If you or someone close to you is struggling to complete everyday tasks, it might be worth considering in-home care. If you are wondering how much in-home care costs, this article has some answers.
Do I need in-home care?
You may be wondering whether you need in-home care for your particular situation. In-home care can be used for the following:
- To help someone that is elderly
- To care for someone after a hospital stay
- Help someone with a long-term illness or disability
It can be used in situations where your home is safe for you to live in or can be adapted to make it safe.
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What can an in-home carer do?
The NHS makes a distinction between homecare and home help.
A home carer is there to assist you with personal tasks. They can help you with lots of things:
- Getting out of bed
- Washing and dressing
- Using the toilet
- Preparing food and drink
- Collecting prescriptions and taking medication
- Going shopping
- Getting out and about
- Getting settled and ready for bed
A home help will assist with domestic tasks, including:
- Cleaning
- Washing dishes
- Laundry
- Gardening
How do I access in-home care?
You can consult your GP or district nurse who can make a referral for an assessment with your permission.
If you are soon to be discharged from hospital, then the hospital staff can arrange for homecare services on your behalf during your rehabilitation. A social worker will follow up on this and assist in planning your future care if necessary.
How much does it cost for in-home care?
If you want to pay yourself and you are wondering how much your in-home care will cost, you can expect to pay around £15 to £25 per hour. The cost varies depending on your location.
If you are paying for your own homecare you will be classed as self-funding and you will need to make your own arrangements.
You can contact the UK Homecare Association for details about homecare providers that follow their code of practice.
Will the local council cover the cost of my in-home care?
Your local council will need to undertake a care needs assessment to establish that you need in-home care.
If they agree, you will be means-tested. This takes into account your income and savings, but it does not take into account the value of your property if you own one.
The amount the local council will pay is as follows:
- If your income and savings are more than £23,250, the local council will pay nothing and you will self-fund your care.
- For income and savings of between £14,250 and £23,250, the local council will contribute to your care.
- If you have less than £14,250 in income and savings, the local council will pay the total cost of your in-home care.
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Can I get financial support to pay for my in-home care?
Yes. There are some benefits that are available depending on your circumstances. They do not take into account any income or savings, so you don’t have to be means-tested. They are as follows:
Attendance Allowance
If you are over State Pension age and need in-home help due to illness or disability, you could be eligible.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
This is for anyone that needs in-home help and is under the State Pension age.
Carers allowance
If you have a carer that looks after you for at least 35 hours per week and receives certain benefits, they can apply for this allowance.
Further information on the Attendance Allowance, the Personal Independence Payment and the Carers Allowance is available from the gov.uk website.
Take home
If you think you or someone close to you needs help but you are concerned about the cost of in-home care, it’s important to ask for help sooner rather than later. Your GP is a good place to start, but you can also contact Age Concern for further information.
