Planning for future care costs
Paying for later life care services is not always something people consider. It is often an issue to address at a time of crisis or health deterioration. It is important to consider your future and how you can maintain independence and choice though financial planning.
There is helpful information on how you can plan for the future on the money management advice page.
Support from Cheshire East Council
Many people and their families make the decision to select and fund a care home / care at home provider with the knowledge there are funds available to pay the weekly fees. However, this may not always be the case.
This page will explain what support is available for you and your family should your financial circumstances change.
Funding your own care
Funding your own care and support is a private arrangement and it’s not unusual for care providers to request confirmation that fees can be paid for the foreseeable future.
Council's Expectations
It is the Council’s expectation that you or your family/legal representative choose a care provider that is financially sustainable to ensure long-term affordability and stability. This means selecting a care provider within your budget, considering your current financial resources and any potential future changes in your financial situation.
Guidance and Support
By choosing a cost-effective option, you can avoid the risk of depleting your funds too quickly, which could lead to financial hardship or the need to move to a different care home. The local authority can provide guidance and support to help you to make informed decisions, ensuring that the chosen care home / care at home provider meets your needs while remaining within your financial means.
Financial Threshold for Care Fees
If you are in a residential care home or a nursing home, you should make sure that you have enough money to fund 6 months of your care fees before your savings get down to the £23,250 threshold when you will need to contact Cheshire East Council to consider relevant support, this will ensure all the necessary assessments can be completed in time.
When you notify the Council of your funds reaching the threshold within the timescales noted, this will allow the Council to assess the level of need and complete a financial assessment. Once these are complete the Council can then consider how best to meet your need and what services are available. You and your family/representative will be involved throughout the process.
If a financial assessment is undertaken, the Council can support you to check that you are receiving the right benefits. You can receive benefits for several reasons, including if you have a long-term illness or disability, care for someone and/or are over pension age, this information was also discussed with you.
Care Options
If your family member lacks capacity and is not residing in their usual place of residence known as Ordinary Residence, we will diligently explore suitable care options. Our priority is to ensure their well-being, safety, and access to appropriate support. We will collaborate with relevant authorities and professionals to make informed decisions in their best interest.
Ordinary Residence determines which Council assesses your needs and potentially funds your care. If you’re moving between areas, cooperation and timely support are essential, even during disputes about funding arrangements for more information regarding Ordinary Residence.
If the council is not contacted in time for the assessments to be completed any costs incurred by your current placement/ care at home provider would remain your responsibility.
The council will only offer services and allocate funding after all assessments are completed and if your family member is found to have eligible needs under the Care Act 2014.
The Council has contracts with many care homes, nursing homes and domiciliary agencies (care at home) who provide services to people needing support from Cheshire East Council.
Level of Support and Choice of Provider
The level of support you need will determine which services are approached and where possible a choice of provider will be given. However, you should be aware that Cheshire East Council is under no obligation to continue to fund your current placement and as such you may be offered an alternative provider which will continue to provide the support as detailed in your Adult Needs Assessment, further information can be found on this in our Social Care Residential Charging Policy and Social Care Non - Residential Charging Policy:
Adult Social Care Residential Charging Policy
Adult Social Care Non-Residential Charging Policy
Additional Information
Information on Paying for care
Finding a Care home - Age UK
Finding a Care at Home Provider - Age UK
Contact Information
If you have any further queries or to arrange an assessment, you can contact Cheshire East Council on 0300 123 5010 and to find out more about the support available to you.
Page last reviewed: 21 February 2025
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