Social care and support can help you to live the type of life you want, whether that is to remain living in your own home as independently as possible or to live in a care home.

In planning how you will be supported, now and in the future, and before considering individual providers, it is important to make informed decisions about:

the right type of support to help you live your life – see help and support for adults
the funding arrangements for your support – see care home funding for information sheets on a range of aspects of care home funding

Most social care and support services are means tested and if you receive services from the Council you may be required to pay towards the cost of your support.

Independent financial advice

Whether you are funding the total cost of your support or contributing towards it, Paying for long term care in England (pdf) provides a good overview of the things you should be considering. It also includes information about taking independent financial advice, which can help you plan your finances for the long term.

Other sources of funding

If you have ongoing healthcare needs you may be entitled to funding through NHS continuing healthcare. The member of staff helping you with your assessment will consider whether your support should be paid for by the NHS instead of social services.

The Council can help you with information about claiming Council tax and housing benefits or other benefits.

You may also be eligible to apply for grants.