n How much will I have to pay for residential or nursing care

Sefton’s residential and nursing home fees are set by the Council Members annually in line with the budget and they will only contribute according to these rates.

Some homes may charge a higher fee than Sefton’s agreed rates. If this is the case you and your relatives will need to consider topping up these fees. This arrangement is known as a top up.

You are advised to discuss your particular circumstances with your social worker.

If you have capital or savings over £23,250 the Local Authority will not normally be party to a permanent placement arrangement. You can still receive an assessment and advice.

Following your care assessment you will be contacted by a Financial Assessment Officer who will carry out a financial assessment and answer any questions you may have.

The amount you have to pay for long-term care in a residential or nursing home also takes into account your financial resources. If you have assets worth more than £23,250, either in your own right or as your share of capital held jointly with a spouse/partner, you will have to pay the full cost of the residential or nursing home from the start of the placement.

After the first 12 weeks of your long term placement the financial assessment will also take into account any property you own and occupy as your main residence. If your financial resources are tied up in the house, Sefton Council may be able to help you with care home costs prior to its sale by entering into a deferred payment agreement. The money that the Council has spent will be recovered when the house is sold. For more details on paying for care and the deferred payment scheme visit: https://www.sefton.gov.uk/social-care/adults/paying-for-care/

The value of your house will be disregarded if any of the following apply: • it is occupied by your partner (except where you are estranged or divorced) • it is occupied by a relative or person you are responsible for who is either: - aged 60 or over - a child under 18 - incapacitated

If you need short-term or temporary care in a residential or nursing home the value of your home is not taken into account in your financial assessment.

However, if you have assets worth more than £23,250, either in your own right or held jointly with your spouse/partner, you will have to pay the full cost of the care from the start of the placement.

Services should not start until all assessments are complete and the request for services or financial support has been agreed by the Adult Social Care Department.

You should tell the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) if you move into a home and of any subsequent change of circumstances. Attendance

Allowance, Disability Living

Allowance (care component) or Personal Independence

Payments (daily living element) will usually stop after 28 days in a care home including short term and hospital admission.

All services are regularly reviewed and may be amended or withdrawn if circumstances change.