There will be major changes from April 2015 in the way that local authorities decide what support they can provide if you need care.
However, the biggest changes will arrive a year later from April 2016 when there will be a cap of £72,000 (currently) on your care funding costs for your 'eligible care needs'.
This will be monitored by a 'care account' which the council will set up for you.
Although this is very welcome news, it is not quite as generous as it seems. The cap will not include ineligible care needs such as hiring a cleaner or gardener.
Care costs accumulated before April 2016 are excluded from the cap. More importantly, if you decide to go for a more expensive care or housing option than the council is offering, you will need to top up the extra money yourself and this will not count towards the care cap.
Furthermore if you go into a care home, you will be expected to pay around £12,000 a year towards your daily living costs if you can afford it, over and above the £72,000 cap.
When it comes to planning for your care funding or a loved one's you cant afford to take chances.
We can provide help in this planning.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
