Organising care for yourself or someone you love is never easy. There’s the emotional weight of the decision — and then there’s the practical question: How will we pay for it?

If you’re in Warwickshire, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through the key steps to understanding what support is available through Warwickshire County Council, how to access it, and where to get free help when you need it most.

Step 1: Start with a Care Needs Assessment

The first step is always a Care Needs Assessment. This free assessment helps the council understand:

What kind of support you need (e.g. washing, dressing, mobility)
How you’re currently coping
What risks might exist in your day-to-day life

A social care professional will talk with you or your loved one to create a personalised care plan.

How to book an assessment:

Call the Customer Service Centreat 01926 359190

More info: Paying for Social Care – Warwickshire County Council

Step 2: Financial Assessment – What Will You Pay?

If your needs qualify for support, the council will carry out a Financial Assessment (also known as a means test) to understand how much of the care you’ll need to pay for.

Key thresholds:

Savings over £23,250→ You’ll pay for your own care (self-funding)
Savings between £14,250 and £23,250→ You’ll contribute a portion of the cost
Savings under £14,250→ You may receive maximum financial support, contributing only from your income

Learn more: Paying for Social Care – Warwickshire

Step 3: What Types of Care Can Be Funded?

a) Home Care (Non-Residential)

If you stay in your own home, you may receive support with:

Daily visits from carers
Help with meals, medication, and mobility
Equipment or home adaptations

Info: Social Care at Home

b) Residential and Nursing Care

If you need to move into a care or nursing home, a separate financial assessment applies. The council may consider the value of your property unless a spouse or dependent still lives there.

Info: Paying for a Care Home – Warwickshire

Step 4: Direct Payments – More Freedom, More Choice

If you’re eligible for council funding, you don’t have to go with the services the council arranges. Instead, you can ask for Direct Payments, which means:

You receive the funding directly
You choose your carers or care agency
You control your own care plan

Learn more: Direct Payments for Social Care

Step 5: Deferred Payment Agreements – Keep Your Home (For Now)

If your capital is tied up in your property and you’re moving into a care home, Warwickshire County Council offers Deferred Payment Agreements.

This lets you:

Delay selling your home
Have the council pay your care costs now
Repay later (usually after your home is sold)

Info: Deferred Payments – Warwickshire

Step 6: Extra Help You Might Not Know About

Carer’s Assessments

If someone is caring for you regularly — whether a partner, adult child, or neighbour — they may be entitled to a Carer’s Assessment. This looks at:

The emotional, physical, and practical impact of caring
Their own wellbeing and support needs
Financial help, training, or respite care

Other Benefits You Could Be Entitled To

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

Attendance Allowance
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Carer’s Allowance
Pension Credit

Guidance: Paying for Social Care

Step 7: Get Independent Financial Advice

Planning for long-term care — especially if property or savings are involved — is a major decision. That’s why Warwickshire County Council recommends seeking regulated independent financial advice.

An adviser can help you:

Understand the best funding route
Explore deferred payment or equity release
Plan for inheritance or estate management

Find more info: Paying for Social Care – Warwickshire

How Care with Confidence Can Help — For Free

We understand that navigating care funding is about more than money — it’s about people, choices, and peace of mind. At Care with Confidence, we’re here to help you: