Financing Care

Our fees for residential care are based on the level of dependency of the individual. Fees range from £515 to £655 per week for someone with dementia and £450 to £560 per week for a person with higher needs.

We ask for a deposit of 4 weeks fees when a resident is first admitted. We then send an invoice at the end of each calendar month for the actual cost. We ask you to pay by direct debit to assist our administration and keep our costs down. This is arranged soon as possible after admission.

Who pays the fees?
If the prospective resident has savings and capital that exceed the government limits - currently £22,250, then they will pay for the whole cost of our care fees.

Depending on circumstances, a resident's house may be taken into account as part of the savings and capital, and this may need to be sold. You should contact social services for a financial assessment and for advice on how to proceed.

If the prospective resident's savings and capital are below £21,500 then Social Services will carry out a financial assessment. This determines how much the resident has to pay towards the fees.If have savings and capital of less than £13,500, you will not be expected to use any of this money to pay our fees. However, you will have to contribute all of your weekly income towards the fees (with a few exceptions) except for £21.15 a week, which you can keep to spend of any personal items.This amount is called your Personal Expenses Allowance.

What benefits can I claim?

• Attendance Allowance can be claimed by anyone who needs residential care, provided that they are paying for the full cost themselves. The Department for Work and Pensions have a helpline for enquiries about this benefit, telephone 0800 88 22 00 or textphone 0800 24 33 55. The line is free and is open between 8:30am and 6:30pm Monday to Friday and 9:00am to 1:00pm on Saturday.
  Further information about Attendance Allowance can be found at www.direct.gov.uk and you can apply on-line.
• Pension Credit can be claimed if the resident's income is below certain levels. To check whether you are eligible for Pension Credit, visit the web-site www.thepensiondervice.gov.uk.

Where can I find more information and advice?

• Age Concern publish a range of factsheets on topics connected with the care of elderly people covering issues such as paying for residential care, legal arrangements for managing financial affairs, claiming benefits and related matters. See www.ageconcern.org.uk and look for their "Factsheets section, or contact the Age Concern Hertfordshire office on 01707 323272.

Other considerations
We appreciate that the decision to arrange residential care for a relative is a difficult time, but in our experience there are various other matters that may be worth considering.

• Wills - does your relative have a will or need any assistance in drawing one up? Local solicitors often advertise their services at our homes so do ask for information when you visit.
• Insurance - Whilst making every effort to ensure that residents’ personal effects are not lost or damaged, Quantum Care has only limited insurance cover for such items. If you wish to bring into the Home items of value, particularly jewellery, you are strongly advised to arrange your own insurance cover as Quantum Care cannot take responsibility. Age Concern Insurance Services provide basic contents insurance for small sums - for details contact the Age Concern office on 01707 323272.
• Advocacy - what happens when a resident is not able to manage their own affairs? Have you considered the options? Quantum Care are not able to offer such services, but Age Concern advocates help older people speak up for themselves and maintain their rights. Age Concern Hertfordshire can be contacted on 01707 323272 for help and support.