Top-up your care contribution
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Choosing a care home
We will try to make sure there is a choice of homes to meet your needs.
If you like a particular care home, you can go there as long as:
- it is suitable for your assessed care and support needs
- the cost is within your personal budget
- they have a space for you
- the home agrees to the council’s rules
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If you lack the capacity to make decisions
If you lack the capacity to make your own decision about where to live, we will ask for a deputy or a person with the power of attorney.
Find more information on people who lack capacity.
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What is a top-up payment
If you choose a care home that costs more than the amount in your personal budget, someone can ‘top-up’ the payment.
A family member or a friend may agree to pay.
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Example of a top-up payment
You would like to choose a care home which costs £900 per week. Your personal budget is £800 per week. So, you need to find £100 per week to afford the care home.
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Arranging the top-up
You cannot pay the top-up yourself.
The people who agree to top-up for your care will need to pay for the entire duration of your stay in the care home.
We will ask them for information about their finances.
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Moving to an affordable care home
If you are not able to arrange for a top-up, you may need to move to an affordable care home.
If the payments stop, then you may have to move to a different care home.
We will do a review every 2 years. If you do not agree with our decisions, you can make a complaint to the council.