How fees are set
- Based on care needs, room type, location, and included services (activities, laundry, personal care).
- Check what is included vs. billed separately (hairdressing, chiropody, escorts to appointments).
- Ask how often fees are reviewed and what notice is given for increases.
- Clarify short-stay/respite rates vs. permanent rates; ask about rate changes after a trial period.
Local authority funding and means test
- Means test thresholds change periodically; ask BCP Council for current limits and contributions.
- Assessment considers income, savings, and property (with some disregards and deferrals).
- If eligible, the council agrees a “usual rate”; paying above this may require a third-party top-up.
- Ask about 12-week property disregard and deferred payment arrangements (if applicable) for clarity.
Top-ups: when they apply
- Top-ups are allowed if you choose a home or room that costs more than the council’s usual rate.
- Top-ups must generally be paid by a third party (not from the resident’s own funds in most cases).
- Get top-up agreements in writing: amount, payer, review schedule, consequences of non-payment.
- Confirm what happens if fees rise above the council rate again—will the top-up change?
NHS funding scenarios
- Funded Nursing Care (FNC) may apply if nursing needs are present; paid directly to the home.
- Continuing Healthcare (CHC) is fully funded but strictly assessed; ask if an assessment is appropriate.
- Reassessments: clarify how often eligibility is reviewed and what triggers a reassessment.
Contract questions to ask
- Notice periods for leaving; refunds on pre-paid fees; deposit handling and timelines.
- What triggers fee changes (care needs, inflation, general review) and how increases are communicated.
- Trial stay terms; what happens if funding status changes (self-funder → local authority or vice versa).
- What’s included in the weekly fee vs. extras; how often extras are invoiced.
- Process for complaints and dispute resolution; who is the point of contact.
Practical steps before signing
- Get the fee table in writing with inclusions/exclusions and notice for increases.
- Ask for a draft contract and read it slowly; query any unclear clauses.
- Confirm funding route with BCP Council and whether a top-up will be required.
- If using savings/property, clarify any deferral or disregard options with the council/financial adviser.
- Keep copies of all agreements, assessment letters, and top-up arrangements.
FAQ
- How are care home fees set in Poole? Based on care needs, room type, location, and included services. Check what is included vs. billed separately.
- What is a top-up payment? Top-ups are allowed if you choose a home or room that costs more than the council's usual rate. They must generally be paid by a third party.
- What is Funded Nursing Care (FNC)? FNC may apply if nursing needs are present; it's paid directly to the home by the NHS. Ask if an assessment is appropriate.
- What questions should I ask about fees before signing? Ask about notice periods, refunds on pre-paid fees, deposit handling, what triggers fee changes, trial stay terms, and what's included in the weekly fee vs. extras.