Funding Home Care in Merseyside

Your complete guide to paying for home care: council support, NHS funding, and private options.

How Much Does Home Care Cost?

Typical rates in Merseyside (2026): £20–30 per hour depending on care type, provider, and your location.

But the good news: there are multiple ways to fund care. Not everyone pays the full amount privately.

Funding Option 1: Self-Funded (Private Payment)

Pay directly from savings or income

How it works: You pay Select Home Care directly, in full, from your own resources.

Advantages:

  • Start immediately—no waiting for assessments
  • Full choice of provider (no council restrictions)
  • Flexible hours and changes
  • Access to quality providers without rationing

Challenges:

  • Can be expensive long-term
  • Depletes savings quickly
  • No support if funds run out

Best for: Families with sufficient savings/income. Those needing care immediately.

Funding Option 2: Council-Funded Care

Sefton Council pays for care (fully or partially)

How it works:

  1. Contact Sefton Adult Social Services
  2. Request a care needs assessment
  3. Council assesses your loved one's needs and your finances
  4. If eligible, council approves a funding level
  5. You can use that funding with Select Home Care

Eligibility: Generally for people assessed as having substantial care needs. Means-tested based on savings and income (assets under £23,250 get more support).

Timeline: 4–8 weeks from request to approval.

Cost to you: Depends on means test. Could be £0 to £50%+ of care cost.

Best for: Those with limited savings/income. Those open to council assessment process.

We work with Sefton Council funding. If you have council approval, Select Home Care will work within that budget. Contact us for details.

Funding Option 3: NHS Continuing Healthcare

NHS funds care 100% (if eligible)

Who qualifies: People with significant ongoing healthcare needs requiring regular medical input. Examples: post-stroke rehabilitation, dementia with complex needs, terminal illness, complex medication management.

The Big Advantage: If you qualify, NHS pays 100% of care costs. No means-testing. No asset limits.

The Challenge: Strict eligibility criteria. Often rejected initially (but many win on appeal).

How to apply: Ask your GP or hospital team to refer you for a Continuing Healthcare assessment. If rejected, you can appeal.

If your loved one is in hospital or just home from hospital, ask specifically about NHS Continuing Healthcare eligibility. Many people qualify but aren't informed.

Funding Option 4: Insurance & Other Sources

Check what else might be available

  • Long-term care insurance: Some policies cover home care costs. Check your existing policies.
  • Armed Forces Covenant: Veterans may qualify for additional support.
  • Charitable grants: Some charities offer care support (varies by condition).
  • Employer benefits: Some employers offer elder care subsidies.

Hybrid Approach: Combining Funding

Many families use multiple sources:

Working with Select Home Care

How we handle different funding sources

Private payment: Invoice you directly. Flexible payment terms available.

Council-funded: We invoice the council and charge you your assessed contribution (if any). No hidden fees.

NHS CHC: We invoice NHS. You typically pay nothing.

No matter how you pay, the quality of care is the same. We don't provide different levels of service based on funding source.

Next Steps: Explore Your Options

Before deciding how to pay, consider:

💡 Key Point: Don't assume you can't afford care. Many families discover funding options they didn't know existed. We can help you explore every option.

Let's Talk About Your Situation

We can discuss your funding options and help you understand what's available. There's no pressure—just honest information.

Call 01704 333 188