Long term care in the UK can be quite expensive and the cost of long term care in the UK varies depending on the type of care, the location, and the level of care required. According to data from the UK Care Guide, the average weekly cost of care in a residential care home is £600-£800, while the average weekly cost of nursing care is £800-£1,200. However, these figures can be significantly higher in some regions and for specialist care.

It is important to note that these costs can add up quickly and can be a financial burden for many families. That is why it is important to consider all options for funding long term care.

Learn more about Long term care and its various types.

Paying for long term care

The cost of long term care in the UK can be a significant expense, and it's essential to consider funding options when planning for it. In the UK, there are various options available to fund long term care. 

NHS Funding

NHS funds long term care for eligible persons through various schemes, including NHS continuing healthcare and NHS-funded nursing care. 

NHS continuing healthcare is a package of care funded entirely by the NHS, and it covers all care and support needs. Eligibility for NHS continuing healthcare is based on a thorough assessment of an individual's health and care needs.

NHS-funded nursing care is provided for individuals who need ongoing nursing care but are not eligible for NHS continuing healthcare. The NHS funds the cost of the nursing care element of a care home placement, but not the residential care costs.

Support from Local Councils

Local councils provide funding for long term care through a package of support. This package of support is tailored to the individual's care needs and can include personal care, domestic assistance, and any other support required. The funding available through local councils is means-tested, which means that it depends on an individual's income and assets.

Personal Health Budgets are also available through local councils. A Personal Health Budget is an amount of money that is allocated to an individual to pay for the care and support they need. The budget is managed by the individual or their representative or the local councils themselves, who have control over how the funds are used.

Eligibility Criteria for State Funding

• For NHS continuing healthcare, eligibility is based on an individual's health and care needs which is decided on through an assessment. 
• To be eligible for NHS-funded nursing care, an individual must require ongoing nursing care and be living in a care home that is registered to provide nursing care. The same assessment done for NHS continuing healthcare is used NHS-funded nursing care.
• For local council funding, eligibility is means-tested, which means that it depends on an individual's income and assets.
• Personal Health Budgets is provided based on an assessment of an individual's care needs and their ability to manage the budget.

It's important to note that the eligibility criteria for state funding can be complex, and it's always advisable to seek advice from your GP or from the local council when considering funding options for long term care.

Paying for long term care on your own privately

Private payment for long term care is an option for those who do not qualify for state funding or for those who want to supplement their state funding. However, it is important to plan ahead for these costs.

One way to pay for the cost of long term care privately is through own savings, but it may not be sustainable over the long term.

Another option is to purchase long term care insurance. This type of insurance can provide a lump sum or regular payments to help cover the costs of long term care. However, it is important to carefully review the policy and understand what it covers before purchasing.

Find out how PCL Connect can support long term care and help in making Long term Care for Elderly Sustainable.

Choosing the right care service provider

Choosing the right care service provider for yourself or a loved one can be a daunting task. It's important to make an informed decision to ensure that the care received is of the highest quality and tailored to individual needs. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a care service provider:

1. Reputation and CQC rating
2. Services Provided as per your health and care needs
3. Experience and qualification of the Staff
4. Expense and cost
5. Location

It is wise to look for reviews and feedback from other clients or families who have used their services. Check if they are registered with the competent regulatory authorities, for instance the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator of health and social care in England.

Conclusion

The cost of long term care in the UK can be high and it is important to carefully consider all options for funding. Whether it is through state funding or private payment options, it is important to plan ahead and have a clear understanding of the costs and eligibility criteria.