8.40.5
Residential  Care - Financial matters

Extent: Jersey
Updated 27 August 2010
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How to apply for financial  assistance for long-term care

[The Social Security Department  has a booklet entitled "Moving into Residential Care" which is available from the CAB or can be downloaded at www.gov.je/SiteCollectionDocuments/Benefits%20and%20financial%20support/ID%20BOOKLET%20Families%2020100209%20JS.pdf

1.If a client can afford to fund their own care home fees he/she can make their own arrangements directly with the home. However, self-funders need to be aware that if they approach the Social Security Department for assistance with funding in the future they will be required to undergo a personal care assessment and financial assessment . If funding is approved it will only be to the maximum amount appropriate to their care level. If the client has placed himsilf/herself in a home with higher fees he/she will need to move to a home with a fee level within the agreed range.

2.Assessment of care needs is carried out by either a social worker or a health care professional from the Health and Social Services Department. If the assessment indicates that residential care is appropriate  then the individual is automatically exempt from the work test under the Income Support System. The person in need of residential care or a family member/carer should contact the Income Support Section at the  Social Security Department, who will help the applicant ,or their carer, complete an Income Support Benefit application form. The care home must be registere under the Nursing and Residential Homes [Jersey] Law 1994 or is a home that is run by the Health and Social Services Department.      

Also see information on claiming income support benefit and current rates at 9.3.0 .  

3. In order to qualify for assistance with long-term care fees the capital of the applicant [and their partner if applicable] must be less than the current capital limits for income support benefit, currently £13,053 for a single person or £21,636 for a couple, and the income of the applicant [and their partner if applicable] must be less than the current cost of weekly care fees as appropriate to their care needs. Capital assets do not include the value of the applicant's main residence The current maximum weekly care rates are :-

Standard Residential-£580.72, High Dependency Residential-£746.64 and Nursing [accommodation charge only]-£438.20.

In addition to the weekly care rate a personal allowance of £30 is allowed to cover the cost of discretionary purchases.

4. If the applicant [and/or their partner if applicable] owns or part owns the applicant's main residence prior to moving into care then any income support provided will be as a loan secured against the property rather than a grant.The total cost will be reclaimed  from the value of the property following the death of the applicant [and their partner if applicable]. Owners are encouraged to rent out their property in order to offset part of the cost of the care fees and to reduce the amount of benefit to be repaid at a later date.

5. The income of a single applicant must be less than the appropriate maximum weekly care rate. In the case of a couple the income of both will be taken into consideration but an allowance will be made for the living costs of the partner who is not receiving care using the standard income support components.

6. Deprivation of income or capital

If an elderly person going into residential or nursing care has directly or indirectly deprived himself/herself of any income or capital in order to qualify for income support benefit than the amount of that income or capital will be included in his /her total income or capital for the purposes of calculating entitlement.

 Addendum

• Continuing Care Hospital bed (Sandybrook, The Limes or St Saviour's Hospital). This decision can only be made by the appropriate consultant, - not the General Practitioner, or the family.
• A Parish owned Home - St Ewold's, Maison de Ville, St Helier House or Maison St Brelade. The Parishes keep their own waiting lists, and decide who can be admitted, with preference being given to their own parishioners, see table above for fees.
• A charitably run Home - Ridout House, Glanville, Jeanne Jugan Residence, Maison La Corderie or Stuart Court. These Homes also keep their own waiting lists, and should be contacted regarding the level of care provided and the charges.
• Private Residential Homes - All provide 24 hour care, but facilities regarding size of rooms, lifts etc. are variable. Advice on vacancies and suitability may be obtained direct from the Home, or through the Social Workers. If the resident is able to pay the fees themselves, their admission may be arranged directly with the Home, but if assistance is required, a Social Worker must be contacted first.