Paying for home care: funding options explained
Money questions arrive with care questions. This high-level guide explains the main ways home care is paid for in England, so you know which doors to knock on first.
The three broad routes
Most home care in England is paid for through one (or a mix) of three routes: local authority funding, NHS funding, or self-funding. Which applies to you depends on both care needs and finances, and it's worth checking properly, because families often assume they won't qualify for help when they might.
Local authority funding
Your local council (Lancashire County Council for Preston) must carry out a free care needs assessment if you ask for one. If eligible needs are identified, a financial assessment (means test) follows. Broadly, if your savings and assets are above the national threshold (£23,250 in England at the time of writing) you'll pay for your own care; below it, the council contributes on a sliding scale. Crucially for home care, the value of your home is ignored in the means test while you (or your partner) still live in it. If the council does fund you, you can usually ask for the money as a direct payment and choose your own regulated provider.
NHS funding
Two schemes matter here. NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) covers the full cost of care, including care at home, for people whose needs are primarily health needs; eligibility is assessed by the NHS and is not means-tested. NHS-funded nursing care is a contribution towards nursing needs in certain settings. After a hospital stay, short-term intermediate care or reablement is often free for up to six weeks, always ask the discharge team what applies before arranging anything.
Benefits worth checking
Attendance Allowance (for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care) is not means-tested and can add meaningful money towards visits. Younger adults may qualify for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Carers may be entitled to Carer's Allowance. These are underclaimed, a quick eligibility check is always worth it.
Self-funding
If you're paying privately, home care has a structural advantage: you buy the hours you actually need rather than a residential package. Costs vary with the level and timing of support, which is why honest providers assess before they quote. Flexecare provides a clear, personalised quote after a free assessment, with no obligation and no surprises.
Our honest advice
Ask for the council assessment even if you expect to self-fund; apply for Attendance Allowance if you're eligible; ask the NHS about CHC if needs are complex; and get a written quote from any provider before you commit. For a plain-spoken conversation about what your situation is likely to cost, call us on 01772 369045, or read more on our Costs & Funding page.
Talk to us. Call 01772 369045 (Mon–Fri 8.30am–5.00pm, on call evenings, weekends and bank holidays) or email enquiries@flexecare.com, or book a free, no-obligation assessment.