Introduction
Paying for your own care and support (self-funding)
Most people assessed as able to pay for the full cost of their care make their own care and support arrangements, as there is no need for council involvement. This is called ‘self-funding’.
You can search and arrange your own care by contacting care providers directly. A list of local care providers can be found in the following resources:
Non-residential care
Following your assessment, if the council offers to meet your needs through the provision of non-residential care, you can make your own arrangements or ask the council to do this for you. You will still have to pay the full cost of your care, and we may charge a fee for this service.
Care homes
Following your assessment, if the council offers to meet your needs in a care home, the council won’t make arrangements on your behalf unless there is a good reason - for example, if you lack mental capacity and have no legally appointed representative.
Care homes may charge different rates for people who are self-funding compared to those who are part-funded by the council. When choosing a care home, you should consider whether the care home will accept council rates if you are unable to continue to pay for your own care. If they don’t, and you are unable to pay for your own care, you will need to move to a new home.
If you are thinking of moving into a care home in another county, it’s a good idea to contact the local authority for that area before you move. They will be able to tell you what support they can offer if you run out of funds.
See also our page on what to do when your funds are running low.
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