Cost Of Long Term Care In Wales, Scotland And Northern Ireland
Funding the cost of long term care is at the centre of the care system and above all others causes the greatest problems. Many believe the current means testing system, a financial assessment to determine if an individual should pay for his care is unfair and penalises those who have saved, bought their own homes, and contributed towards a private pension.
That it discriminates. The cost of long term care for severe heart conditions, cancer and many other medical conditions are funded in full by the NHS and treated primarily in hospitals. However, for dementia and strokes, where the individual is placed in a residential or nursing home, the cost of long term care is subject to the means test.
Whatever the political arguments, the rules are as they currently stand. Individuals must be aware of their position, able to maximise their entitlement to state assistance to the cost of long term care and if required to self fund, are aware of all the options available to them.
The funding strategy to avail of state assistance to defray the cost of long term care should start with determining the level of financial support. Many people wrongly assume they will have no entitlement because they own assets but this may not be the case. However, the systems are different for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
In Scotland, local authorities are no longer able to charge for personal care provided for people aged 65 and over in their own homes. Those aged 65 and over living in care homes, who would otherwise pay their own fees, receive £149 a week towards personal care and a further £67 if nursing care is also required. People under 65 can also receive £67 towards nursing care. This funding is paid to the local authority by the Scottish Executive.
Local authorities operate an upper support threshold at which funding support to the cost of long term care becomes available at £22,500 and a lower threshold at £13,750. Where a person has less than the upper threshold, their income is topped up to the relevant contract rate. The twelve week property disregard rules apply and the personal allowance is £21.90 per week. However, Attendance Allowance ceases after 28 days.
In Wales, the upper support threshold is £22,000 and lower threshold at £20,750. For those in nursing care, you should contact the local Health Board for assessment and payment details. The twelve week property disregard rules apply and the personal allowance is £22.00 per week. However, Attendance Allowance ceases after 28 days except for those who are or will be self funding.
In Northern Ireland the upper support threshold is £23,000 and the lower threshold at £14,000. For those in nursing care a flat rate of £100 per week is paid by the Health and Social Services Board. The twelve week property disregard rules apply and the personal allowance is £21.90 per week. However, Attendance Allowance ceases after 28 days.
The tariff income rules of £1 for every £250 between these thresholds apply in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The weekly cost of long term care in a private nursing home is at £455. A private residential home - £329
