New advice service for self funders of care

Monday, 24 Oct 2012

Hampshire County Council has teamed up with a panel of Independent Care Fees Specialist Advisers as part of the Council's commitment to provide information and advice to help individuals who fund their own long-term care in a residential home, nursing home or in their own home.

Free initial consultation

Paying for care can be an expensive commitment for those who do not qualify for financial assistance. Hampshire County Council along with three Independent Care Fees Specialists In Hampshire; The Wealth Care Partnership, Care Fees Investment Ltd, and Care Asset Management Ltd, are offering a free initial consultation without obligation or charge to help people who fund their own care explore all options available to them. All three independent specialists have been approved by the Council's Trading Standards' Buy With Confidence Scheme.

Planning long term care

Nationally people who fund their own care, those not in receipt of care paid for by the NHS or Local Authority, total 159,000. It is estimated that up to a quarter of these individuals will run out of funds during their stay at a care home, that's around 39,750 people who will need to look for alternative arrangements or seek financial support from other people. In many instances this does not have to be the case as support for planning long term care needs is available.

Hampshire County Council';s Executive Member for Adult Social Care, Councillor Felicity Hindson, said:

"More and more people are now taking advice before making one of the most important decisions of their lives. We would strongly recommend that individuals discuss their situations and finances with an Independent Care Fees Specialist who is an expert in care fees planning and who can help to explore all the options available for someone looking to fund their own care. Even if someone is currently in receipt of care it is still advisable for them to seek specialist information and advice as there may be options available to them as well."

"Planning for long-term care is crucial to ensure that financial assets and any proceeds from the sale of a property are invested wisely and any remaining inheritance is protected."

For more information, including a consultation without obligation or charge, contact Hampshire County Council on 0845 603 5630, or visit Care Choice and complete our on-line referral form.

• Help with care choices in Hampshire

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