Navigating care funding can feel like stepping into a maze just when life is already stressful enough. Yet understanding your rights — and the support you’re entitled to — can make the path forward far clearer. Whether you’re exploring care for yourself or a loved one, it’s important to know that live‑in care is not only a viable alternative to residential care, but one that can be funded through several established routes.
Below is a clear guide to the main funding options available in England, and how each one can support your preferred choice of care at home.
- Your Right to a Local Authority Care Needs Assessment
Every adult in England has the right to request a care needs assessment from their local authority. This is a legal entitlement — not means‑tested, not selective, and not something you need to “qualify” for.
Once your care needs are assessed, the council must also carry out a financial assessment to determine whether you’re eligible for funding support.
Financial parameters you should know
Local authorities use national capital thresholds to decide how much you contribute toward your care:
| Your Capital | What You Pay |
| Over £23,250 | You pay the full cost of your care (“self‑funding”). |
| Between £14,250 and £23,250 | You contribute from your income plus a “tariff income” of £1 per £250 of savings above £14,250. |
| Below £14,250 | You do not pay from your savings — only from your income. |
These thresholds apply to care at home and residential care, but with one crucial difference:
- If you receive care at home, the value of your property must NOT be included in the financial assessment.
- If you move into a care home permanently and live alone, your property is included.
If you’re eligible for support, you can choose to receive it as a Direct Payment, giving you full control over who provides your care — including live‑in care providers like Promedica24.
- NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC): Free Care Based on Health Needs
If someone has a long‑term, complex health condition, they may be eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) — a package of care that is fully funded by the NHS.
Key rights:
- Eligibility is based on health needs, not diagnosis, age, or income.
- CHC can be delivered in your own home, not just in a care home.
- If you qualify, you may receive a Personal Health Budget, giving you more choice and flexibility over how your care is delivered — including the option of live‑in care.
If someone is found not eligible, the NHS must still consider whether they should contribute to part of the care package.
- Attendance Allowance: A Non-Means-Tested Benefit
For anyone over 65 who needs help with personal care or supervision, Attendance Allowance can provide valuable financial support.
Current Attendance Allowance rates (2025/26)
According to the Department for Work & Pensions:
- Lower rate: £73.90 per week — for people needing help during the day or at night
- Higher rate: £110.40 per week — for people needing help during the day and at night, or who are terminally ill
This benefit is:
- Not means‑tested — savings, income, and home ownership do not affect eligibility
- Tax‑free
- Paid every four weeks
- Usable for any type of care, including live‑in care
It is one of the most under‑claimed benefits in the UK, despite being straightforward to apply for.
- Independent, Regulated Advice Through SOLLA‑Accredited Advisers
Families have the right to seek regulated, specialist financial advice when planning for long‑term care. SOLLA (Society of Later Life Advisers) exists to ensure older people can access trustworthy, accredited professionals.
SOLLA advisers can help with:
- Planning for care home or live‑in care fees
- Pension and retirement planning
- Equity release and property options
- Savings, investments, and estate planning
Promedica24 works closely with independent SOLLA‑accredited advisers who can support families locally.
- Equity Release: An Option, Not an Obligation
For homeowners whose capital exceeds the local authority threshold (£23,250), equity release can be a way to fund long‑term care without needing to sell the home immediately.
Important considerations:
- Your home is not counted in financial assessments if you receive care at home.
- Equity release can provide a lump sum or income to support live‑in care.
- Independent financial advice is essential before making any decisions.
Promedica24 partners with verified local equity release specialists who can guide families through the process.
Why Live‑In Care Deserves Equal Consideration
Live‑in care is often misunderstood as a private, self‑funded option — but the reality is very different.
Live‑in care can be funded through:
- Local authority Direct Payments
- NHS Continuing Healthcare
- Personal Health Budgets
- Attendance Allowance
- Private funds or equity release
- A combination of the above
For many families, live‑in care offers something residential care simply cannot: continuity, companionship, and the ability to remain in the comfort and familiarity of home.
Promedica24’s CQC-regulated service ensures that people receive safe, personalised, one-to-one support — often at a cost comparable to, or lower than, a care home. CareConnect’ s carer enrolment service ensures that families on a budget can still access live-in care to support loved ones in their own homes.
Final Thoughts
Understanding your rights is the first step to making confident, informed decisions about care. Whether you’re planning ahead or responding to a sudden change in circumstances, support is available — and live‑in care is a fully recognised, fully fundable option.
If you’d like to discuss funding routes or explore whether live‑in care could be right for your situation, our team is always here to help.
01254 375023
07419 111981
[email protected]
www.promedica24careathome.co.uk
