Elderly Care Is Expensive: Make Sure You Spend Your Money Wisely

Elderly care costs a lot of money, so we look at how to ensure your hard earned cash is getting the best care for you or your loved ones. 

Elderly care can be extremely expensive, so it is important that any cash you put into paying for care is spent wisely. There’s little room for error unless you have endless funds, which most people don’t. It is a big subject, but we’ve compiled an easy list of things to consider when planning care to make sure that you place your funds exactly where they need to be to get the best possible result:

Which Type Of Care?

When considering caring for the elderly you or your relative can choose between a wide variety of different types of care. The type chosen all depends on the needs, preference and budget of the person requiring care. Two main types are live-in care and elderly care homes.

“Elderly care homes” refer to residential facilities that provide care for older individuals who need assistance with daily activities and medical needs. Examples include assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and residential care homes. On the other hand, a professional caregiver resides in the senior’s home in live-in or home care, providing around-the-clock support and assistance with daily living tasks and other needs. 

The type of care seniors need depends on several factors. Some older people prefer to receive home care because they feel more comfortable and safer. Those older patients with special medical needs usually need to stay in elderly care homes where doctors, nurses, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals can provide 24/7 supervision. However, expect to pay more for elderly care homes than for home care services.

Regardless of the type of care, it’s crucial to ensure health and safety of the elderly.. There should be a protocol when patients must report nursing home abuse or neglect if it happens. Having independent ombudsman services that advocate for residents’ rights can help address complaints and concerns related to care quality and safety. If the reported abuse or neglect involves criminal activities or severe negligence, the facility must support the affected individual in pursuing legal actions against the responsible parties.

Help Paying For Care

It is so important that you get all the help you are eligible for when it comes to paying for care. Self-funding individuals aged over 65 may be eligible to claim attendance allowance and pension credit. In some circumstances it is possible that your local authority may pay for some or all of your care. You will need to be means tested to check your needs, your financial position and the type of care you require. You can begin this process by contacting your local Social Services. In most cases financial help with care is not provided if your total capital (including your home and incomings) comes to more than £23,250. So it’s likely you will have to cover some or all of the residential care home costs or live in carer costs.

Immediate Needs Care Fee Payment Plan

This is a payment plan that people take out that is comparable to an insurance plan. The person needing care will get regular, tax free income (when paid to a care provider) in exchange for an upfront lump sum. The risk with this type of plan is that the insurer bases the amount paid out on life expectancy which means that if the person passes away before this time, the money will be absorbed by the insurance provider.

Keeping Property

Often a property will be sold to provide finances for elderly care but that needn’t be the only answer. A person can keep their property if they opt for live-in care which is fast becoming one of the most popular forms of care. Alternatively, the person may wish to let their home out for additional income so that the property stays as an asset to pass on to future generations.

Getting Financial Advice

Getting financial advice from a qualified IFA (Independent Financial Advisor) is recommended at all stages of considering care, regardless of whether you opt for live-in care or an elderly care home. In fact, the sooner you can plan for care the wiser you can be in your choices because you will have had time to consider all the different options properly.

There is a lot of advice available when it comes to planning care. With the right information and support, you will be able to invest in exactly the right type of care for your needs.