The Norfolk Family Guide to Paying for Care

About This Guide

When someone you love begins to need additional support, families are often faced with difficult decisions, emotional pressure, and uncertainty about costs.

Many people are unsure:

• How care is funded
• Whether the council can help
• What NHS funding is available
• How quickly care can be arranged
• What options are available at home or in a care setting

This guide has been created for families in Norfolk to explain, in plain language, how care is funded, what support may be available, and what steps you can take next.

This guide does not replace professional financial or legal advice, but it helps you feel more informed and confident when you are starting the care journey.

1. Understanding How Care Is Paid For In UK

One of the biggest concerns families face is understanding who pays for care.

In the UK, adult social care is not automatically free. Funding depends on:

• The person’s care needs
• Their health condition
• Their income and savings
• Whether they qualify for NHS support

In general, care is funded in one of three ways:

1. Local Authority Funding

Norfolk County Council may contribute towards care costs after:

• A Care Needs Assessment
• A Financial Assessment (Means Test)

Depending on the outcome, the council may:

• Fully fund care
• Partially contribute towards care costs
• Ask the individual to contribute towards their care

Every situation is different and assessments are based on individual circumstances.

2. NHS Funding

Some individuals with complex or significant health needs may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC).

This funding:

• Is arranged and funded by the NHS
• Is not based on income or savings
• Can cover the full cost of care in some cases

Eligibility depends on medical and healthcare needs rather than finances.

3. Private Funding (Self-Funding)

Many families pay privately for care using:

• Pension income
• Savings
• Property assets
• Family financial support

Private funding allows families greater flexibility and choice over care providers and support arrangements.

2. The First Step: Care Needs Assessment

If you believe a loved one may need support, the first step is usually a Care Needs Assessment.

This is arranged through the local authority and looks at:

• Personal care needs
• Mobility and safety
• Medication support
• Nutrition and meal preparation
• Memory or cognitive difficulties
• Mental health and emotional wellbeing
• Ability to manage daily living tasks independently

The assessment helps determine:

• Whether care is needed
• What type of care may be suitable
• How much support may be required

You can request an assessment even if you are unsure whether financial support is available.

3. Understanding the Financial Assessment (Means Test)

If care needs have been identified, a financial assessment is usually carried out.

This is commonly known as a ‘means test’ and is used to determine how care will be funded.

The assessment may consider:

• Savings and investments
• Income (Such as pensions)
• Benefits
• Property ownership
• Other financial assets

Following the assessment, individuals may:

• Receive fully funded care
• Receive partial financial support
• Be required to pay for their own care.

Financial thresholds and rules can change, so it is important to confirm current guidance locally.

4. NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)

This is a package of care arranged and funded by the NHS and is not means-tested. It is available for individuals whose primary needs are health-related rather than social care related.

Examples may include:

• Complex medical conditions
• Advanced dementia
• Significant mobility issues
• High levels of nursing support
• Complex behavioural or cognitive needs

CHC is assessed based on health needs rather than financial circumstances.

However, eligibility is not guaranteed and assessments can be detailed.

Many families are not aware this option exists until later in the care journey.

Understanding the process early can help ensure appropriate assessments are requested when needed.

5. Types of Care Available

Every individual’s needs are different. Care can often be tailored to match personal preferences, health conditions, and levels of independence.

Home Care (Domiciliary Care)

Support provided in the person’s own home.

This may include:

• Personal care
• Medication support
• Meal preparation
• Shopping assistance
• Companionship
• Domestic tasks

Home care can range from short daily visits to multiple visits per day.

Live-In Care

A trained carer lives in the home to provide ongoing support.

This option allows individuals to remain in familiar surroundings while receiving consistent care and companionship.

Residential Care

Residential care homes provide 24-hour support in a safe and structured environment.

This may be suitable when:

• Care needs increase significantly
• Safety becomes a concern
• Individuals require round-the-clock support

Respite Care

Short-term care designed to support family carers.

Respite care may help when:

• Families need a temporary break
• Recovery is needed after illness or hospital discharge
• Additional temporary support is required

6. Common Concerns Families Have

One thing we hear regularly from families is:

“We just don’t know where to start.”

That feeling is completely understandable.

Most people only begin learning about the care system when a loved one suddenly needs support, often following a hospital stay, fall, illness, or noticeable changes in memory or mobility.

Families are frequently expected to make decisions quickly while trying to understand funding, assessments, waiting times, and different care options all at once.

Many families experience similar worries when arranging care.

These often include:

• “How much will care cost?”
• “Will the council help?”
• “Can my loved one stay at home?”
• “Will we have to sell the family home?”
• “How quickly can support start?”
• “What happens if needs increase?”

Families also often feel emotional pressure when decisions need to be made quickly following hospital discharge, falls, illnesses, Dementia progression, carer burnout.

Seeking guidance early can reduce stress and help families make more informed decisions.

7. How to Prepare When Exploring Care Options

Taking a few simple steps early can make the process much easier.

Step 1 – Request a Care Assessment

Contact Norfolk County Council Adult Social Services to request a Care Needs Assessment here: https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/article/41762/Contact-our-adult-social-care-team (opens in a new tab)

Step 2 – Gather Information

Make notes about daily difficulties, medication concerns, mobility issues, memory changes, safety risks and existing support already in place.

This information can help professionals better understand your needs.

Step 3 – Speak Openly as a Family

Where possible, involve the individual needing support in conversations and decision-making.

Discuss:

• Preferences
• Concerns
• Desired level of independence
• Future planning

Step 4 – Seek Guidance Early

Many families wait until a crisis occurs before exploring care. Understanding your options before making urgent decisions can be extremely helpful.

Early planning often creates:

• More choice
• Less pressure
• Better outcomes
• Greater peace of mind

8. Financial Support and Benefits Families May Be Entitled To

Some individuals may qualify for financial support or benefits depending on their circumstances.

This may include:

• Attendance Allowance
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Carer’s Allowance
• Pension Credit
• Council Tax Reduction
• NHS Continuing Healthcare

Many families are unaware of what support may be available.

Seeking advice early can help ensure all available support is explored.

9. Things To Consider

Good care should always focus on:

• Safety
• Dignity
• Respect
• Independence
• Compassion
• Communication

10. Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my home if I need care?

Not necessarily. Whether a property is included in financial assessments depends on individual circumstances, living arrangements, and the type of care required.

Can I choose my own care provider?

In many cases, yes. This may depend on how care is funded and the available services in your area.

Can care start quickly?

Yes, in urgent situations care can sometimes be arranged quickly.

Timelines vary depending on assessments, funding arrangements, and provider availability.

What if needs change over time?

Care plans should be regularly reviewed and adjusted as needs increase or decrease.

Can someone stay at home instead of moving into care?

In many cases, yes.

Home care and live-in care can help individuals remain independent in familiar surroundings for as long as possible and is highly encouraged where possible.

11. Organisations That Can Offer Support

You are not alone when navigating care decisions.

Helpful organisations include:

• Age UK
• Carers UK
• Citizens Advice
• Norfolk County Council Adult Social Services
• Dementia support organisations
• Local carers support groups

These organisations may provide practical guidance, financial advice, emotional support, advocacy and care planning assistance

12. Why Early Planning Matters

Many families only begin exploring care after a crisis occurs.

Planning earlier can help:

• Avoid rushed decisions
• Reduce emotional stress
• Improve long-term outcomes
• Allow more time to compare care options
• Ensure wishes and preferences are respected

Care decisions can feel overwhelming. If you need help understanding your options or navigating the next steps, speaking to a local care advisor can be helpful.

Even an initial conversation can provide clarity and reassurance.

Steadlo

Supporting families in Norfolk to understand and access care with clarity and confidence.