Know Your Options & Funding for Home Care

Arranging care for yourself or a loved one can feel daunting at first. Knowing where to start, who to contact, and how care is funded can seem complicated. At Joan’s Carers Ltd, we’re here to help guide you through your options and make the process as simple as possible.

There are different routes to arranging care depending on your needs and circumstances. Care can be privately arranged, funded through your local authority, or provided using Self-Directed Support (SDS). In some cases, a combination of these options may also be available.

Our team is happy to discuss your situation and help you understand which option may be suitable.

Private Care Funding

Private care gives you full control over your care arrangements. You can choose the type of support you receive, how often visits take place, and how your care package is structured.

With privately arranged care, Joan’s Carers Ltd works directly with you to design a personalised care plan tailored to your needs. This offers maximum flexibility and allows care to be adapted as circumstances change.

Privately organised care is invoiced directly to you, and payments are made by the individual or their family.

Private care is ideal for those who:

  • Want full control over care arrangements
  • Need flexible support
  • Require care quickly
  • Wish to top up funded care
  • Prefer a tailored care package

Local Authority Funding

You may be eligible for care funded through your local authority. This begins with a care assessment carried out by your local authority team.

To arrange this, you would contact your local authority directly. They will organise and carry out an assessment to understand your needs and determine whether you qualify for funded support.

Following the assessment, the local authority will:

  • Assess your care needs
  • Determine eligibility
  • Recommend support levels
  • Explain funding options
  • Arrange care services if eligible

Local authority funding is based on individual circumstances and eligibility criteria.

Self Directed Support (SDS)

Understanding SDS

SDS is a way for individuals to have more control over the support they receive. It allows you to choose how, when, and who provides your care and support. With SDS, you can make decisions that best fit your needs and lifestyle, rather than having someone else decide for you. This support is available to people who need care and their carers, and it gives them the flexibility to manage their support in a way that works best for them.

If after assessment of your cared-for and completion of your Adult Carer Support Plan you meet the eligibility criteria for social care and support from the local authority you will be given four options:

Option 1

Either the local authority or another appropriate organisation holds the money but you are in charge of how it is spent in line with your support plan.

Option 2

You take the money as a direct payment and use it to employ ‘professional assistants’, a support organisation or for equipment and services that help you meet your needs and desired outcomes.

Option 3

The local authority manages the money and support on your behalf.

Option 4

You choose a mixture of the above three options.

If this is something that you are thinking about or would like more information please contact us at the centre and we will arrange a meeting with our local SDS Advisor.

Who Is Eligible for Self-Directed Support?

To be eligible for Self-Directed Support, you must:

  • Require support with daily living tasks, or
  • Be an unpaid carer who meets the threshold for support

Eligibility is determined following a local authority assessment.

We’re Here to Help

Understanding care funding options can feel confusing, but our friendly team is here to help guide you through the process. We can explain your options and help you arrange the right care for your needs. If you’re unsure which funding route is right for you, get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.

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