stage: 4
No money for a care home — what the local council is legally required to do
If a person with dementia has assets below the lower means-test threshold, currently around 14,250 pounds in England, the local council is legally obliged to fund their care in full. Between 14,250 pounds and 23,250 pounds, contributions are expected on a sliding scale. The council will carry out a care needs assessment and a financial assessment to determine eligibility. If the person also has complex healthcare needs, they may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare, in which case the NHS funds all care costs regardless of their financial position. Nobody should go without appropriate care because of a lack of funds.