Live-in care is increasingly seen as a compassionate and flexible alternative to residential care, allowing people to remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. However, one of the most common concerns we hear from families is about the cost. Specifically: Will the NHS pay for live-in care?
In this blog, we’ll explore NHS funding options for live-in care in the UK, including Continuing Healthcare (CHC), NHS-funded nursing care, and local authority support. We’ll also explain what families can do to begin the process of accessing funding and how Mumby’s can support them every step of the way.
Understanding Live-In Care
Live-in care means a dedicated carer lives with the person receiving care, offering 24/7 support. This could include help with personal care, medication, mobility, companionship, and be very beneficial for people living with chronic or progressive illness or injury. At Mumby’s, live-in care is available through a fully managed or introductory service, depending on the level of support your family needs.
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
What is CHC?
Continuing Healthcare (CHC) is a package of care arranged and funded entirely by the NHS for individuals with significant ongoing healthcare needs.
Who is Eligible?
To qualify, the individual must have a primary health need, meaning their care is mainly to manage medical symptoms rather than just personal or social care needs.
Where Can CHC Be Delivered?
CHC can be delivered in a care home, nursing home – or in your own home, making it fully compatible with live-in care.
What Does CHC Cover?
If granted, CHC can cover:
– The cost of the live-in carer
– Nursing care and medical oversight
– Some associated costs such as equipment or consumables
How to Apply for CHC
1. Request an NHS Continuing Healthcare Assessment via your GP or social worker.
2. A nurse-led team will complete a Checklist Assessment.
3. If eligible, a full assessment (Decision Support Tool) is carried out.
4. A multi-disciplinary team will decide based on criteria including nature, intensity, complexity, and unpredictability of care needs.
Note: Eligibility is reviewed regularly, and not all applicants will qualify.
NHS-Funded Nursing Care (FNC)
If the person is not eligible for full CHC but needs nursing care, they may qualify for NHS-Funded Nursing Care. This provides a contribution towards nursing costs but typically applies in care home settings. It is not usually available for live-in care, but always check with your local Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).
Local Authority Social Care Funding
If your loved one doesn’t qualify for CHC, they may still be entitled to help from the local authority.
Financial Means Test
To qualify for social care funding, the person receiving care must pass a financial assessment. In England:
– If they have over £23,250 in assets, they must usually pay for care themselves (self-funding).
– If under this amount, the local authority may contribute to costs.
Importantly, your home is not included in the means test if the care is provided at home.
If eligible, the local authority may offer a personal budget, which can be used to fund live-in care. In some cases, this may be paid as a Direct Payment, which allows families to purchase care and support in a way that best suits them, so that loved ones needing care can be as independent as possible.
State Benefits for Home Care
Regardless of NHS or local authority funding, your loved one may qualify for non-means-tested state benefits:
Attendance Allowance
– Available to those over 65
– Two rates depending on need
– Can be used to help fund live-in care
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
– For those under 65
– Helps cover extra costs associated with long-term disability or illness
These benefits can supplement private funding or help bridge any funding shortfalls.
The Role of Mumby’s in Navigating Funding
At Mumby’s, we support families from the first point of enquiry. Our care experts will:
– Help identify potential funding routes
– Provide information for CHC assessments
– Work with families and social workers
– Offer flexible care plans to suit your budget
Contact us to speak with a member of our team today.
Why NHS Funding for Live-In Care Matters
The NHS is under pressure, with thousands of older people admitted to hospital each year due to preventable conditions like UTIs and falls. Live-in care provides a preventative, person-centred solution, keeping people healthy and safe at home.
In fact, Age UK reports that nearly 900,000 older people are admitted to hospital as emergencies annually – many of these admissions could be avoided with the right support in place at home.
Real Life Example
Mumby’s recently supported a long-term client in Oxfordshire to successfully secure Continuing Healthcare (CHC) funding after her health deteriorated, requiring additional care including specialist palliative nursing.
Our Care Manager, Amy, worked closely with the client’s GP and family to facilitate the CHC referral process. Although initially declined, Amy persisted and resubmitted the referral as the client’s needs increased, resulting in the funding being granted.
This has significantly eased the financial and emotional burden on the family, covering both live-in and hourly care costs, and enabling their mother to remain at home as she wished. Mumby’s continuous advocacy, detailed evidence submissions, and clear communication throughout the process provided vital reassurance and practical support to the family during a challenging time.
FAQs
Q: Will the NHS cover all my live-in care costs?
A: Only if you qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare. Most people will need to self-fund or use a mix of benefits and local authority funding.
Q: Is it hard to get CHC funding?
A: It can be complex, and not everyone qualifies. Mumby’s can guide you through the process and advise on next steps.
Q: What if only one partner needs care?
A: That’s fine. With live-in care, one person can receive care while both continue living at home together – something not easily achievable in a care home.
So, will the NHS pay for live-in care? In some cases, yes – through NHS Continuing Healthcare. For others, local authority support and non-means-tested benefits may help. Navigating the system can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone.
At Mumby’s, we’re here to support your family with expert advice, compassionate care planning, and award-winning services. Whether you’re arranging care now or planning for the future, our team is ready to help you explore your options.
Get in touch today on 01865 391187 or send an enquiry to speak with a member of our team.