If you are struggling with day-to-day tasks, the first step is to arrange for a 'Needs Assessment'. This is how we find out what you can do for yourself, and how you could benefit from help and support from -

  • your family
  • friends
  • community
  • Adult Social Care

If you feel that you need some help to live independently at home, then you may want to think about using home care agencies.

Care homes offer accommodation for people who may not be able to live independently.

Financial assessment

Adult Social Care is not free. Some people may be asked to pay the full cost of their care. Others pay a contribution towards them and then the council pays the rest. To work out your contribution a Financial Assessment is carried out.

There is a financial assessment calculator available to help with your calculations.

The calculation uses the following to determine how much, if any, you need to pay towards the cost of your care - 

  • income
  • savings
  • property
  • outgoings

The assessment will vary depending on which service you are in receipt of.

The amount that you contribute will depend on the type of help you need and the value of your financial assets.

Generally, if you have -

  • £23,250 or more - you must pay the full cost of your care
  • £14,250 to £23,249 - you must contribute to the cost of your care
  • £14,249 or less - you may need to contribute towards the cost of your care

For users receiving permanent Residential Care, the assessments are slightly different as the value of any property you own may also be considered.

A financial assessment is required as some incomes can be disregarded.

Paying for Care handbook

This handbook explains how you can apply for a financial assessment to help you pay for the care and support you receive from the council.

Download the handbook

Financial Assessment

This easy-to-use, online calculator will tell you how much you might be asked to contribute towards your care.

Use the calculator