💷 Do I Have to Pay for Home Care or Can I Get Help? | Beaumont Home Care
When you or a loved one needs support at home, one of the first questions we’re asked is: “Do I Have to Pay for Home Care or Can I Get Help?” It’s a common concern and in this post, we break down your options:
“Will I have to pay for home care, or can I get help?”
It’s a natural concern — and one we talk about with families all the time. The truth is, some people do pay for home care privately, others get help from their Local Authority or Continuing Health Care, and many use a mix of both.
At Beaumont Home Care, we work with families across Brentwood, Basildon, Chelmsford and all surrounding villages, helping them understand their options and access the right care in the right way — with or without funding.
🏡 So, What Is Home Care?
Home care (sometimes called domiciliary care) is when a professional carer comes into your home to help with everyday things — personal care, medication, meals, or just being there to offer reassurance and companionship.
Some people need a bit of help a few times a week, while others need full-day, live-in care or complex care. We even provide double-handed support and overnight visits for clients who need more involved care.
💬 Do I Have to Pay for care at home?
It depends. In England, whether you get help paying for care is based on your savings, income, and the level of care you need. Many families ask us directly, ‘do I have to pay for home care, or is there funding available? The answer depends on their situation — and we’re here to guide them through it.”
Here’s a quick guide:
- If you have over £23,250 in savings, you’ll usually pay for your home care privately.
- If you have less than that, you may qualify for support from your Local Authority.
- Even if you don’t qualify for full funding, you might still get benefits to help with costs.
💡 What Are Direct Payments?
If your care is funded by the local authority, you don’t have to just accept whichever care agency they choose. You can ask for Direct Payments, which means the money comes to you — and you decide who provides your care.
This then gives you choice. You can:
- Choose a care provider you trust (like us!)
- Receive care at the times that work for you
- Build relationships with consistent carers
A lot of our clients come to us this way — they like the personal approach we provide and the flexibility it gives them. If you’re not sure where to start, we’re happy to help guide you through it or signpost you to the right place.
👉 Use the Essex Care Contribution Calculator to get a rough idea of what support you might be entitled to.
🏥 What If You Have Complex Health Needs?
You may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) — this means the NHS pays for your care in full.
For families dealing with complex care needs, knowing whether or not you have to pay for home care is particularly important. We support a number of client’s who are in receipt of CHC funding, and who require complex care. It’s a big responsibility, and we’re proud to provide specialist care that meets their needs and helps them live remain at home, where they belong.
🧭 What If I Don’t Know Where to Start?
You’re not alone. Most people haven’t done this before, and it can feel a bit overwhelming. That’s why we offer a free, no-obligation care assessment — it’s a relaxed visit where you can:
- Meet one of our team
- Ask as many questions as you like
- Learn more about your funding options
- Decide if we’re the right fit for you — no pressure
📍 Where We Work
Our office is based in Ingatestone, and we cover a wide area including:
- Brentwood
- Basildon
- Chelmsford
If you’re in the surrounding communities of mid-Essex, we’re nearby and ready to help.
📞 Please give us a call
If you’re exploring care for yourself or someone close to you — whether you’ll be funding it yourself, applying for help, or just don’t know yet — we’re here to help.
If you’re still wondering, “do I have to pay for home care?”, let’s have a chat and explore your options together. Give us a call on 01277 356645 or contact us through the website to arrange a free, informal assessment. We’ll guide you through the options and help you take the next step with confidence.