Taking the First Steps
If you’re thinking about selling your home to help cover care expenses, it’s important to check with your local council first. Even if you’re planning to pay privately, they still have a responsibility to point you toward the right support and services.
A care needs assessment is a useful starting point—it can highlight how your situation has changed and identify areas where you might benefit from assistance.
Many people don’t realise how much they’re managing on their own, simply because they’ve adapted over time. You might feel like your family is overreacting, but having an unbiased, professional assessment can give you a clearer picture and open the door to new support options.
Exploring Care Options
You might be entitled to help that allows you to stay in your own home, such as funded home care, access to residential care, or specialist support. Councils can also help with home adaptations that make everyday living easier. These adult social care assessments are offered free of charge.
In addition, if someone provides regular care for you, they may be eligible for a separate carer’s assessment.
Support at home, often called domiciliary care or home care, can include scheduled visits from a care worker—or, in some cases, a live-in carer for round-the-clock assistance. This type of care might be arranged short-term (for instance, following a hospital discharge) or as a longer-term solution. Do bear in mind, though, that live-in care can sometimes be more expensive than residential care.
Moving into a care home might seem like a big step, but it has its own benefits: company, regular meals, housekeeping, and, if needed, access to personal or nursing care. Most importantly, you’ll have peace of mind knowing help is always close by.
Understanding the Financial Assessment
After your care needs have been assessed, you’ll usually have a financial assessment—or means test—to determine whether the council can contribute toward the cost of your care.
This assessment takes into account your income (such as benefits and pensions) and your capital, including savings and investments. Whether your property is factored into this calculation depends on your individual situation.
For those with sufficient financial means, the council may offer a light-touch assessment, which still allows them to assist with organising your care. This can be especially helpful if your circumstances change later on.
If your total assets fall below a certain threshold, you may be eligible for partial support. If they exceed the threshold, you’ll likely need to fund your care independently.
When it comes to your home, its value is usually considered in the assessment. However, there are exceptions—such as if your current partner still lives there. On the other hand, if an ex-partner lives in the property, it may still count unless they are caring for someone aged 60 or over, someone with a disability, or a child under 18.
