Getting to grips with funding Health and Social Care can be very confusing. Everyone’s situation is slightly different so here we will just give an outline of what the possibilities are and steps to take are for you and your family. If you need any additional help use the links below or give us a ring.
Assessment and Social Services Funding
The Care Act 2014 gives Local Authorities responsibility for assessment. Whenever anyone needs care services, Social Service Departments are the first port of call. They will look at the support needs of the person and also the needs of their carer (a family member who is there on a day to day basis). Carers now have a statutory right to a service which will give them a break to have some time to follow their own interests. Social Service funding is dependent upon the level of need and income. Each Local Authority has a slightly different way of carrying out their assessment.
All of your care costs may be met by Social Services, you might have to contribute a certain assessed amount or you may be required to pay the whole cost or care. It is usual, where funding is available for you, for Social Services to invoice you for the care provided and NCCN then charge the Council. Any additional support, provided in addition to your assessed need would be invoiced directly by our finance team on a 4 weekly basis.
Personal Budget, Individual Support Funds and Direct Payments
You may decide that you would like more control over your care provision and choose to have a Personal Budget (PB). An assessed amount would be available to you each month to pay for your service. This could be managed by a third party, by you, or by NCCN. Having a PB gives more flexibility around your provision. NCCN has experience of managing PB’s, the financial aspects being audited by Bethany Pearson, our in-house Accountant and the care side overseen by qualified nurses. PB’s work well for everyone but especially for those who need a larger support package for example Independent Supported Living arrangements as it gives the ability to ‘pool’ money which can then be used in different ways, eg social events etc.
Below are links for Counties where we predominantly provide care at home services. Click on the county to take you to the page
North Yorkshire County Council
Health Care