What is self-funding?
If you are paying the full cost of your care, you are known as a ‘self-funder’.
People are usually self-funders if:
- they choose not to approach the council for help, or
- they have had an assessment of need, but are not currently eligible for services, or
- they are eligible for services, but their savings are above the threshold of £23,250.
If you have been told that you do not currently meet the eligibility criteria for services or are simply arranging your own support, you can find a list of voluntary or independent organisations who provide services on our SearchOut Warwickshire directory. This means that you can choose and pay for the kind of services you feel you need.
Help from us if you are a self-funder
Self-funders can still ask the council to assess their care and support needs This will help you consider what care and support you want and will provide advice and information you may find helpful.
Self-funders can also request our help in making the arrangements for support in the community, although we may charge you to recover the cost of doing this.
If you are unable to make the support arrangements yourself, for example if you lack capacity, then we will make the arrangements for you and this is free of charge.
Planning for your care costs
Independent financial advice
We recommend that you find independent financial advice to help you to cover the costs of your care for now and in the future.
If there is a chance that you may not be able to continue funding your own care in the long-term, it is important to consider this at the start. It is advisable to have a care needs assessment to find out whether adult social care would assist you once your savings fall below the £23,250 threshold. We recommend you contact adult social care a few months before your savings fall below the threshold in case of any delays.
Benefits
You may be entitled to receive some benefits that will help towards the costs and more information is available on our money and benefits page
NHS Continuing Healthcare
Under certain circumstances, you may be able to get help from the NHS towards paying for your care and support, through continuing healthcare (nhs.uk).
Moving into a care home
If you’ve already considered all the help available and feel you cannot manage at home, you could also consider:
If you’re still thinking of moving into residential care, we’d advise you to have a care needs assessment to determine the level of your needs. We’ll be able to provide you with information and advice and possibly suggest alternative ways to meet your needs. This could save you money.
Our website also has information on deferred payments. This is a scheme for people who have to pay the full cost of residential care but whose capital is tied up in their home.