It is a common misconception that independent sector care homes is available only to those with plenty of money when in fact fees can often be fully funded by the Social Services. Many funding options exist for care and for those with relatively modest means. The level of social services and NHS support depends on your available capital, savings and benefits. It is advisable to seek specialist, independent advice about your financial arrangements.

Local authorities apply some rules when considering financial support for care and some guidance on these rules follows.

From April 2009 - if you have capital assets between £14,000 and £23,000 you may qualify for financial support. The first £14,000 is disregarded but any capital between £14,000 and £23,000 is taken into account in the assessment as you may be required to contribute £1 per week for each £250 over the £14,000. This is known as tariff income.

If you own your home the value of the property will also be taken into account unless you have a partner or dependent relative who would normally have the right to retain the property and the value would then be excluded from your assets.

If you will fund your own care you can select any independent care establishment without informing social services. If eligible for financial support your care needs must be assessed by the local authority who must offer a choice of independent or public sector care.

The links below offer the latest government advice on charging assessments for care and advice on NHS funded nursing care:

http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/SocialCare/Chargingandassessment/ChargingforSocialCare/DH_079505

http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Healthcare/IntegratedCare/NHSfundednursingcare/index.htm

Northwood Nursing & Residential Care, Blackburn, Lancashire