If you or someone you love needs care, one of the most stressful parts can be figuring out how to pay for it. But if you live on the Isle of Wight, you might be surprised to learn that council support is available — and it starts with just one phone call.

This blog will guide you through the care funding process step-by-step, helping you understand what the Isle of Wight Council offers, how to access it, and where to get personalised support along the way.

Step 1: It All Begins with a Care Needs Assessment

Before anything else, the council needs to understand your situation. That’s why the first step is always a Care Needs Assessment.

This free, confidential process helps identify:

What tasks you or your loved one are struggling with (e.g. dressing, cooking, mobility)
The level of support needed
What you’re already doing to cope

A social care professional will work with you to figure out the best way forward — whether that’s home care, residential care, or a mix of support services.

How to get started:

Call:01983 823340
Online:Visit the Adult Social Care page

This assessment is the foundation for all further support — including funding.

Step 2: Financial Assessment – What Will You Have to Pay?

Once your care needs are confirmed, you’ll be asked to complete a Financial Assessment. This helps the council understand your ability to contribute toward the cost of your care.

Key thresholds on the Isle of Wight:

Over £23,250 in savings?You’ll pay the full cost of your care.
Under £23,250?You may be eligible for full or partial financial support, depending on your income and assets.

The council will take into account:

Savings and investments
Pension and other income
Property (for residential care)

For full details, visit: Paying for Your Care

Step 3: What Kind of Care Can Be Funded?

a) Home Care (Non-Residential)

If you live at home and need help with personal care or household tasks, the council can fund:

Carers to help with daily routines
Support for medication management
Equipment and home adaptations

Your financial contribution will be calculated after your assessment.

b) Residential and Nursing Care

If full-time care is needed, the council will consider:

The cost of residential or nursing home care
Whether you own property (and whether it will be counted)
Other benefits or funding streams

Learn more: Deferred Payment Scheme

Step 4: Direct Payments – Your Budget, Your Choice

If you’re eligible for council funding, you don’t have to let them manage your care. Instead, you can choose Direct Payments.

This means:

You receive funds directly into a designated account
You choose and manage your own care providers or personal assistants
You gain flexibility over how, when, and where your support is delivered

Get started: Your Personal Budget Guide (PDF)

Step 5: Deferred Payment Agreements – Don’t Sell Your Home in a Hurry

Worried about selling your home to fund care? You may not have to — at least not right away.

The Isle of Wight Council offers a Deferred Payment Agreement, which allows you to:

Move into a care home without selling your house immediately
Let the council cover your care costs
Repay them later (usually when your property is sold)

This scheme provides breathing room to make decisions at your pace.

Learn more: Deferred Payment Scheme

Step 6: Extra Help You Might Not Know About

Carer’s Assessments

If you’re looking after someone else, you may qualify for your own Carer’s Assessment. This identifies your support needs as a carer — including respite care, emotional wellbeing, and financial help.

Learn more: Adult Social Care

Benefits You Could Be Missing

Even if you’re not eligible for full council funding, you may qualify for:

Attendance Allowance
Carer’s Allowance
Pension Credit
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

For more on this, visit: Finance and Benefit Information

Step 7: Speak to a Financial Adviser

Care funding decisions can affect your future, your home, and your family. That’s why the council recommends speaking with an independent financial adviser before making big choices.

A good adviser can help with:

Long-term care planning
Protecting family assets
Understanding your options

For more guidance, review the Direct Payment Audit Process Factsheet (PDF)

How Care with Confidence Can Help — For Free

At Care with Confidence, we understand how emotional and confusing care funding can be. That’s why we’re here — not just with guides like this one, but with real people who are happy to talk it through with you.

You don’t have to spend hours reading council policies if you’d rather talk. And you don’t have to wait until 9am on a weekday to get help.

We’re here: