FUNDING

PERSONAL BUDGET is an amount of funding allocated to a user that allows them to control which services that funding is used to purchase.

INDIVIDUAL BUDGETS have recently been piloted; these are similar to personal budgets, but combine local council social care funds with other care and support funding streams to create a single ‘pot’ of resources for purchasing services (Department of Health 2009). Take-up of these options is limited, and most adult social care services are organised by local councils.

ATTENDANCE ALLOWANCE:  This is an important benefit for older people who require help or supervision because of their physical or mental condition. Entitlement is not affected by the individual’s income or savings, as the benefit is not means tested, nor is it dependent on National Insurance Contributions. In addition, Attendance Allowance is not taxable and its payment may also enable individuals to claim other benefits. Attendance Allowance is payable, even if the individual does not receive help from someone else. The benefit does not have to be spent on care or attendance and can be used for any purpose. All that matters is that the need for help with personal care or supervision exists.

To qualify for Attendance Allowance, you must meet the following conditions:

Be aged 65 or over.

(If you became ill or disabled before the age of 65, then application for Disability Living Allowance should be claimed.)

You must have had the disability for at least six months.

You must normally be resident in the UK at the time of making the claim.

ATTENDANCE ALLOWANCE is payable at two levels; a Lower Rate and a Higher Rate.  Both of these amounts are payable weekly and entitlement will depend on which of the two conditions, as detailed below, are met.

The Lower Rate will be payable if you are so disabled that you require frequent help throughout the day with your normal bodily functions or if you require prolonged or repeated help with bodily functions during the night.

The Higher Rate is payable for individuals whose condition dictates that they require help during the day and night. It will also be payable if another person needs to be awake for a prolonged period or at frequent intervals throughout the night to avoid putting yourself or others in substantial danger.

Leaflet DS702 (Attendance Allowance) provides additional information on this benefit and a claim pack can be obtained by using the tear off slip on that leaflet. Alternatively, the application form is available from your local Department of Works & Pensions/Benefits Agency office, or by telephoning the Attendance Allowance Unit on 08457 123456.

CARERS ALLOWANCE is a benefit for individuals who are unable to work full time because they are caring for a severely disabled person for at least 35 hours a week. The benefit is taxable but is not dependent on National Insurance contributions.

The person for whom you are caring must be receiving Attendance Allowance at either rate, or the care component of Disability Living Allowance at the middle or highest rate.

There is no upper age limit for Carers Allowance although if you are receiving a State Pension you may not receive the allowance on top of this.

However, there are a range of more general, non care specific benefits which may be available to individuals who are not residing in a care home.

These include Housing Benefit, Council Tax benefit and Winter Fuel Payment and further details are available from your local Department for Works and Pensions or contact the Benefit Enquiry Line on FREEPHONE 0800 88 22 00

The NHS is responsible for providing nursing care to people who need it. This can be delivered in any setting and in some cases be part of a complete care package of fully funded NHS continuing care. The NHS is responsible for arranging and funding a range of services to meet the needs of people who require continuing physical or mental health care. To assist in deciding which treatment and other health services it is appropriate for the NHS to provide the Secretary of State has developed the concept of “a primary health need”. Where a person’s primary need is a health need, the NHS is regarded as responsible for providing for all their needs in any setting. The main areas of responsibility are:

• primary health care;
• assessment involving doctors and registered nurses
• rehabilitation and recovery (where this forms part of an overall package of NHS care as distinct from intermediate care)
• respite health care
• community health services
• specialist health care support
• palliative care