How Much Is Too Much For Care? Could You Afford £45,000?

Currently estimates suggest that West Sussex residents can expect to pay around £45,000 or more a year for care in a residential home. As choosing long-term care could be one of the most expensive decisions you may have to make, good financial planning is important, however, many people do not take financial advice to help them make informed choices.

People often move into a care home because they and their family may not realise that continuing to live independently in their own home with suitable care and support is a realistic alternative. If you are funding your own care you may not be aware of all the available options, it may seem simplest to pay care fees from savings, income or selling your home, but this may not be the best solution.

Carewise was set up by West Sussex County Council, Age UK West Sussex, West Sussex Partners in Care and the Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA) to help people through the finance of care, it provides information and advice about care options, including cost-effective ways of paying for long-term care.

Carewise includes a panel of care fees specialists, who are independent financial advisers specialising in financial planning for later life. They can advise people on what type of care and support at home or residential care they can afford and help to preserve savings and assets for as long as is possible.

Carewise specialists are Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checked and trained in safeguarding adults. They are also members of the Buy with Confidence or equivalent consumer scheme and accredited by SOLLA, a consumer organisation that aims to improve the standard of financial advice for older people.

For more information on the Carewise scheme and to see a list of local care fee specialists, call: 01243 642121, visit: www.carewiseadvice.com, or email: socialcare@westsussex.gov.uk.