The Government’s Care Act is expected to bring with it the greatest reform to the care sector in decades.
Under the current proposals the Care Act, expected to come to effect in 2020, will introduce a £72,000 cap on care fees to be paid by the individual and make positive changes to the means test.
It is expected that the Government Care Act will introduce a cap of £72,000. This will mean that no one will have to pay more than the aforementioned sum to have their care needs met. The ceiling on costs for the individual will apply to the cost of care received in either a home setting or at a care home. The £72,000 will exclude costs of bed and board for those residing in care homes, but these would be capped separately at £12,000.
The Act is also due to introduce positive changes for the individual in terms of how eligibility for support with care fees is calculated. Currently, savings up to £14,250 are excluded from the means test. Someone with capital and savings of £14,250 to £23,250 will receive a contribution towards care costs from the council.
After April 2020, it is expected that anyone with savings up to £17,000 will be excluded from the means test. Individuals with capital and savings of £17,000 to £118,000 will be eligible for support from the local council, dependant on their specific circumstances.
Anyone who is paying for care for themselves or for a relative with a serious medical condition may be eligible for financial support. Many individuals may also be eligible to request a refund of fees occurred in the past.
If you want to know more about your rights and care funding call us now on 01616 966 229.