A great many people worry about having to move into a nursing home not least because of the cost of nursing home care.

Nursing homes fall into three distinct categories, residential, nursing and EMI (elderly mentally infirm) care. The cost of care varies depending upon the category of the nursing home.

A move to a nursing home cannot be made before a care package has been agreed with you or your family. The care package will be prepared solely upon your needs and will not take account of your financial position. If the care package involves a move to a nursing home then a separate financial assessment will be made. The financial assessment takes into account your total income and your capital position. If you own a house, then the value of the house will be included as capital for the financial assessment.

Subject to you qualifying, the total cost of your care will be met by the State. Where this occurs you will be left with the capital you have and will receive the pocket money allowance.

If your capital exceeds the then current capital limit, you will be required to contribute towards the cost of your care on a sliding scale. Depending upon the level of nursing care that you require the State will also make a separate contribution towards the overall cost of your care.

Where you are totally self funding, you retain all your state benefits and you or your family become responsible for the payment of the care home fees.

Our expert team at Hewitts can answer any queries or concerns you may have about this subject and ensure that everything is in place to make your move, should the need arise, to a nursing home smooth and trouble free.