Guides

When it comes to finding care for someone you love, emotions often come first. You want to make sure they’re comfortable, supported, and treated with dignity. But then comes the question everyone dreads — how do we pay for it?

At Maucare, we meet families every day who are facing this exact question. The truth is, navigating care funding can be confusing. There are assessments, council criteria, private fees, and emotional decisions all happening at once. It’s a lot to take in.

But planning care doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right guidance, you can make clear, confident choices that balance care needs and financial reality.

Let’s break it down — the same way we do with our families at Maucare — into three simple steps: Assess, Explore, and Budget.

1. Assess: Understanding What Level of Care Is Needed

Before you start looking at costs, it’s important to know what kind of care your loved one truly needs. Too often, families jump straight into financial discussions before they’ve even clarified what daily support will look like.

An assessment — either through your local council or privately — helps you determine the level of care and support required. This might include:

• Personal care – assistance with washing, dressing, medication or meals

• Companionship care – visits to reduce loneliness and help with errands or appointments

• Specialist care – for conditions such as dementia, learning disabilities, or end-of-life care

• Live-in care – 24-hour support at home, often as an alternative to residential care

At Maucare, we take the time to really get to know each person before recommending any plan. I always say, “Care should never be one-size-fits-all.” Every person’s needs, habits, and personality matter.

A proper care assessment ensures your loved one receives exactly what they need — not too little, not too much — and that you’re only paying for the right level of support.

2. Explore: Finding Out What Help You’re Eligible For

Once you know what care is needed, the next question is who can help pay for it. This is where many families feel lost — and where we can guide you through the options.

Council Support

If your loved one has limited savings or income, your local council may cover part or all of their care costs. You’ll need a financial assessment (means test) to determine eligibility. This assessment looks at income, savings, and sometimes the value of a home (depending on whether the person still lives there).

If your loved one’s assets are below the national threshold (currently £23,250 in England), the council may contribute towards the cost of care.

NHS Continuing Healthcare

If your loved one’s needs are primarily medical, they may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare — fully funded care arranged and paid for by the NHS. This is particularly relevant for people with complex or long-term conditions.

Other Benefits and Support

Many families don’t realise how many smaller forms of support exist, such as:

• Attendance Allowance (for those over pension age who need help with personal care)

• Carer’s Allowance (for those providing regular unpaid care)

• Council Tax reduction for people with dementia or severe mental impairment

• Equipment and home adaptations funded by occupational therapy referrals

At Maucare, we often work alongside families to explore these options — liaising with local authorities and health professionals to ensure nothing is missed. As I often remind families, “There’s no harm in asking — the worst they can say is no, and the best could save you thousands.”

3. Budget: Planning for Long-Term Peace of Mind

After you’ve assessed the care needs and explored what support might be available, it’s time to look at your own budget and contribution.

This is where transparency becomes vital. You should always understand:

• How care costs are calculated (hourly rates, live-in care, additional visits, etc.)

• What’s included in the price (travel, equipment, night support)

• When and how you’ll be invoiced

We encourage families to plan ahead and think about the long term — not just the next few months. Needs can change, and it’s best to know how you’ll adapt financially if more care becomes necessary later on.

If you’re unsure, we can help you create a realistic plan that balances your loved one’s care requirements with your financial capacity. We’re not here to sell you more hours or services — we’re here to make sure the care plan truly works for you and your family.

Care Isn’t Just About Numbers — It’s About People

One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learnt in my 17 years in care is that funding is only one part of the picture. What families really want is peace of mind — knowing that their loved one is cared for with honesty, reliability, and integrity.

That’s why our motto at Maucare is “For you, with you.”

It’s not just a slogan — it’s how we work. We walk with families through the entire process, from the first phone call to the day care begins. We explain every cost, every form, and every option in plain English, not jargon.

When people first come to us, they’re often anxious — worried about money, or about making the wrong choice. By the end of our first meeting, most leave with relief, saying “I finally understand what we can do.” That’s the power of information delivered with compassion.

Practical Tips for Families Starting the Journey

If you’re at the beginning of your care journey, here are a few things I recommend:

1. Book a needs assessment early. It can take time for councils to arrange this, so don’t wait until there’s a crisis.

2. Gather financial documents. Have bank statements, benefit letters, and proof of property ownership ready for means testing.

3. Ask questions — lots of them. No good care provider will ever make you feel silly for asking.

4. Visit or meet your care provider in person. Chemistry and trust matter just as much as paperwork.

5. Plan for tomorrow, not just today. Needs change — flexibility in your care plan is essential.

Why We Do What We Do

For me, care isn’t a job — it’s a calling. I still remember the first time I worked with someone who was paralysed from the neck down. I was a young student then, completely new to the world of care. It changed my life. I saw how much difference genuine compassion could make, and how much trust people place in those who care for them.

That experience taught me that care isn’t about doing tasks — it’s about dignity, respect, and human connection.

Today, at Maucare, we bring that same philosophy into every home we visit. Whether we’re helping someone get out of bed, manage medication, or simply share a cup of tea, we know it’s the small moments that matter most.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right care is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make — emotionally, practically, and financially. But you don’t have to do it alone.

By assessing needs carefully, exploring support options, and budgeting realistically, you can find care that brings comfort, independence, and peace of mind for your loved one — and for you too.

At Maucare, we’re here for you, with you, every step of the way.

To learn more about the care options available and how to plan, read our free guide:
👉 Understanding Care: A Family Guide

When I graduated with a degree in Software Engineering, I thought my career path was set. I could see my future mapped out: coding, designing systems, and solving technical challenges in the IT world.

Starting care is rarely a straightforward decision. For most families, the time leading up to it feels heavy with uncertainty.

When care begins, it’s natural to wonder what comes next. Families often ask me: “How will we know Mum is safe? How do we make sure Dad is still treated as himself, not just another care visit on a rota?”

One thing I always say is that care doesn’t end when the visits stop.

At Maucare, we believe that care should never be a “one-size-fits-all” service. Every family, every individual, carries their own story, routines, preferences, and hopes.