Most people will need to pay towards their adult social care. This depends on a financial assessment, which looks at a person’s income, savings, and assets to decide how much they need to contribute towards their support. You can find information on charging for social care on our paying for care pages, you may also find the KCC online estimator useful.
There are a number of organisations providing information, advice and guidance on paying for care, including:
- The Society of Later Life Advisors helps people and their families in finding trusted accredited financial advisers who understand financial needs in later life. A well-qualified financial adviser who is also somebody who understands the plans you need to make for your retirement years. Find out more on the Society’s website.
- Age UK have brought together information and advice on a range of topics related to money and legal issues, from claiming your State Pension to setting up a power of attorney. Find out more on the Age UK website.
- Independent Age have many resources on their website including information, advice and guidance around money and finances. Find out more on the Independent Age website.
- Money Helper is a government‑backed service offering free, impartial guidance on a wide range of financial topics. It provides information to help people understand and manage everyday money matters, including choosing the right care services, paying for care, finding a financial adviser, pensions and retirement planning, budgeting, benefits, insurance, debt, borrowing, and mortgages. It’s designed to make financial decisions easier and more confident by bringing together trusted tools and advice in one place. Visit the Money Helper website.
Advocacy and legal terms
- Advocacy An advocate is someone who helps you make sure your opinions and rights are respected. They ensure you're treated fairly, your worries are heard, and you have control over important decisions in your life. They can assist you in speaking up during meetings, handling tough issues, and understanding key decisions. Advocates are trained professionals who are fair and unbiased, and their service is private and independent. Find out more about advocacy and Kent Advocacy services.
- A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows an individual (the ‘donor’) to appoint one or more trusted people (‘attorneys’) to make decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so in the future due to illness or loss of mental capacity. An LPA provides reassurance and control by ensuring that decisions about health, welfare, finances or property are made according to the donor’s wishes. In England and Wales, LPAs are overseen by the Office of the Public Guardian, which protects people who may not have the capacity to make certain decisions for themselves.
- Mental capacity refers to a person’s ability to understand, retain, weigh up and communicate decisions about their care, treatment or daily life. When someone cannot make a specific decision because of an impairment of the mind or brain, the Mental Capacity Act 2005 provides a legal framework to ensure decisions are made in their best interests. In situations where a person who lacks capacity is under continuous supervision and control and is not free to leave, this may amount to a deprivation of liberty.
- The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) protect people in hospitals or care homes by ensuring any restrictions are lawful, necessary and proportionate, and that assessments and authorisations are carried out by the local authority. These safeguards prevent arbitrary deprivation of liberty and help ensure that vulnerable adults are supported safely and with dignity.
