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    Money & Legal

    Financial planning, funding options, and legal matters for care.

    18 guides available

    Complete Guide to Care Home Funding Options

    This comprehensive guide demystifies care home funding in the UK, covering local authority support, self-funding options like care annuities and equity release, and NHS-funded care. It explains needs and financial assessments, deferred payment agreements, and the importance of seeking professional financial advice to navigate this complex landscape.

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    Legal Matters

    Mental Capacity and Decision Making

    This comprehensive guide explains mental capacity and decision-making under the UK's Mental Capacity Act 2005. It covers the principles, assessment process, making best interests decisions, and the importance of Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) for future planning. Practical advice and essential signposting to professional services are included to support families navigating these sensitive legal and care considerations.

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    Legal Matters

    Power of Attorney: A Complete Guide

    This comprehensive guide explains Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in the UK, a vital legal document for future care planning. It covers the two types of LPAs – Property & Financial Affairs and Health & Welfare – outlining their importance, how to set them up, and who can act as an attorney. The article emphasises the necessity of planning ahead to ensure a loved one's wishes are respected and affairs are managed if they lose mental capacity.

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    Benefits

    Carer's Allowance: Eligibility and How to Claim

    This article provides a comprehensive guide to Carer's Allowance in the UK, detailing eligibility criteria for both the carer and the person being cared for. It explains the application process, the potential impact on other benefits, and signposts to essential support services for carers. Our aim is to empower families with practical, actionable guidance.

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    Benefits

    Attendance Allowance: Complete Guide

    This comprehensive guide demystifies Attendance Allowance, a crucial non-means-tested benefit for elderly individuals needing care due to disability. It covers eligibility criteria, application processes, how to complete the form effectively, and the impact on other benefits. Families will find practical advice and essential signposting to professional support services.

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    NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Explained

    NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) provides 100% NHS funding for individuals with a 'primary health need', regardless of their financial situation. This guide explains the eligibility criteria, the two-stage assessment process (Checklist and Decision Support Tool), and what to do if your application is denied. It offers practical advice for families navigating this often-complex system to secure vital care funding.

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    Self-Funding Care: What You Need to Know

    This article provides a comprehensive guide to self-funding care in the UK, explaining what it means, when it applies, and the financial thresholds involved. It covers the benefits and challenges of private pay, offering practical steps for planning and managing care costs. Crucially, it advises on seeking professional financial advice and understanding entitlements like NHS Continuing Healthcare.

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    Understanding Local Authority Funded Care

    This comprehensive guide explains local authority funded care in the UK, detailing the care needs and financial assessments that determine eligibility. It provides practical advice for families navigating the system, including what to do if you disagree with decisions and where to find support, ensuring you understand how to access vital care services.

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    Funding Options

    How to Pay for Care Home Fees: A Complete Guide

    Understanding how to fund care home fees is one of the most important decisions families face. This guide explains the different funding options available in the UK, including self-funding, local authority support, NHS Continuing Healthcare, and the means test process.

    Reviewed by Care Directory Team

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    Benefits

    Understanding Attendance Allowance: Who Can Claim and How

    Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care. This guide explains eligibility, how to claim, and how it can help pay for care costs.

    Reviewed by Care Directory Team

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    Funding Options

    NHS Continuing Healthcare: Eligibility, Assessment and Appeals

    NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) provides free care for people with significant ongoing health needs. This guide explains how the assessment works, eligibility criteria, and how to appeal if refused.

    Reviewed by Care Directory Team

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    Legal Matters

    Lasting Power of Attorney: Types, Costs and How to Set Up

    A Lasting Power of Attorney lets someone you trust make decisions on your behalf. This guide explains the two types of LPA, how to set them up, and why they're essential for care planning.

    Reviewed by Care Directory Team

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    Funding Options

    Care Needs Assessment: What to Expect and How to Prepare

    A care needs assessment is the first step to getting council-funded care. This guide explains what happens during the assessment, how to prepare, and what to do if you disagree with the outcome.

    Reviewed by Care Directory Team

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    Funding Options

    Personal Budgets and Direct Payments: Taking Control of Your Care

    Personal budgets and direct payments give you choice and control over your care. This guide explains how they work, the pros and cons, and how to manage them effectively.

    Reviewed by Care Directory Team

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    Funding Options

    Paying for Home Care: Costs, Funding and Financial Help

    Home care costs vary widely across the UK. This guide explains typical costs, funding options, and how to get financial help to pay for care at home.

    Reviewed by Care Directory Team

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    Benefits

    Carer's Allowance and Benefits for Family Carers

    If you care for someone regularly, you may be entitled to Carer's Allowance and other support. This guide explains benefits for carers and how to claim.

    Reviewed by Care Directory Team

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    Financial Planning

    Deprivation of Assets: What Councils Look For

    Giving away money or property to avoid care fees can backfire. This guide explains deprivation of assets rules and what councils consider when assessing your finances.

    Reviewed by Care Directory Team

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    Funding Options

    Top-Up Fees: When Families Pay Extra for Care

    If council funding doesn't cover your preferred care home, a top-up may be needed. This guide explains how top-up fees work and your rights.

    Reviewed by Care Directory Team

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