My parents success in getting local authority funding for care home after private funding runs out

[Tista]

hi, I know a lot of people have asked what happens when private funding for care home fees runs out- just thought I'd share my experiences in case useful for anyone else.

We had a really easy process when funding ran out - all I can say is check and double check what the care home says at the start. THe one we chose - and this was a big reason for it - said they often took people at the end of private funding as they had an arrangement with the local authority, and that people often declined during the time they were in the home. This has definately been our experience - and if she hadnt been in a care home we could be in a nightmare position of having to get carers in and her battling a move to a care home now- and finding one to take her - (dementia undiagnosed, severe arthritis).
The local authority did a social care assessment - v quick, confirmed her needs, and that it would be detrimental to her wellbeing and state of mind ot move her. EMphasise that bit if you can- and how confused they get.

The local authority wouldnt do the financial assessment until she had actually hit hte threshold which meant some of her savings were used on care home fees in meantime but when they did the assessment, did it quickly and without any dispute. There was no house to sell or income other than pension. We are in a v expensive area too.

Get them in early, to the right home, and apply for local authority funding early and keep at it.

My mother moved to a care home when she had moderate dementia and self-funded for several years. In the early days I asked what would happen when her funding ran out, and the manager told me they would aim to come to an agreement with the Local Authority.

My mother's money ran out last year so several months beforehand I contacted the LA. I filled out the online forms and they visited my mother to assess her needs. She has very advanced dementia so there was no question of her living anywhere other than a care home. The LA initially offered a lower fee to the care home, care home refused. The LA asked if I was able to pay any top up fees, I said no and that was immediately accepted. The case went to a panel and it was agreed the LA would pay the full amount. I had heard some horror stories so was pleasantly surprised how easy the process was.

The LA could have tried to move her but they may have struggled to find anywhere cheaper, or indeed anywhere prepared to take her as she is very high needs.