Organising a home care service
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Live in Care is one way to ensure “round the clock” care in your own home.
What is live in care?
Live in care means having a care worker living in the home with your parent and can be a good option if they need daily care and have the extra space at home.
What are the advantages?
This type of care service enables your parent to stay in their own home and have somebody there to help maintain the house. They can keep the lifestyle that they are used to with flexible help as their needs change or evolve.
What are the disadvantages?
It is a bit like taking in a lodger and so it’s imperative that they will get on with your parent(s) and that you are satisfied that there are no safeguarding risks. The house needs to be in good condition to offer a suitable home for the live in care worker and they will need their own room, television, internet access and other amenities.
How much does it cost?
Live in care is expensive but similar to the costs of residential care homes. A typical average price is around £850 per week (range £750-£1,200). There are also additional costs to consider such as a food budget for the live in carer.
Will the Council pay?
Council adult social care funding is means tested. If your parent has capital over £23,250 (the current limit in England – different countries in the UK have different ceilings) then they will usually have to pay for all of their care. The test is free but if your parent is unlikely to be eligible it might be easier and quicker to avoid this step.
Will the NHS pay?
NHS funding is not means tested but is limited to those whose care needs are mainly for healthcare. Qualifying for NHS funding entails a rigorous two stage assessment process. For the 1st stage, a health care professional such as a nurse completes a Continuing Healthcare Checklist. The results of this checklist – which covers 11 areas of care – determines eligibility for a much more extensive second stage assessment.
How can I find a good service provider?
You can generate a list of possible providers using the links below. They will identify all potential home care service providers not just those providing live in care. Checking the relevant Care Quality Commission (CQC) reports can give you some indication of the quality of the services provided but word of mouth based on someone’s personal experience is always better. Your local Council Adult Social Care service should also be able to help you.
