Funding Home Care in Cornwall | Home Instead Mid Cornwall

Funding Care In Cornwall

We’re often asked about funding care in Cornwall, so we’ve put together this simple guide to help you make sense of it all. Many people are entitled to financial support without realising it — and every year, millions of pounds in benefits go unclaimed. Think of this as your quick, practical starting point to ensure you or a loved one don’t miss out.

Care and support services aren’t usually free at the point of use, but depending on your circumstances, some or all of your care costs could be covered.

For social care — help with daily living such as meal preparation, taking medication, washing, dressing, or support around the home — Cornwall Council will carry out both a care needs assessment and a financial needs assessment.

If you have savings or investments over £23,250, you’ll usually need to pay for your own care. If you have less, you may qualify for partial or full funding depending on your income, capital, and benefits.

Cornwall Council may also offer a personal budget, which you can choose to manage directly. If the cost of your preferred care is higher than this budget, it’s sometimes possible for you or your family to make up the difference through a top-up payment.

You can reach Cornwall Council’s adult social care team on 0300 1234 131 or via their online form:
👉 Request help for an adult – Cornwall Council

For professional financial guidance, the Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA) can connect you with a local, accredited financial adviser. They can explain options such as equity release, care annuities, and other ways to plan for long-term costs. You can also call SOLLA on 0333 2020 454.

NHS Continuing Healthcare

Some people may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) — a fully-funded care package provided by the NHS for those with complex medical needs. Unlike local authority social care, CHC can cover all costs of care, including nursing care at home or in a care home, without needing to use your savings.

Eligibility is based on clinical need, not finances, so even if you have substantial savings, you might still qualify if your care needs meet the criteria.

How to apply:

1. Speak to your GP, community nurse, or care provider to request a Continuing Healthcare checklist.

2. Cornwall Council can help coordinate assessments, or you can contact the NHS Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) directly.

3. If eligible, you’ll receive a funded care package tailored to your needs.

Useful links & contacts:

• NHS Continuing Healthcare – Cornwall

• Cornwall Council adult social care: 0300 1234 131

Even if you aren’t eligible for CHC, understanding it can help plan for care costs and ensure any combination of NHS and local authority support is used effectively.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Attendance Allowance

Many people don’t realise that you may be entitled to extra financial support through benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Attendance Allowance. These help cover the additional costs of living with illness, disability, or care needs.

PIP is generally for those under 65 and has two components:

• Daily Living Component (help with tasks like cooking, washing, dressing, or taking medication)

  • Standard rate: £73.90 per week

  • Enhanced rate: £110.40 per week

• Mobility Component (help getting around)

  • Standard rate: £29.20 per week

  • Enhanced rate: £77.05 per week

You can receive either or both components, depending on your assessed needs. PIP is tax-free and does not depend on income or savings.

For those over 65, similar support is available through Attendance Allowance. The Lower rate is £73.90 and Higher rate is £110.30 Even modest amounts can make a real difference when budgeting for care, and getting advice early ensures you claim everything you’re entitled to.

Helpful links & contacts:

• PIP – GOV.UK

• Attendance Allowance – GOV.UK

Personal Budgets and Top-Up Payments

If Cornwall Council agrees you are eligible for social care support, you may receive a personal budget. This is an allocated amount you can use to pay for your care, giving you the flexibility to choose the services that best meet your needs.

If the care you want costs more than your budget, it may be possible for you or your family to make a top-up payment. Top-ups act as a bridge between what the council funds and the care you prefer, giving you more control and choice.

Learn more:

• Cornwall Council – Adult Social Care Personal Budgets

Planning Ahead: Financial Advice

Funding care is not just about accessing government support — it’s about planning for the future with confidence. Local, accredited advisers can help you understand options like:

• Equity release – using the value of your home to fund care costs.

• Immediate care plans – paying an annuity upfront for expected care.

• Long-term care budgeting – combining savings, pensions, and benefits efficiently.

The Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA) can connect you with a trusted adviser in Cornwall. You can also call them on 0333 2020 454.

Getting professional advice early can reduce stress, avoid costly mistakes, and ensure you’re making the most of available funding.

Home Instead Care Solutions

Once you understand the funding options available, the next step is thinking about how care actually works in practice. At Home Instead Mid Cornwall, we provide personalised care solutions to suit your needs, whether it’s a few hours a week or daily support.

For example:

• 2 hours a week: £82.40

• 1 hour every day of the week: £288

These are typical examples to give you a sense of cost, but every care plan is tailored to your needs. Our team can help you work out what fits your budget, including using personal budgets, top-ups, or other funding sources.

Choosing Home Instead means more than just paying for care — it’s about peace of mind, safety, and maintaining independence at home. Our caregivers are trained, compassionate, and locally based, ensuring you or your loved one receive the support you deserve.

Contact us to discuss your care needs and get a personalised plan:

• Phone: 01726 829312

• Email: [email protected]

• Or visit: Home Instead Mid Cornwall