Funding

There are various forms of funding available to help individuals and families with the costs of domiciliary and live-in care. The government provides financial assistance, advice and other forms of support to most elderly, sick and disabled people who need help with their personal care or nursing. New Directions will be happy to provide you with as much assistance as possible in obtaining relevant funding.

Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance is a tax free benefit for people over 65 who require help with personal care such as getting in and out of bed, washing, eating, medication, mobility, or because they can become confused and need someone to look after them.

Please ring your local benefits office or 0845 7123456 for advice.

Benefits Enquiry Line

This is a confidential FREEPHONE service for people with disabilities, their representatives and carers.

Phone 0800 882200

Carer's Allowance

This is a taxable benefit for people such as friends and family members, who look after someone, who gets Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance. Extra expenses can also be claimed for paying a third party to provide care while you are out.

Phone your local benefits office or 0800 882200

Community Care 'Direct Payments'

As an alternative to giving you community care services, councils are obliged to offer you Direct Payments (if you meet certain conditions) to pay for your own private homecare arrangements and related activities.

Your local Social Services can suggest special equipment to make life easier for you, e.g., grab rails and bathroom aids.

Phone your local Social Services care managers.

Continuing Care (NHS)

Your every nursing and care need is entitled to be paid for 'in any setting' – including in your own home .You will be given a short clinical assessment which will access if your health needs meet their criteria for funding. Sometimes funding can amount to more than £1,000 per week in aid which can be spent, for example, on 24-hour live-in nursing, night nurses or daily respite.

Phone NHS Direct on 0845 4647

Disability Living Allowance

This is a tax-free benefit for children and adults with a disability or illness who need help with getting around or personal care and who claim before the age of 65.

Phone your local benefits office or 0845 7123456

Independent Living Fund

This is a top-up fund that works in conjunction with Social Services. ILF pays grants to people with high support needs who wish to live independently. ILF disregards a client's earnings and that of partners so you can earn without losing any funding.

Phone 0845 6018815

Long-term Care Insurance ('Care Fee Payment Plans')

This type of insurance pays out a tax-free income if you become unable to cope on your own. The insurance can be used to provide private help in your own home. Most insurers offer an 'immediate care insurance' scheme for those who need immediate and on-going care.

Senior Line

This is a welfare advice line run by Help the Aged for older people and their carers.

Phone 0808 8006565