Understanding Home Care Funding & Costs
Quality home care should be accessible to everyone. We accept multiple funding options and provide transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Our team can guide you through funding applications and help you access available financial support.
How You Can Pay for Home Care
There are several ways to fund home care services, and you may be eligible for financial support you're not aware of. Sunset Care accepts all major funding routes and can help you navigate the application process.
Self-Funded
Who Pays: You pay directly
Who It's For: Anyone
Process: No application needed
NHS CHC
Who Pays: NHS pays all
Who It's For: Complex health needs
Process: NHS assessment required
Direct Payments
Who Pays: Council gives you budget
Who It's For: Those eligible for council support
Process: Council assessment + budget agreement
Council Funding
Who Pays: Council pays provider
Who It's For: Those meeting criteria
Process: Needs + financial assessment
| Funding Type | Who Pays | Who It's For | Application Process |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-Funded | You pay directly | Anyone | No application needed |
| NHS CHC | NHS pays all | Complex health needs | NHS assessment required |
| Direct Payments | Council gives you budget | Those eligible for council support | Council assessment + budget agreement |
| Council Funding | Council pays provider | Those meeting criteria | Needs + financial assessment |
NHS Continuing Healthcare (Fully Funded Care)
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) is a package of care fully funded by the NHS for people with complex, ongoing health needs. If eligible, the NHS pays for all your care costs—you pay nothing.
Who Qualifies for NHS CHC:
You may be eligible if you have:
Common Conditions That May Qualify:
How to Apply for NHS CHC:
CHC Checklist
Your GP, hospital discharge team or social worker completes an initial screening checklist to assess potential eligibility.
Full Assessment
If you pass the checklist, a multidisciplinary team conducts a detailed assessment using the Decision Support Tool.
Decision
The local Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) reviews the assessment and decides whether you qualify for full funding.
Care Arrangement
If approved, the NHS arranges and pays for your care package, which can include Sunset Care services.
Timeframe: The process typically takes 4–8 weeks, though urgent cases can be fast-tracked.
How Sunset Care Supports NHS CHC Clients:
Important: NHS CHC eligibility is assessed on health needs, not financial means. You can be wealthy and still qualify if your health needs meet the criteria.
Direct Payments (Council Budget You Control)
Direct Payments give you money from your local council to arrange and pay for your own care services. Instead of the council arranging care for you, they give you the budget directly so you can choose your own provider—like Sunset Care.
Benefits of Direct Payments:
Who Can Get Direct Payments:
Direct Payments are available if:
How Direct Payments Work:
Council Assessment
The council assesses your care needs and determines you're eligible for support.
Financial Assessment
The council checks your income and savings to determine how much you should contribute.
Budget Allocation
You're given a weekly or monthly budget to purchase care services.
Choose Your Provider
You select Sunset Care as your care provider and arrange services.
Payment Process
Either the council pays us directly, or you pay us and claim reimbursement.
Ongoing Monitoring
You keep records of how the budget is spent, with periodic council reviews.
How Sunset Care Works with Direct Payments:
Local Authority / Council Funded Care
Your local council may fund part or all of your home care if you meet their eligibility criteria. The council arranges care directly with providers like Sunset Care and pays for services based on your assessed needs and financial situation.
Needs Assessment:
The council assesses whether your needs are:
Financial Assessment:
The council assesses your income and savings:
*Note: These thresholds are subject to change—check current rates with your council.
How Council Funding Works:
Request Assessment
Contact your local council's adult social care team to request a needs assessment.
Needs Assessment
A social worker visits to assess your care needs, daily living challenges and risks.
Financial Assessment
You complete a financial assessment form declaring income, savings, property and pensions.
Support Plan
If eligible, the council creates a support plan outlining the care services they'll fund.
Care Arrangement
The council may offer you a choice of providers. You can request Sunset Care.
Council Pays Provider
The council pays Sunset Care directly for the care services outlined in your support plan.
Reviews
Regular reviews (typically annual) to reassess needs and funding.
Your Contribution:
Even with council funding, you may need to contribute:
- •Weekly client contribution based on your income and savings
- •Top-up payments if you choose more expensive care than the council's standard rate
- •Full cost if your savings are above the threshold
Councils Sunset Care Works With:
Self-Funded Care (Private Pay)
If you have savings above the council threshold, choose not to involve the council, or want maximum flexibility and choice, you can pay for care services privately. Self-funding gives you complete control over your care.
Benefits of Self-Funding:
Who Chooses Self-Funding:
Self-Funded Care Costs:
Domiciliary / Visiting Care:
Visits priced per hour, with minimum visit duration. Discounts for regular weekly packages. No set-up fees.
Live-in Care:
Weekly rates based on care complexity. Includes all care, meals, companionship and overnight presence.
Specialist Care:
Dementia care, complex medical needs may have slightly higher rates reflecting additional training.
Pricing Promise:
Cost Comparison:
Self-funding may initially seem expensive, but consider:
Financial Planning Support:
We can connect you with:
- •Independent financial advisers specialising in care funding
- •Solicitors for Lasting Power of Attorney or Court of Protection
- •Equity release specialists (if considering using property value)
How We Support You Through the Funding Process
Navigating care funding can be overwhelming. Our experienced team provides practical support at every stage, regardless of which funding route you pursue.
Assessment Support
We provide detailed care assessments that support NHS CHC applications and council needs assessments, documenting your care requirements thoroughly.
Application Guidance
We explain the different funding options, help you understand eligibility criteria and guide you through application processes.
Documentation Assistance
We complete comprehensive care reports, medical history summaries and needs documentation to strengthen funding applications.
Meeting Attendance
We attend multidisciplinary team meetings, council reviews and NHS panels to advocate for appropriate funding.
Financial Planning
We provide transparent cost breakdowns, helping you budget for care and understand potential contributions.
Ongoing Liaison
We communicate directly with NHS case managers, council social workers and Direct Payment teams on your behalf.
Record Keeping
We maintain detailed care records and invoices that meet council and NHS reporting requirements.
Appeals Support
If funding applications are declined, we provide evidence and support for appeals processes.
Common Funding & Cost Questions
Let's Discuss Your Funding Options
Every person's financial situation is unique. Our team provides confidential, expert guidance on funding options, costs and how to access available support. Book a free consultation to explore your options without obligation.
Office Visit
Sunset Care Ltd
Office 547A, 5th Floor
The Grange, 100 High Street
London N14 6BN
(By appointment)