help with decisions about things such as bank accounts, bills, benefits, pensions, property and finances.
Health & Welfare
Allows your attorney to make decisions about matters such as your care, daily routine, medical treatment and where you live, when you are unable to make those decisions yourself.
Why it can be important
Planning ahead means that someone you know and trust can help make important decisions if circumstances change. An LPA can provide reassurance for you and your family and help ensure your wishes are respected.
Ready to Appoint a Lasting Power of Attorney?
Putting a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place can help you plan ahead and make sure someone you trust can make decisions on your behalf if you are no longer able to do so.
How to Apply for a Lasting Power of Attorney
You can make a Lasting Power of Attorney online or using paper forms through the Office of the Public Guardian. There are two types of LPA: Health and Welfare and Property and Financial Affairs.
Office of the Public Guardian
For official guidance, forms and information on how to apply:
The Office of the Public Guardian can also provide help if you need assistance using the online service or completing the process.
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❓ Frequently asked questions
Straightforward answers to common questions about arranging care, assessments, costs, carers and getting started.