Mature Times launches free guide to choosing and paying for care

14/06/2009

 If our deteriorating health and mobility mean that we are no longer able to live in our own home, and need to move into residential or nursing care, then the cost can be very significant indeed. The average annual nursing home fee in England - according to the latest research by industry experts Laing & Buisson - currently stands at over £35,000.

 

So who will pay for that? Well unless you qualify for continuing health care under the NHS or have resources below a relatively modest level, you will – or at least you will be expected to make a contribution.

 

Knowing the facts, and your rights, is critical if you are to navigate the care system… particularly in the current tough economic climate. Councils (including some who are really struggling with debts incurred through the Icelandic bank failures) are tightening their purse strings – in turn impacting upon their funding for care homes, and upon those expected to make a contribution.

 

It is inevitable that more and more people will be responsible for funding their care fees going forward.

 

But where will that money come from? What are your entitlements? And how do you make sure that, if you do enter the care home of your choice, you won’t be forced to leave it through lack of funds in the future?

 

MT editor Tony Watts has just produced a short, simple-to-follow, free guide providing helpful advice on not only choosing a care home that will meet your needs, but getting the funding in place as well. 

 

He looks at issues such as claiming benefits and allowances; the assessment process; what to look for in a care home; and what happens to your home if you or your partner go into care.

 

If you, or a loved one, are at the point where moving to a care home appears likely, then this short guide, produced in association with NHFA Ltd, will provide a sound starting point. It also provides useful advice on where to go for further assistance and support, and it explains the ins and outs of taking out a care home fees plan: one funding option that you may want to consider.

 

For your free copy, call us on 01275 331907, or email guide@maturetimes.co.uk.