Living independently for as long as possible within the comfort of our own homes is a top priority for most of us as we get older, but it can be difficult to achieve without outside assistance… which is where private in-home care nurses really come into their own.
These healthcare professionals offer a very flexible service so you can tailor it to suit your requirements, scaling up and down as your needs demand.
For example, you might need a paid carer to come and visit you, or move in to provide round-the-clock care, to help you recover from a serious illness or accident of some kind. These arrangements can also be over the long term, depending on what it is you need.
This kind of service is known as domiciliary care, homecare or home help, with specialist help also available if required, including dementia care or assistance after a stroke.
How do you pay for a private in-home care nurse?
Naturally, one of the first factors to consider when looking to enlist the services of a private nurse is how to go about paying for it. You may be eligible for funding from your local council, depending on your circumstances.
If you want help from the council, you will need to get in touch with them to arrange for a care needs assessment. This is free and open to anyone who might have unique needs including using mobility equipment and personal alarms, making home adaptations, practical help from a paid carer or respite care.
During the assessment, a social worker or occupational therapist will visit you at home to find out how well you’re coping with everyday tasks such as cooking, getting dressed, bathing and so on. As well as being carried out in person, the assessment can be done over the phone or online.
Make sure that you give as much detail to the council representative as possible, leaving nothing out. It’s important that they have the full facts so they can make a well-informed decision.
Self-funding
It’s likely that you’ll have to pay some of the costs associated with your care provision. If your care assessment determines that you do need help, a financial assessment (or means test) will also be carried out to see if you’re eligible for funding from the council.
If your means test comes back with the decision that you don’t qualify for financial support, make sure you ask your council for free advice about where else you can source help.
Remember, as well, that even if you intend to pay for your own private carer, it is still advisable to have a care needs assessment conducted so you can determine what level of care you require to ensure that you can continue living at home for as long as possible.
If you’d like to find out more, get in touch with the Concept Care team today.
