Paying the full cost of care
Sometimes when life gets difficult, you may need to find out what options are available to support you to:
- continue living at home
- decide whether to move into a care home.
For advice, contact Adult Social Care.
When you will need to pay the full cost
You will need to pay the full cost of your care and support if any of these apply:
- You have more than £23,250 in savings and assets (capital).
- You have a financial assessment. This shows that your weekly income after your expenses is more than the weekly cost of your care.
- We have assessed your needs, but you are not eligible for adult social care services.
- You do not wish to have a financial assessment.
Paying fully for your own care may also be called ‘self-funding’.
Help if you pay for your own care
Find local care and support services
You can find care and support services on our website or search our directory, East Sussex 1Space.
Get support from an independent advocate
An independent advocate can help you to think through your situation and make decisions. They can help you to:
- speak up for yourself and give your views
- access services that can support you
- understand your rights and choices
Find out more about independent advocacy.
Get advice on benefits you are entitled to
Welfare benefits helpline can offer advice on help towards care costs. These include Attendance Allowance and Personal Independence Payments.
Find out how long your capital will last
Find out how long your savings and capital will last before you are eligible for support from us. Answer a few simple questions using our Capital Depletion Checker.
Deferred payment scheme for care home costs
A deferred payment agreement is a loan to pay for care home fees which is secured against your property. It may suit you if you cannot afford care home fees because most of your money is tied up in your home. Read more about deferred payment agreements.
Get independent financial advice
A specialist independent financial adviser can help you think about options. They can support you to make informed decisions on finance. See: Get advice about money.
Planning ahead for when you cannot manage your money
It can be difficult to think ahead. But it is important to plan for a time when you might find it difficult to make decisions.
This includes what would happen if you lose mental capacity. This would mean you were unable to manage property or money.
You can arrange for a trusted family member or friend to become a Lasting Power of Attorney. They can support you or make these decisions for you. Find out more about managing someone’s affairs.
Assessing your needs
Adult Social Care can complete a social care needs assessment to work out what care and support you need.
Will Adult Social Care help arrange my care and support?
Care home or nursing home: If you are paying for your care in a care home, the contract will usually be between you and the home. In certain circumstances, we can help you to arrange this.
Home care: If your assessment shows you are eligible for care and support to ensure you can live at home, we can help you to arrange this.