Advice & Guidance
If this is the first time you have approached a care company then we know it can be a time of stress. Acknowledging that either you or a loved one needs help to live independently can be emotional on many levels. We want you to feel as informed as possible and have compiled a list of frequently asked questions to support you to make the right decision and provide you with some support options available to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I persuade my loved one they need support?
This is often a difficult conversation to have. Our advice is to sit down with your loved one and try to understand how they are feeling and what concerns they may have. At Goodness & Mercy we absolutely believe that people should have as much control as possible, which is why we work hard to deliver care that people both need and want.
The first part of this process is for you to have a needs assessment. The needs assessment is free for anyone who may need support so we absolutely recommend this as your first step. You can request this by going to the website here Getting a social care needs assessment - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
What funding might I receive?
There are a variety of ways of receiving funding for care. Below are some of the choices that may be available to you:
1. Direct payments - This allows you to receive a payment directly which means you can choose the people or company you want to deliver that care. To find out more click here Apply for direct payments - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) .
2. Continuing Health care - If you or a loved one have a long-term complex care need or end of life care need you may be entitled to continuing health care funding. There is some helpful information, as well as checklists to see if you qualify here. NHS continuing healthcare - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
2. Attendance allowance - If you do not qualify for any of the above and are above the state pension age, you could be entitled to attendance allowance. Benefits if you're over State Pension age - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
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Financial Advice
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The Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA) helps people and their families in finding trusted accredited financial advisers who are experienced in working with and understanding financial needs in later life.
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The complexities of the many decisions you or your family may need to face when looking at issues such as care funding matters or whether equity release is the right thing for you, need careful and considered advice. Good financial advice should help you make clear and informed decisions knowing that you have had the information and choices presented to you in a way that helps you make the best choices and decisions for you or for a family member.
Go to their Find an Adviser page on SOLLA's website where you can search for an adviser who is local and can ensure you have the peace of mind that you are making the right financial choices to secure your future.
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Find out here.