Let’s Talk Funding…
When looking into options for caring for your loved ones, it's important to be aware of all of the funding options that may be available to you! That’s why we wanted to provide you with some information and resources on different funding options.
Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance is a non-means-tested (Tax Free!) payment made to either the individual themselves or their nominated representative to fund any activities in their day to day life that need ‘attending’ to and to help them stay as independent as possible. This could be for either:
(i) Supervision or
(ii) Attention / Personal Care
We have previously shared a blog that details all you need to know about attendance allowance and how to apply, which is accessible via the link below.
https://www.bestlife.org.uk/blog/accessservicesfree
Carer’s Allowance
You may be entitled to Carer’s Allowance if you spend a lot of time looking after someone with a disability or illness.
You could get £81.90 a week if you care for someone for at least 35 hours a week, and they get certain benefits.
You can find out more about the carer’s allowance via the government website, here:
https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance
You can apply via the government website, here:
https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance/how-to-claim
NHS Continuing Healthcare
Some people with long-term complex health needs qualify for free health and social care arranged and funded by the NHS.
To be eligible for NHS continuing healthcare, you must be assessed by a team of healthcare professionals (a multidisciplinary team). The team will look at all your care needs and relate them to:
what help you need
how complex your needs are
how intense your needs can be
how unpredictable they are, including any risks to your health if the right care is not provided at the right time
Your eligibility for NHS continuing healthcare depends on your assessed needs, and not on any particular diagnosis or condition.
You can read more about Continuing Healthcare on the NHS website, here:
Direct Payments
If you or someone you care for get help from social services, you can apply for direct payments. You may be offered a direct payment instead of receiving the support arranged by the local council or Trust, so you can choose the type of care necessary.
What are direct payments?
For carers:
For carers, direct payments are usually a one-off payment given to support a carer to have some time to look after their wellbeing.
For the person receiving care:
‘Direct payments for the person being looked after are more commonly ongoing payments used to employ a care worker or personal assistant to help with their day-to-day needs or for a period of respite care’
The information provided is taken from CarersUK, which provides an abundance of information on caring. To read more about Direct Payments, click here:
Carers’ Grants and Trusts
There are charities and trusts that you may be able to apply for help from. These usually have quite specific requirements, often aimed at people with low incomes or savings.
You can find out more information about some of the grants that may be available to you using the Carers Support Centre website, available here:
BDAA Transport Fund
The Bristol Dementia Action Alliance (BDAA), offers funding for transport for people living with dementia and their carers attending relevant events in Bristol.
These are the requirements and policies listed on the BDAA website regarding the fund:
Only applicable to people living with dementia and their carer
Can be accessed three times to ensure the person can attend three sessions of the event to make sure it is a fit for them and allow them to investigate alternative transport options. This also allows us to fund different people attending different events
BDAA can reimburse for bus fares and taxis
BDAA Trustees/Ambassadors who have dementia and their carers can also access this fund to raise awareness of the charity and emphasise how to live well with dementia
Application form is below
To apply, visit the link below:
https://bdaa.org.uk/help-advice/transport-fund/
We hope that this information has helped to provide you with an understanding of funding options that may be available to you or your loved ones.
If you have any questions about the help discussed in this blog, please contact us at hello@bestlife.org.uk