Paying for Care Homes in Mansfield: Local Authority Funding and Support

A Complete Guide to Care Home Funding in Nottinghamshire

If you’re considering a care home in Mansfield but worried about the costs, you’re not alone. Many families are unaware of the financial support available through Nottinghamshire County Council and other funding sources. This comprehensive guide explains exactly how to access care home funding as a Mansfield resident, what support is available and how to navigate the application process successfully.

Understanding your funding options early can make the difference between finding suitable care and facing financial hardship, so let’s explore what help is available to you.

Understanding Nottinghamshire County Council’s Role

Who is Responsible for Your Care Funding?

As a Mansfield resident, Nottinghamshire County Council is responsible for assessing your care needs and determining what financial support you may be entitled to. This applies whether you’re currently living in Mansfield or considering moving to a care home in the area.

The council has a legal duty to ensure that anyone with eligible care needs can access appropriate care, regardless of their financial situation. However, the amount of support you receive depends on both your care needs assessment and your financial circumstances.

How Much Support is Available?

Nottinghamshire County Council sets weekly rates that they’ll pay for care home places:

• Residential care: Approximately £580-£650 per week (2024 rates)
• Nursing care: Approximately £720-£850 per week (2024 rates)
• EMI (dementia) care: Approximately £650-£750 per week (2024 rates)

These rates are reviewed annually and may vary depending on specific circumstances and the level of care required.

The Care Needs Assessment Process

Step 1: Requesting an Assessment

To access funding support, you’ll need a care needs assessment from Nottinghamshire County Council’s Adult Social Care team. You can request this by:

Phone: 0300 500 80 80 (Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm) Online: Through the Nottinghamshire County Council website In person: At County Hall in West Bridgford or local area offices

The assessment is free and you have a legal right to request one if you believe you may have care needs.

Step 2: What the Assessment Covers

A qualified social worker or occupational therapist will assess:

• Your physical health and mobility
• Mental health and cognitive function
• Ability to manage daily tasks independently
• Current living situation and safety
• Existing support networks
• Personal preferences and goals

This comprehensive evaluation determines whether your needs are eligible for local authority support under the Care Act 2014.

Step 3: Determining Eligibility

Your needs must meet the national eligibility criteria in at least one of these areas:

• Managing and maintaining nutrition: Can you plan, prepare, and eat meals?
• Maintaining personal hygiene: Can you wash yourself and maintain cleanliness?
• Managing toilet needs: Can you access and use toilet facilities appropriately?
• Being appropriately clothed: Can you dress and maintain appearance?
• Being able to make use of your home safely: Can you maintain a safe living environment?
• Maintaining a habitable home environment: Can you keep your home clean and safe?
• Developing and maintaining family relationships: Can you maintain important relationships?
• Accessing and engaging in work, training, education, or volunteering: Can you participate in society?
• Making use of necessary facilities in the local community: Can you access essential services?
• Carrying out caring responsibilities: Can you care for others who depend on you?

If your inability to meet these needs has a significant impact on your wellbeing, you’ll likely qualify for support.

Financial Assessment: The Means Test

Understanding the Means Test

Even if you have eligible care needs, you’ll need a financial assessment to determine how much you’ll contribute toward care costs. This means test considers:

Income:

• State pension
• Private pensions
• Benefits
• Investment income
• Rental income from property

Assets:

• Savings and investments
• Property value (with some exceptions)
• Premium bonds
• Stocks and shares

Current Financial Thresholds (2024-25)

• Upper capital limit: £23,250 – Above this, you fund your own care
• Lower capital limit: £14,250 – Below this, your capital isn’t counted
• Between the limits: You contribute £1 weekly for every £250 of capital

Property Disregards

Your home’s value may be disregarded if:

• Your spouse or civil partner still lives there
• A relative aged 60+ or who is disabled lives there
• You’re receiving temporary care and intend to return home
• You’ve deferred the property sale through a council scheme

Personal Expenses Allowance

If the council funds your care, you keep a minimum personal allowance:

• 2024-25 rate: £28.25 per week
• This is for personal items like toiletries, newspapers, and small treats

How to Apply for Funding

Gathering Required Documents

Before applying, collect:

Financial documents:

• Bank statements for all accounts (last 12 months)
• Pension statements
• Benefits award letters
• Investment portfolios
• Property valuations
• Insurance policies

Personal information:

• Proof of identity (passport or driving licence)
• Proof of address
• Medical records and GP contact details
• Details of current carers or support

The Application Process

1. Complete the financial assessment form: This detailed form covers all your income and assets
2. Submit supporting documents: Provide evidence for all declared finances
3. Assessment meeting: Meet with a financial assessor to review your application
4. Decision notification: Receive written confirmation of the outcome
5. Care arrangement: If eligible, the council arranges your care placement

Timeline Expectations

• Initial care assessment: 2-4 weeks from request
• Financial assessment: 3-6 weeks from submission
• Funding decision: 1-2 weeks after assessment completion
• Care placement: 2-6 weeks depending on availability

Top-Up Fee Arrangements

When Top-Up Fees Apply

Many care homes in Mansfield charge more than the council’s standard rates. If you choose a home that costs more than the council rate, you’ll need to pay a top-up fee covering the difference.

Example:

• Care home fee: £850 per week
• Council rate: £650 per week
• Top-up fee: £200 per week

Who Can Pay Top-Up Fees?

Top-up fees can be paid by:

• The resident themselves (if they have sufficient funds)
• Family members or friends
• Charitable organisations
• A combination of sources

The council cannot pay top-up fees, and they cannot be required from someone who cannot afford them.

Third-Party Top-Up Agreements

If family members agree to pay top-up fees:

• A formal written agreement is required
• Payments must be sustainable long-term
• The arrangement should be reviewed regularly
• Alternative plans should be made if payments become unaffordable

Deferred Payment Agreements

What is a Deferred Payment Agreement?

If you own property but don’t want to sell it immediately, Nottinghamshire County Council offers deferred payment agreements. This allows you to use your property as security for care costs, delaying sale until after death or when you choose to sell.

How It Works

• The council pays your care home fees initially
• These payments become a debt secured against your property
• Interest is charged (currently 2.65% annually)
• The debt is repaid when the property is sold

Eligibility Requirements

You may qualify if:

• Your property is your main or only asset
• You have less than £23,250 in other assets
• Your property value exceeds your other debts
• The property is suitable security for the debt

Benefits of Deferred Payments

• Remain in a preferred care home without immediate property sale
• Allow property values to potentially increase
• Reduce family stress about forced sales
• Maintain housing options for spouses or family

NHS Continuing Healthcare

What is NHS Continuing Healthcare?

NHS Continuing Healthcare provides free care for people with significant ongoing health needs. Unlike local authority funding, this is not means-tested and covers the full cost of care, including accommodation.

Eligibility Assessment

You may qualify if you have:

• Complex medical needs requiring regular nursing intervention
• Unpredictable health conditions requiring monitoring
• Intense care needs affecting multiple areas
• Unstable conditions requiring frequent reassessment

The Assessment Process

1. Checklist assessment: Initial screening by healthcare professionals
2. Full assessment: If the checklist suggests eligibility, a comprehensive assessment follows
3. Decision Support Tool: Multidisciplinary team uses standardised assessment
4. Panel review: Clinical Commissioning Group makes final decision
5. Outcome notification: Written decision with reasons

If Your Application is Refused

You have the right to:

• Request a review of the decision
• Ask for an Independent Review Panel assessment
• Complain to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman if necessary

Local Support Services in Mansfield

Nottinghamshire County Council Resources

Adult Social Care Team:

• Phone: 0300 500 80 80
• Email: enquiries@nottscc.gov.uk
• Local office: Mansfield District Council, Civic Centre, Chesterfield Road South

Financial Assessment Team:

• Specialised support for complex financial situations
• Guidance on benefit entitlements
• Deferred payment arrangement advice

Independent Support Organisations

Citizens Advice Mansfield:

• Address: 36 Leeming Street, Mansfield NG18 1NA
• Phone: 01623 421421
• Services: Free, impartial advice on benefits, debt, and care funding

Age UK Nottinghamshire:

• Phone: 0115 844 0011
• Services: Specialist advice for older people and their families
• Support with: Care assessments, funding applications, benefit claims

Carers Federation (Nottinghamshire):

• Phone: 01623 490044
• Services: Support for family carers navigating funding systems
• Includes: Advocacy, information, emotional support

Healthcare Support

NHS Nottinghamshire Clinical Commissioning Group:

• Phone: 0115 883 9570
• Services: NHS Continuing Healthcare assessments
• Support with: Complex health needs funding

Successful Funding Applications: Case Studies

Case Study 1: Mary’s Journey

Background: Mary, 84, lived alone in Mansfield with increasing dementia symptoms. Her daughter Sarah was concerned about her safety.

Assessment outcome:

• Care needs: Eligible under multiple criteria
• Financial position: £18,000 savings, owns £180,000 home
• Family situation: Daughter lives 200 miles away

Funding result:

• Council contribution: £650 per week
• Mary’s contribution: £85 per week (from savings and pension)
• Chose care home costing: £735 per week
• No top-up fee required

Timeline: 8 weeks from initial contact to care home placement

Case Study 2: Robert’s Complex Needs

Background: Robert, 72, had a stroke leaving him with complex care needs. His wife Jean wanted him to remain near their Mansfield home.

Assessment outcome:

• Care needs: Highly eligible due to stroke effects
• Financial position: £35,000 savings, £240,000 joint home
• NHS assessment: Initially refused, successful on appeal

Funding result:

• NHS Continuing Healthcare approved
• Full funding for nursing care
• Chose care home costing: £1,200 per week
• No personal contribution required

Timeline: 16 weeks including NHS appeal process

Case Study 3: Jim and Margaret

Background: Married couple both needing care – Jim required nursing care, Margaret needed residential care.

Assessment outcome:

• Both had eligible care needs
• Financial position: £45,000 savings, £280,000 home
• Self-funders initially, later applied for support

Funding result:

• Used deferred payment agreement
• Council pays fees, debt secured on property
• Enables them to stay together in same facility
• Interest charged at 2.65% annually

Timeline: 12 weeks to arrange deferred payments

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Application Delays

Common causes:

• Incomplete financial information
• Missing supporting documents
• Complex family financial arrangements
• Property valuation delays

Solutions:

• Submit complete applications with all required documents
• Use professional advocacy if needed
• Maintain regular contact with assessment teams
• Keep detailed records of all communications

Disagreeing with Assessments

If you disagree with a care assessment:

1. Request a review from a different assessor
2. Provide additional evidence of care needs
3. Use the formal complaints procedure if necessary
4. Seek independent advocacy support

If you disagree with financial assessments:

1. Check calculations carefully
2. Provide evidence for any disputed assets or income
3. Request clarification of the assessment methodology
4. Appeal through official channels if needed

Family Disputes

Common issues:

• Disagreements about care home choice
• Top-up fee responsibilities
• Property sale decisions

Solutions:

• Hold family meetings with professional facilitation
• Clearly document financial agreements
• Consider mediation services
• Seek legal advice for complex situations

Tips for a Successful Application

Before You Apply

Prepare thoroughly:

• Gather all financial documents
• Organise medical records
• Research suitable care homes
• Understand your rights and options

Get professional help if needed:

• Complex finances may require specialist advice
• Advocacy services can support the application process
• Solicitors can help with property and legal issues

During the Process

Stay organised:

• Keep copies of all documents submitted
• Maintain a timeline of key dates and deadlines
• Record all phone conversations and meetings
• Follow up on any requests for additional information

Communicate effectively:

• Be honest about financial circumstances
• Ask questions if you don’t understand something
• Respond promptly to requests for information
• Keep family members informed of progress

After Approval

Understand your ongoing responsibilities:

• Report changes in financial circumstances
• Attend annual reviews
• Pay your assessed contributions on time
• Notify the council of any concerns about care quality

Planning for the Future

Annual Reviews

Nottinghamshire County Council reviews all funded care arrangements annually to:

• Reassess care needs
• Review financial circumstances
• Adjust contributions if necessary
• Consider alternative care options

Changes in Circumstances

You must report significant changes promptly:

• Improvements or deterioration in health
• Changes in income or capital
• Receipt of inheritance or gifts
• Changes in property ownership

Long-term Considerations

Plan ahead for:

• Potential care needs increases
• Changes in family financial support
• Property value fluctuations affecting deferred payments
• Policy changes affecting funding rates

Getting Started: Your Next Steps

Immediate Actions

1. Contact Adult Social Care: Call 0300 500 80 80 to request a care assessment
2. Gather documents: Start collecting financial and medical records
3. Research care homes: Visit potential homes in Mansfield
4. Seek advice: Contact Citizens Advice or Age UK for guidance

Questions to Ask During Assessment

About the process:

• “How long will the assessment take?”
• “What documents do I need to provide?”
• “When will I receive the decision?”

About funding:

• “What are the current council rates for care homes?”
• “How are top-up fees calculated?”
• “What happens if my circumstances change?”

About care options:

• “Which care homes accept council funding?”
• “Can I choose my preferred home?”
• “What if I need a higher level of care later?”

Making Care Affordable

Navigating care home funding in Mansfield doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With proper understanding of the processes and available support, most people can access the funding they need for appropriate care.

Remember that Nottinghamshire County Council has a legal duty to ensure eligible people can access care, regardless of their ability to pay the full cost. Don’t let fear of costs prevent you from seeking the care assessment you need.

The key is to start the process early, gather information thoroughly, and don’t hesitate to ask for help from the many support services available in Mansfield and across Nottinghamshire.

How Lidder Care Can Help

At Lidder Care, we have extensive experience supporting families through the funding application process. Our team understands the local systems and can:

• Provide guidance on funding options
• Support you through the assessment process
• Explain how our fees work with different funding arrangements
• Help coordinate with Nottinghamshire County Council

We’re committed to ensuring that financial concerns don’t prevent anyone from accessing the quality care they need. Contact us on 01623 622 322 to discuss your situation and explore your options.

Remember: Getting the right care home place in Mansfield is possible with proper planning and the right support. Don’t delay starting the process – help is available, and you don’t have to navigate this alone.