Affording home care: it’s about so much more than cost

When families first explore care at home, the price can feel like the only thing that matters. But affordability is rarely just a number. It’s about understanding what’s available, and knowing that whatever route you take, you’re investing in something truly worthwhile. 

At Ablewell Care, one of the most common conversations we have isn’t about the care itself, it’s about how to pay for it. And time and again, we meet families who are quietly managing on their own, not realising that funding support may be available to them. At the same time, we also meet people who choose to fund their own care privately, and for them, the question isn’t whether they can afford it, but whether it’s worth it.

The answer, we believe, is always yes. Because at Ablewell Care, what you’re paying for isn’t just hours, it’s quality, consistency, and care delivered by people who genuinely mean it.

Is cost really the barrier? 

Cost matters — of course it does. But in our experience, the bigger barrier is often information. Many people assume that because they own a home or have savings, they won’t qualify for any support. That assumption can be costly in itself. People delay getting the care they need, exhausting both themselves and family members — when in reality, a proper assessment might have opened doors to funding that makes care far more accessible.

So before cost becomes the reason someone goes without, we’d always encourage families to explore what they might be entitled to.

What funding might be available? 

There are several routes to funded care that people are often unaware of. Here’s a brief overview of the three main options:

✓  Local Authority funding

If you or a loved one has eligible care needs, your local council may fund some or all of your home care following a Care Act assessment. This is a legal right, and a needs assessment is always free. We can help signpost you to the right local authority team to get the process started.

♥  NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)

NHS Continuing Healthcare is a fully-funded package of care for people whose primary need is a health need, provided outside of hospital, in the comfort of your own home. If your loved one has complex, ongoing health conditions, they may be eligible. Many families simply don’t know this exists. We can guide you to the right NHS team to request a CHC eligibility checklist.

£  Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit for people aged 65 and over who need help with personal care. It’s not means-tested — so your savings or income make no difference to eligibility. Many people who qualify have never applied. At Ablewell Care, we offer an Attendance Allowance application service, supporting you through every step with patience and care.

For those who fund their own care, you’re choosing the best. 

Not everyone will need or want to access funded care, and that’s absolutely fine. For those who choose to pay privately, we want to be clear about something: you are not simply paying for a service. You are choosing the very best care for someone you love.

Private care gives you choice - in who provides that care, when they visit, and how it’s delivered. You stay in control. It means consistency: a familiar face, a trusted relationship, someone who knows your loved one’s preferences, routines, and personality. That continuity is priceless, and it makes a real difference to wellbeing.

At Ablewell Care, privately funded clients receive the same exceptional standard of care as anyone else, because our commitment to quality is unwavering. When you invest in care with us, you’re investing in dignity, independence, and peace of mind. For your loved one, and for you.

You don’t have to navigate this alone! 

The world of care funding can feel complicated and full of jargon. Knowing whether you should be talking to the local authority, the NHS, or the Department for Work and Pensions — and knowing what to say — can be genuinely daunting.

That’s exactly why we’re here. At Ablewell Care, we don’t just provide home care, we support families in understanding what’s available to them and help connect them with the right people. Whether that means an informed referral to your local authority, guidance on requesting a CHC assessment, or sitting alongside you to complete an Attendance Allowance application, we’re with you every step of the way.

Wondering if you or a loved one could be entitled to funded care? 

Get in touch with our friendly team at Ablewell Care for a no-obligation conversation. We will listen to your situation, help you understand your options and support you every step of the way. Because everyone deserves care that feels right. 

Ablewell Care provides professional homecare across Cheshire East. We offer guidance on care funding, including Local Authority referrals, NHS signposting and support with Attendance Allowance claims.