The first step in arranging care is for the Local Authority’s Social Services Department to make a formal needs assessment, in conjunction with the NHS Primary Care Trust. This considers an individual’s specific care needs and how these can best be met. The assessment should take place in your own home if you are still living there, or in hospital if you are about to be discharged.
In extreme cases, if you have critical, unstable and unpredictable health needs, it may be decided that you require continuing NHS health care. As well as receiving free medical care, your living costs will also be met by the NHS. Although you pay no fees, some of your benefits, such as attendance allowance and disability living allowance will be discontinued. You continue to receive a state pension.
Individuals who don’t qualify for continuing NHS health care may still be assessed as requiring nursing care- and will receive financial assistance with this, but not personal care, from the NHS. This could reduce the care home fees you have to pay.
Financial Assessment
Having assessed your needs, the local authority then carries out a financial assessment or means test to work out how much of your care costs it will pay and how much you must pay yourself. For more details see section on Financial Help.
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