Adult social care is the support and help that some people need to live as independently and comfortably as possible. This can include personal care, such as washing and dressing, as well as practical assistance, such as preparing meals or doing laundry. Some people may also need social care to access the community, such as going to the shops or meeting friends.
The way that adult social care is funded and charged in England is complex and varies depending on a number of factors, such as the type of care, the level of need, the income and assets of the person receiving care, and the local authority that provides or arranges the care. Generally speaking, most people have to pay something towards the cost of their care, and some people have to pay the full amount. However, there are some exceptions and exemptions, such as for people with certain health conditions or disabilities, or for people who receive certain benefits.
To find out how much you or a loved one may have to pay for adult social care in Kent, you will need to contact Kent County Council (KCC) and request a care needs assessment. This is a process that evaluates your situation and determines what kind of care and support you are eligible for. Based on the outcome of the assessment, you may also have to undergo a financial assessment, which calculates how much you can afford to contribute towards the cost of your care. The local authority will then tell you how much they will pay and how much you will pay for your care.
In this section of Connect to Support you will find the KCC guides to:
- Charging for care and support in the home and community
- Charging for residential and nursing care
- Funding yourself in residential care.
You can add these to your online booklet.
