Top 5 social care myths de-bunked

March 21, 2017

The decision to place a loved one in social care is often made during a time of emotional upheaval and hastened by some crisis, fall or incident. It’s sometimes also made without all the facts to hand. But figuring out what your rights are and how much you will have to pay shouldn’t add to the burden.

So with that in mind, we’ve debunked the five most common social care myths and given you the facts below…

1. Myth: Social care is free in England

Reality: Although health care is free at the point of use in England, social care is not, and never has been. Your first step is to ask your local authority for an assessment of your social care and support needs.

The rules are as follows: If you have more than £23,250 in savings or assets (including your pension and property, if no one else lives there), you will usually have to pay the full cost for care home fees.

If you have less than £23,250, or your spouse or another dependent still lives in your home, you may qualify for council-funded care.

2. Myth: I have to sell my home to pay for care

Reality: Not necessarily. Social services can lend you the money to pay for your care charged against your property value. The money is repaid when the property is sold at a later date.
Alternatively, some people choose to let their property out and use the income to help meet the cost of care.

3. Myth: If my partner needs care I will lose my home

Reality: Only the partner requiring care should be means tested. Property occupied by a partner is disregarded and only fifty percent of any private pension should be taken into account. The local authority will also only take into account fifty percent of any joint savings.

4. Myth: If I move into a care home independently and run out of money I will have to leave

Reality: Should your capital reduce to £23,250 you can seek local authority assistance. However, if the home you are in costs more than the local authority is willing to pay, you may need to find a source of top-up funding or move to less expensive accommodation, which may be detrimental to health.

If you think you may run out of money you should arrange an assessment of your care needs with the local social services department in advance, to ensure they will step in to help.

Also check if the care home owner can continue to accommodate you at social services funding rates, or will require a third party top-up.

5. Myth: I have dementia so I will be eligible for NHS continuing healthcare

Reality: NHS continuing healthcare (also known as NHS continuing care) is a package of care arranged and funded by the NHS. It’s awarded depending on whether a person’s primary need is a health need. It can be provided in a range of settings, including residential or nursing care or someone’s own home.

Applying for NHS continuing healthcare is not an easy process. Eligibility is based on an individual’s healthcare need, not a specific diagnosis, and a person with dementia may not necessarily be eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare. For more details see www.nhs.uk