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Paying for palliative care: an overview
Palliative care is a vital form of specialist care provided to people who have received a terminal illness diagnosis. It helps support them with ongoing medical care, pain management, symptom management, and emotional and mental health support.
This holistic care is designed to improve the quality of life for people nearing the end of life. Care can be provided in a variety of settings including a hospital, care home, nursing home, hospice or at home. The type of care your loved one receives depends on their individual circumstances and care needs.
There are several options when it comes to paying for palliative care or end-of-life care:
- Privately (self-funding)
- Charitable organisations
- The NHS (including NHS Continuing Healthcare)
- Local authority social care support
Which options are available to your loved one depends on their specific care needs and financial circumstances, which we will explore below.
Get in touch about our Palliative care service
Key Takeaways:
- You're not responsible for care home fees unless you've agreed to pay them
- Your loved one's finances will be assessed to determine their contribution
- There are different ways to pay for care: self-funding, council help, NHS Continuing Healthcare, or other NHS support
- Be careful about transferring assets to avoid paying for care costs
- Any unpaid care costs will be deducted from your loved one's estate after they pass
- People in the last year of their life may be eligible for fast-tracked NHS funding
- A care plan developed by health and social care professionals will outline what care you receive
How much will you have to pay for palliative care?
How much your loved one has to pay for palliative care depends on the level of care they need and where they will receive it.
In a private care home or nursing home, it can cost between £750 and £2,000 per week. This will need to be paid by your loved one using their savings or money from their estate if they choose private palliative care. This also applies if your loved one wants to receive palliative care at home through home-based palliative care services.
If your loved one is currently privately paying for their care home fees, they will also need to pay for palliative care if they are hoping to stay at that same care home. Hospice care is free, however, it is usually only available to those who need end of life care.
At Ashberry Care Homes, we offer experienced and affordable palliative care in our homes across the UK:
- Meadowview, Warrington – From £916.44 per week
- Moorhouse, Hindhead – From £1032.70 per week
- Holmer Court, Hereford – From £852.24 per week
- Broomy Hill, Hereford – From £1046.97 per week
- Blaenos House, Llandovery – From £900.39 per week
- Allt Y Mynydd, West Wales – From £991.34 per week
NHS Funding Options for End-of-Life Care
NHS Continuing Healthcare for Palliative and End-of-Life Care
Because palliative care often involves complex clinical care needs, many people qualify for nhs continuing healthcare. This means the NHS covers all care costs, including accommodation in a care home or nursing home. Healthcare professionals assess your care needs through a comprehensive evaluation.
If you're eligible for NHS continuing healthcare, the NHS pays the entire amount directly to care providers, ensuring you receive palliative care free of charge. This funding is available whether you choose care in a care home, receive care at home, or require hospital-based care.
The assessment process can be fast-tracked for those in the last year of their life, ensuring rapid access to necessary support.
NHS-Funded Nursing Care and Care Service Options
Even if you don't qualify for full NHS continuing healthcare, you may still receive NHS support for nursing care components. The NHS provides funding for registered nursing care within care homes and nursing homes, reducing the overall cost of care.
Home Care and Care at Home Services
For those preferring to receive palliative care at home, several funding options exist:
- Local authority social care assessments
- NHS-funded home care services
- Charitable organisations like Marie Curie providing round-the-clock care
- Disabled Facilities Grant for home adaptations
Who Needs to Pay for End-of-Life Care?
Understanding Your Financial Responsibilities
You are not responsible for care fees unless you've specifically agreed to pay towards the cost. The person receiving the care has their finances assessed to determine their contribution to care costs.
Healthcare and social care professionals work together to develop a care plan that outlines funding arrangements. Many people receive specialist palliative care funded entirely by the nhs, particularly when care needs are primarily healthcare-related.
When Private Funding May Apply
Private funding typically applies when:
- Choosing specific care home accommodation beyond NHS provision
- Requesting private home care services with additional services
- Selecting care providers not contracted with local healthcare systems
However, even privately paying residents often find that when they require palliative care, local authorities may cover costs if care needs increase significantly.
Get Palliative Care: Available Care Service Types
Hospice Care vs. Palliative Care Services
While all hospice care involves palliative care, not all palliative care is hospice care. Hospice care specifically supports people in their end of their life, while palliative care services can begin at any stage of serious illness.
Hospice care is typically provided free of charge through NHS funding or charitable organisations, offering specialist palliative care teams and comprehensive support.
Hospital-Based vs. Home-Based Options
You can receive care at home through various providers, from NHS district nursing teams to private home care providers. Hospital based complex clinical care may be necessary for managing complex symptoms, whilst many prefer the comfort of receiving care at home with family support.
The palliative care team works across settings, ensuring continuity whether care is provided at home, in hospitals, or within residential settings.
Find a Care Home or Home Care Provider
Choosing Where to Receive Care
Your care plan will outline suitable options for your situation. You might choose to receive care in various settings:
- Care home or nursing home: Providing 24/7 professional support
- Home or in a care setting: Maintaining familiar surroundings
- Home or in a hospice: Accessing specialist palliative care teams
Each option offers different benefits, and funding arrangements vary accordingly.
Working with Care Professionals
Health and social care professionals help coordinate your package of care, ensuring appropriate funding streams support your needs. Whether you need home care, care home placement, or hospital-based care, these professionals guide you through available options.
A consultant in palliative medicine may be involved in developing your care plan, particularly for complex clinical care requirements.
Paying for Your Care: Financial Planning
Asset Protection and Care Fees
Be cautious about transferring assets solely to avoid paying care costs, as this can affect eligibility assessments. Any unpaid care costs will be deducted from your loved one's estate after they pass.
Social care assessments consider all financial circumstances when determining what you pay towards care services.
What Happens When Money Runs Out
If your loved one requires ongoing care but private funds are exhausted, local authorities typically continue funding arrangements, particularly in established care home settings. The key is early communication with healthcare teams to ensure smooth transitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you refuse to pay for palliative care costs? If you qualify for NHS funding, you won't need to pay for palliative care. Even without full NHS continuing healthcare eligibility, basic palliative care services are often funded by the NHS through various programs.
When should palliative care begin? Palliative care aims to help people as early as possible after terminal diagnosis. You don't need to wait until end-of-life stages – palliative care offers most benefit when started promptly alongside other treatments.
Are family members responsible for care costs? Family members are not automatically responsible for care fees unless they've agreed to specific financial arrangements. The person needing care has their situation assessed independently.
Getting Support
At Ashberry Care Homes, we understand that navigating end of life care costs and determining available support can feel overwhelming when choosing appropriate care options. Our experienced teams help families access local agencies providing care and support.
Whether you require specialist care, have questions about funding, or need guidance on care options, we can help connect you with appropriate healthcare resources. Our palliative care services focus on dignity, comfort, and maintaining independence whilst ensuring all residents receive expert care tailored to their individual needs.
Key Takeaways:
- Most palliative care can be provided through NHS funding
- NHS continuing healthcare covers comprehensive care needs
- Family members typically don't need to pay for care costs
- Care can be provided at home, in care homes, or hospital settings
- Early assessment ensures appropriate funding arrangements
- Specialist palliative care teams coordinate care across all settings
Contact us today to learn more about our palliative care services and funding options available in your area. We're here to support you through this important journey, ensuring your loved one receives the compassionate, personalised care they deserve.
