Paying for care
We know that when you are looking at care options, the cost of care will have an impact on your final decision. Live-in care is comparable in price to many residential or nursing homes and it can also provide better value for money than many hourly care services.
Costs
Christies Care primarily works as an employment agency. We introduce suitable, full-time care assistants who live-in with you, working for you, carrying out your instructions.
Your care assistant will be registered as self-employed and will expect to be paid directly every week by you, or a third party such as a power of attorney, accountant or solicitor or family member.
The cost will vary depending on the level of care needed. It generally comprises of the care assistant’s fee, their travel expenses and our own fee for setting up, managing and maintaining the introductory process. In total, it ranges from £550.00 to £700.00 a week.
We make no charge for registration or for visiting you to assess your needs and wishes.
Our agency fee is fixed for the first two years and renewed annually thereafter.
We discuss costs in detail on pages 16 and 17 of our Live-in Care Guide.
Costs are different when we work under contract to Local Authorities and NHS Trusts.
Planning for care costs
Planning for care costs is vital to securing the future of you or your loved one. If you need more information about how to prepare for care costs, we have written a booklet about paying for care, and what help is available
The booklet covers the state funding available and offers advice and information regarding the different ways you can pay for your care costs
To request a copy of our booklet, contact us or download a copy here.
NHS Continuing Health Care
This is a complete package of services arranged and funded by the NHS which can be provided in various settings including your own home. The service is free and not means tested.
Not everyone who has ongoing health needs will qualify for CHC but there are times when a person’s eligibility should be considered:
If you have a rapidly deteriorating condition which may be terminal
When you are about to be discharged from hospital, particularly if you need permanent full time care at home
When your personal care needs are reviewed
If your physical or mental health decreases rapidly and your current care package becomes inadequate.
Those who live at home and are eligible can have both their health care and their personal care, such as help with dressing and bathing, paid for in full by the NHS. This includes live-in care and Christies Care has an increasing number of clients whose care is at least partly and often fully funded by the NHS.
For more information about the NHS Continuing Health Care service, download the decision support tool here.
Further advice
Age Concern
Help the Aged
Care Aware
Directgov
Department for Work & Pensions
Living alongside a care assistant Household duties Personal care What your care assistant expects Costs FAQs
Our services for Local Authorities Benefits in using Christies Care Training Quality & Accreditation FAQs
