Getting a helping hand can help people remain independent with dementia

Anyone whose dementia affects daily life is entitled to a care needs assessment, which includes a financial check and typically leads to a decision in four to six weeks, though delays occur. NHS continuing healthcare can cover full care costs when the majority of needs are health-related, but around 80% of CHC applications were rejected in 2024.

Accessing formal support begins with a care needs assessment, which is available to anyone whose dementia affects daily life, safety or independence. This assessment can be arranged by the person, a GP, or a relative and usually involves a visit from social services at home. A financial assessment follows the needs assessment and considers savings held in bank accounts (the family home is not included). Early diagnosis allows time for personalised care planning, and arrangements are normally reviewed at least every 12 months or sooner after significant changes. Key facts: - A care needs assessment identifies what support is required and prompts a financial assessment; decisions are typically expected within four to six weeks, though delays are common. - If a person has more than £23,250 in savings (excluding the home), they are generally not eligible for financial help for care needs under the means-tested system. - Carers who provide at least 35 hours of care per week for someone receiving benefits such as attendance allowance or PIP can request a carer’s assessment; the article notes a carer’s allowance figure of £83.80 per week and an earnings eligibility threshold of under £196 per week after tax. - NHS continuing healthcare (CHC) can cover the full cost of home care or a care home when the majority of care addresses health needs; CHC is not means tested and decisions should be made within 28 days of assessment, but around 80% of CHC applications were rejected in 2024. - Beacon, a social enterprise funded by NHS England, is named as a source of independent advice on CHC and offers up to 90 minutes of no-cost guidance; applications are made via local Integrated Care Boards. - If CHC is not awarded, some people in nursing homes may be eligible for funded nursing care (noted as £254.06 per week in England), with the remainder of fees subject to the means-tested social care system. Summary: Formal assessments determine eligibility for different types of funded care and involve both needs and financial checks. Timelines for decisions are set (about four to six weeks for local decisions and 28 days for CHC assessments) but delays are frequently reported, and outcomes affect whether costs are covered, partially covered, or remain means tested.