Guest Blog: Prepare for Care: Confident Planning for Later Life

When care becomes a consideration for a loved one, decisions are often made quickly and under pressure. Planning ahead eases the emotional burden and provides peace of mind for family members who may one day need to act on your behalf.

Here are some key points to think about when preparing for care in later life:

1. Start the conversation early

Talk with your loved ones well in advance about your wishes. Would you prefer to move into a care home, or remain in your own home with live-in support? Being clear about your preferences reduces stress when decisions need to be made. It’s also wise to set up a Power of Attorney so trusted family or friends can make decisions on your behalf if needed. This can be arranged at any time and updated as circumstances change.

2. Understand your care options

In the UK, care can be provided in two main ways:

• Regulated care – Delivered by providers assessed by the Care Quality Commission. This usually includes the support of a full care team, with administrative and contractual matters handled for you.

• Unregulated care – Often provided by self-employed Personal Assistants. This may suit those with full mental capacity who feel confident creating their own care plans and managing the paperwork involved.

Each option has advantages and drawbacks, so it’s important to complete thorough research and weigh your options carefully.

3. Capture your routines and preferences

When discussing a Care Plan, people tend to concentrate on the practical side of care: getting dressed, preparing meals, managing medication, or assisting with mobility. However, a comprehensive Care Plan should reflect not only your medical needs but also your lifestyle. A person’s emotional health is every bit as important as their physical needs, and in many cases, can have an even greater impact on their quality of life. Consider documenting your daily routines, hobbies, dietary preferences, and social activities. This helps ensure that care supports your overall wellbeing—not just your clinical needs.

4. Explore funding options

Funding is a major aspect of any care planning process. When deciding on funding options for care, the first question has to be whether or not you’ll be entitled to local or government funding.

Local Authority Care funding in the UK is means-tested:

• If you have savings above £23,250, you will usually need to self-fund.

• If you have less than £13,000, you may qualify for full council funding.

• If your savings fall between these amounts, you’ll likely be asked to contribute based on your income.

For self-funders, A Lifetime Mortgage, also known as Equity Release, is a possible solution.A Lifetime Mortgage is a loan secured against your property, available to homeowners aged 55 or over. Unlike traditional mortgages, there are no monthly repayments. The loan, plus interest, is repaid when the property is sold after you pass away or move into care home.This option can provide a way to remain at home while accessing funds, but as with any major financial decision, you should consult a trusted professional before pursuing this option.

Depending on your health conditions, you may qualify for Continuing Healthcare funding (CHC) which is fully funded by the NHS.To be eligible for NHS continuing healthcare, you must be assessed by a team of healthcare professionals CHC funding is not means tested.This funding is not dependent on a specific diagnosis but on how complex your needs are.

In addition, Government benefits, such as Attendance Allowance, can also help with care costs.

The emotional journey of care planning can be stressful but by planning in advance and having the support of a dedicated care team the transition can be smooth.Promedica24 have supported families in the UK since 2013 remain in the comfort of their own homes with individual 1-2-1 live in care.

If you’d like to learn more about how live-in care can support you or a loved one call 0800 086 8686, email [email protected], or visit Promedica24homecare.co.uk.