What are the costs of home care for disabled adults? We look at the various factors that influence the expenses of home care, including the level of care needed, the hours of support required, and any specialised services. 

How do I access homecare?

Homecare, often referred to as in-home or domiciliary care, offers an extensive array of services purposed to assist disabled adults in living securely and independently within their own homes.

The first step to accessing this type of care involves conducting an assessment of your specific care needs, a process which can be streamlined by your local authority or a relevant social care or health professional.

This thorough assessment is essential in determining your specific needs and is not confined to your physical disability or health condition. It encompasses various factors including your living situation, mental health and overall wellbeing, as well as detailed accounts of your specific care tasks and other pertinent matters. Upon thoroughly understanding your needs, desires and aspects of your living conditions, an intricate care plan is formulated which contains vital information about the necessary home care services.

Before you identify and settle for the best-suited home care services, it's critical to conduct in-depth research. Consult various sources including the internet, disability service organisations, your local authority, or a health professional such as your doctor.

They can furnish you with valuable information to aid your decision-making. It's important to note that the cost of home care may vary greatly. This is largely dependent on the results from the assessment of your needs and the particulars regarding the level of support that you need. However, don't let the potentially high cost dissuade you. There's a wide array of support systems in place designed to guide you along your care journey.

This evaluation is means-tested, meaning it sizes up an individual's ability to pay based on their income and overall wealth. The assessment delves into all aspects of your financial health, considering your income, and your assets such as savings and property holdings.

The council will use the findings from this detailed financial review to establish your potential eligibility for financial aid to support your care costs.

However, it's worth noting that each local council maintains a set threshold for financial assets. If your total assets exceed this fixed limit, you will not qualify for financial assistance from the council. In such instances, you would need to arrange for your care privately and bear the costs independently. Should your financial status meet the council's criteria, you'll be able to receive subsidies towards your care.

However, the council's assistance will not cover the entire cost of your care and support needs. Instead, it will defray a portion of these costs, with the remaining balance expected to be covered by you, taking into account your personal income. In short, depending on individual circumstances and after extensive means-testing, the local council can offer a helping hand by subsidising part of your home care costs but it will still necessitate a contribution from the individual's own resources.

How much does it cost to pay for my own homecare?

Home care expenses can fluctuate enormously, with variations typically dependent upon your location and the particular care needs you have. The majority of the time, the cost is determined by the amount of time for which the care is required; hourly rates are the most common.

However, if you require a live-in carer or overnight assistance, the cost is often calculated based on a weekly rate. Just to give a broad view, you can generally expect to pay anywhere between £15 and £30 per hour for daytime home care in the UK. This is, of course, subject to your geographical location and the exact nature of the care you require.

Bear in mind, that for individuals with more complex care requirements, such as those who may need round-the-clock assistance or a live-in carer, the cost can rise significantly. This is due to the intensive nature of the care provided and the longer hours required by the caregiver.

In addition, when planning for home care, it is critical that you also consider the additional expenses that may be associated with modifications to the home to ensure it's safe and accessible, or any necessary mobility equipment. Although these may seem substantial initially, they are often vital for maintaining a high quality of life while receiving care at home. Accordingly, these considerations should be factored into your budget planning for home care services.

Can I get financial support to pay for my homecare?

Even if your local council doesn't contribute towards the cost of your care, other avenues exist to explore for financial support to help offset home care expenses. A significant option is the state benefits that are specially designed for individuals with disabilities.

In cases where your situation involves a disability, you might qualify for the disability living allowance (DLA) or the personal independence payment (PIP). These are government-funded aids that can prove to be an immense help in covering costs associated with home care services. The DLA and PIP not only support you financially but also help you maintain independence at home.

In addition, it is often beneficial to seek professional advice. Financial advisors who specialise in care cost management or benefits advisers are an excellent resource to turn to. Such professionals are highly experienced and knowledgeable about the financial aspects of care costs.

They can provide valuable information and advice that are specifically aligned with your unique situation and requirements. In sum, even if your local council does not help pay for home care, several other options can support your finances. Being disabled, you may be eligible for state benefits like DLA and PIP. For further guidance, turning to a financial advisor or benefits adviser who specialises in care costs can also be beneficial.

Several individuals express a preference for this type of care deal as it provides them with added control over their care and support scenarios.

Determining to recruit personal carers can be an overwhelming choice to make. Notably, being an employer conveys extensive accountability that should not be downplayed. Paying the wage of your carer may seem straightforward, however, addressing tax issues is another point entirely. As a direct employer, you're expected to comprehend the tax requirements and ensure that your carer's taxes are diligently submitted according to the mandate.

Additionally, well-ordered national insurance contributions are pivotal in protecting your carer's entitlement to specific benefits, such as Statutory Sick Pay, unemployment benefits and State Pension. In your capacity as the carer's employer, the onus falls on you to oversee this.

When you are in receipt of a direct payment from your local council or a health and social care trust, you are armed with the flexibility to employ a carer. This arrangement appeals to many as it allows for more personalised care and support, ensuring your unique needs are at the forefront. However, the expectations and responsibilities remain the same.

We offer specialist home care services and physical disability care for vulnerable adults throughout London. Get in contact today if you have a loved one that would benefit from care at home.