Your comprehensive guide to care funding options, local authority partnerships, and how Aria Care
supports families through the funding process.
Funded care refers to care services that are financially supported by government agencies, primarily local authorities and the National Health Service (NHS). This support can range from fully funded placements to partial funding assistance, depending on individual circumstances and assessed needs.
The key aspects of funded care include:
Local councils provide financial support for care based on assessed needs and financial circumstances. Two assessments are required: a financial assessment and a care needs assessment with a qualified social worker.
Fully funded care package arranged and funded by the NHS for people with complex care needs or those on an end-of-life pathway. This funding is not means-tested but is not automatically guaranteed and will be reviewed regularly.
While the NHS covers the full cost of care, in some homes, you can choose to pay for additional facilities, such as a larger room or enhanced amenities — this is known as a lifestyle contribution.
Additional funding streams may become available as care needs increase, including Attendance Allowance and Funded Nursing Care (FNC) for those developing nursing needs.
Aria Care maintains strong partnerships with local authorities across our operational areas, particularly in London and surrounding regions. These partnerships enable us to provide high-quality commissioned residential care that meets the specific requirements and standards expected by social services departments.
Our commissioned services include:
Our supportive team understands the complexities of care funding and works tirelessly to ensure families receive the financial support they’re entitled to. We provide comprehensive assistance throughout the entire funding journey.
The process of securing care funding begins with adult social care assessments. If you have more than £23,250 in savings, you will usually be expected to fund your own care (unless you qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare funding). For self-funding residents, Aria Care requires demonstration that you can fund your stay for at least 1 year from liquid funds (not including property) plus the current relevant threshold. We recommend speaking to your Local Authority 6 months before meeting the £23,250 threshold to explore funding support options.
For those with savings below £23,250, the Local Authority will need to perform two assessments: a care needs assessment with a qualified social worker to determine if care home placement is required, and a financial assessment where you must share your financial details for eligibility confirmation. It’s important to be open and honest about support needs during assessments so the team can assess accurately.
We strongly recommend seeking independent financial advice when looking into long-term care options. Advisors registered and accredited with the Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA) are experts in this field and offer free initial consultation to help with long-term care planning. Aria Care has registered SOLLA accredited advisors who can provide specialist guidance on care funding options and long-term financial planning.
When local authorities commission residential care through Aria Care, families can expect the same high standards of care and support that we provide to all our residents, regardless of funding source.
Our commissioned care includes:
Our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of the care funding process. From initial assessment to ongoing support, we ensure you receive the help and information you need.
Funded care refers to care services that are financially supported by public bodies, primarily local authorities and the NHS. This can include full funding, where all care costs are covered, or partial funding, where public support is combined with private contributions. The level of funding depends on assessed care needs and financial circumstances.
Eligibility for local authority funded care is determined through two separate assessments. First, a care needs assessment with a qualified social worker determines if you require care home placement. Second, a financial assessment confirms eligibility – generally, you must have savings below £23,250. You must share your financial details with the Local Authority for them to confirm eligibility. Adult social care tries to keep individuals at home, if possible, even when families believe it may be unsafe.
Start by contacting your local authority’s adult social care support service to request both a care needs assessment and financial assessment. Alternatively, contact Aria Care directly and we can guide you through the process. The care needs assessment will evaluate whether care home placement is required, whilst the financial assessment determines your contribution based on your financial circumstances.
Fully funded care means all care costs are covered by public funding (local authority or NHS), whilst part-funded care involves a combination of public funding and private contribution. Part-funded arrangements often allow greater choice of care homes and additional services.
Yes, the NHS provides funding through NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) for people with incredibly complex care needs or those on an end-of-life pathway. CHC funding is not means-tested and covers all care costs when eligibility criteria are met. However, this funding is not guaranteed and will be reviewed regularly, so provisions must be in place if funding is withdrawn. The NHS also provides Funded Nursing Care (FNC) for those with nursing needs met by a registered nurse.
Commissioned services are care services that local authorities contract with independent providers like Aria Care to deliver on their behalf. These services meet specific standards and requirements set by the commissioning authority, ensuring quality care whilst providing value for public money.
Aria Care maintains formal partnerships with local authorities, providing commissioned residential care services that meet their specifications and standards. We work closely with social services teams, providing regular updates, maintaining compliance with CQC standards, and ensuring residents receive person-centred care.
Yes, families have the right to choose from care homes that meet the assessed needs and are willing to accept the local authority funding rate. If a preferred home costs more than the council rate, families can pay a top-up fee to cover the difference, subject to certain conditions.
Commissioned residential care through Aria Care covers personal care, accommodation, meals, activities, and basic healthcare support. Specialist services such as dementia care, nursing care, and end-of-life care are also available depending on assessed needs and commissioning arrangements.
While the responsibility for arranging and securing care funding lies with the resident or their Power of Attorney (POA), Aria Care is here to support and guide families every step of the way. We offer advice on funding options, assist with applications, liaise with local authorities and NHS teams, and provide guidance on CHC, FNC, and other available funding sources.
