How to Get Funded Home Care in Buckinghamshire: Council & NHS Options Explained
Many families assume they must pay for home care themselves, but that isn’t always the case. Depending on your financial circumstances and care needs, you may qualify for funded home care in Buckinghamshire through Buckinghamshire Council, the NHS, or government benefits that help reduce ongoing care costs.
Understanding the available funding options can make home care more affordable while ensuring your loved one receives the support they need to remain safe, independent, and comfortable at home.
Quick Answer
There are three main ways to access funded home care in Buckinghamshire:
- Buckinghamshire Council funding through a Better Lives Assessment and financial assessment (means-tested).
- NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) for people with significant health needs (not means-tested).
- Attendance Allowance, a non-means-tested benefit that helps older adults pay for care.
Many families combine these funding options with private care to reduce the overall cost of home care.
Buckinghamshire Council Funding for Home Care
If you think you or your loved one may need help at home, your first step should be requesting a Better Lives Assessment from Buckinghamshire Council.
Under the Care Act 2014, anyone who appears to have care needs has the right to request a care assessment. The assessment identifies what support is required to help someone remain independent and safe at home.
The process includes two stages.
1. Better Lives Assessment
A social care professional will discuss how daily life is being affected by age, illness, disability, or reduced mobility.
They will consider areas such as:
- Personal care
- Preparing meals
- Mobility
- Medication management
- Home safety
- Emotional wellbeing
- Independence
Family members or advocates can attend the assessment if required.
2. Financial Assessment (Means Test)
If eligible care needs are identified, Buckinghamshire Council carries out a financial assessment to determine whether they will contribute towards the cost of care.
Current Financial Thresholds
| Savings & Assets | Likely Outcome |
| Under £14,250 | May qualify for maximum council funding |
| £14,250–£23,250 | Partial contribution based on income and savings |
| Above £23,250 | Usually expected to self-fund care |
Even if your savings are above the upper threshold, requesting an assessment is still worthwhile. It provides professional advice, confirms eligible care needs, and explains the support available.
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
For people with significant medical needs, funded home care in Buckinghamshire may be available through NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC).
Unlike council funding, NHS Continuing Healthcare is not based on income or savings.
Instead, eligibility depends entirely on whether someone has a primary health need.
People may qualify if they have conditions such as:
- Advanced neurological disorders
- Complex dementia
- Severe physical disabilities
- Progressive illnesses
- Palliative care needs
- Multiple long-term health conditions
The assessment usually starts with an NHS Checklist before progressing to a full multidisciplinary assessment.
If approved, NHS Continuing Healthcare can cover the full cost of home care, including specialist live-in care where appropriate.
For official eligibility guidance, refer to the NHS information on NHS Continuing Healthcare.
Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance is one of the most valuable forms of financial support available to older adults receiving home care.
Unlike council funding, Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, meaning your savings do not affect eligibility.
It is available for people who:
- Have reached State Pension age.
- Need help with personal care because of illness or disability.
- Have required support for at least six months (unless they are terminally ill).
Many families receiving funded home care in Buckinghamshire use Attendance Allowance to reduce weekly care costs.
Depending on the level of care required, the payment can make a meaningful contribution towards ongoing home care expenses.
Family carers providing substantial unpaid care may also qualify for Carer’s Allowance, subject to eligibility criteria.
Families considering home support can also explore our domiciliary care services to understand how flexible visiting care can help older adults remain independent while receiving the right level of support at home.
Real-World Example
Imagine an 83-year-old gentleman living in Buckinghamshire after recovering from a stroke. He struggles with mobility, preparing meals, and taking medication independently.
His family requests a Better Lives Assessment from Buckinghamshire Council to understand what support he needs.
Although his savings exceed the council funding threshold, the assessment confirms that daily home care would significantly improve his safety and independence.
The family then successfully applies for Attendance Allowance, helping reduce weekly care costs. Because he also has ongoing medical needs, his GP recommends an NHS Continuing Healthcare Checklist to determine whether additional funding may be available.
While he does not qualify for full NHS funding, exploring every available funding route helps the family build a more affordable long-term care plan while ensuring he receives the right support at home.
Steps to Apply for Funded Home Care in Buckinghamshire
If you think you or your loved one may qualify for funded home care in Buckinghamshire, follow these steps:
1. Request a Better Lives Assessment
Contact Buckinghamshire Council Adult Social Care and ask for a Better Lives Assessment. Even if you expect to self-fund, the assessment identifies eligible care needs and explains available support.
2. Ask About NHS Continuing Healthcare
If your loved one has complex medical needs, ask your GP, district nurse, or hospital team whether they should receive an NHS Continuing Healthcare Checklist.
3. Apply for Attendance Allowance
Older adults over State Pension age who need personal care should apply for Attendance Allowance, regardless of their savings.
4. Request a Financial Assessment
If you may qualify for council funding, a financial assessment will determine how much you may need to contribute towards your care costs.
5. Consider Direct Payments
If approved, Direct Payments allow you to choose your preferred home care provider instead of using a council-contracted agency.
How Buckingham Home Care Company Can Help
Navigating care funding can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Whether you’re applying for council funding, exploring NHS Continuing Healthcare, or arranging private care, Buckingham Home Care Company can help you understand your options and choose the right level of support.
If you’re comparing care costs before applying for funding, read our guide to live-in care cost in Buckinghamshire to understand current pricing and what affects weekly care fees.
We provide personalised home care across:
- Buckingham
- Winslow
- Aylesbury
- Oxford
- Banbury
- Bicester
including:
- Live-in Care
- Domiciliary Care
- Dementia Care
- Respite Care
- Complex Care
Our team also offers a free home care assessment to help families plan care based on individual needs and budget.
FAQs
Q1.How do I apply for funded home care in Buckinghamshire?
Start by requesting a Better Lives Assessment from Buckinghamshire Council. If eligible, you’ll also complete a financial assessment to determine any contribution towards care costs.
Q2.Can I receive NHS funding for home care?
Yes. People with significant medical needs may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare, which is based on health needs rather than income or savings.
Q3.Is Attendance Allowance means-tested?
No. Attendance Allowance is available regardless of savings and can help older adults pay for home care.
Q4.Can I choose my own home care provider?
Yes. If you receive Direct Payments or a Personal Health Budget, you can usually choose your preferred care provider.
Q5. How long does it take to get funded home care in Buckinghamshire?
The timeframe varies depending on individual circumstances. A Better Lives Assessment can usually be arranged within a few weeks, while NHS Continuing Healthcare assessments may take longer if a full multidisciplinary assessment is required.