Funding Your Care

Clear, Honest Pricing for Quality Home Care

Local Authority (Council) Funding

If you need care, your local council may be able to help with the costs, depending on your needs and financial situation.

How it works:

• Step 1: Request a care needs assessment from your local authority.

• Step 2: If you’re eligible, the council will carry out a financial assessment

(means test).

• Based on the outcome, they may pay part or all of your care costs.

Who qualifies?

• People with limited savings (usually less than £23,250 in England).

• People whose care needs meet the national eligibility criteria.

Apply via your local council’s adult social care team.

If your local authority agrees to fund your care, you can ask for Direct Payments to manage your own care budget.

Benefits of direct payments:

• More control over your care provider (e.g., choose Lucent Home Care)

• Flexibility with how and when care is provided

Quick Tips

• Always ask for a care needs assessment — it’s your legal right.

• Even if you’re not eligible for full funding, partial help may be available.

• Some people combine funding (e.g. part self-funded, part from

benefits).

• Consider speaking to a care funding advisor or independent financial

adviser (IFA).

We know that arranging home care, whether for yourself or a loved one can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding the costs. That’s why at Encounter Live-In Care Specialists, we’re committed to making everything as clear, transparent, and stress-free as possible.

Our pricing is tailored to your individual care needs:

• Hourly Rates for flexible visiting care.

• Daily or Weekly Rates for live-in or 24-hour care (including short-term respite and ongoing support)

During your free consultation, we will take the time to understand your situation and help you choose the level of care that’s right for you. We’ll also talk you through your funding options and make sure the plan we offer is not only the right fit but also financially manageable for you and your family.

With us, there are no hidden fees just open, honest guidance and support every step of the way time know if you'd like a version specifically targeting private-pay clients or council funded care too.

Self -Funding

If you don’t qualify for council funding (e.g. your savings are above £23,250), you’ll be expected to pay for your care privately.

But you still have options:

• Directly hire a home care provider like Lucent Home Care.

• Set up a Direct Debit for ongoing services.

• Access advice on budgeting, care packages, and cost control.

This is fully funded care arranged and paid for by the NHS — for people with long-term complex health needs.

You may qualify if:

• Your health needs are primarily medical (not just personal care).

• You’ve had a Continuing Healthcare Assessment by an NHS team.

If eligible, CHC can cover your full care package at home.

Direct Payments