Whether you’re planning ahead or responding to a sudden change in circumstance, understanding how to pay for care can feel overwhelming. You may be asking: Will the council help? How much will it cost? What’s my next step?

If you live in Somerset, there’s good news — Somerset Council offers a range of funding options to support your care journey. And this guide is here to help you make sense of it all.

Step 1: Care and Support Assessment – Where It All Begins

The first step in accessing support is to complete a Care and Support Assessment. This is a free service that helps determine what kind of care you need and whether you’re eligible for support from Somerset Council.

A trained adult social care professional will speak with you about:

Daily tasks you may struggle with (like getting dressed or preparing meals)
Your mental and physical wellbeing
The support you already have in place (from family, friends, etc.)
Any safety concerns or risks in your current living situation

This is your gateway to everything that follows — services, support, and funding.

How to book your assessment:

Call Somerset Directon 0300 123 2224

Step 2: Financial Assessment (Means Test) – Will You Be Asked to Contribute?

If your Care and Support Assessment shows you’re eligible for help, Somerset Council will then carry out a Financial Assessment. This determines how much you’ll need to pay towards the cost of your care.

Key thresholds:

Savings over £23,250→ You’ll pay the full cost of your care (self-funding)
Savings between £14,250 and £23,250→ You’ll pay a contribution based on your income and assets
Savings below £14,250→ You may be eligible for maximum support, contributing only from your income

The assessment looks at savings, income, and (if you’re going into residential care) the value of your property.

More info: Help with Paying for Care and Support

Step 3: Care Options That May Be Funded

a) Home Care (Non-Residential)

If you wish to stay in your own home, Somerset Council may help fund:

Personal care (washing, dressing, grooming)
Support with medication or meal preparation
Equipment and adaptations to help you stay safe

More details: Home Care and Support

b) Residential and Nursing Care

If your needs require a move into a care home or nursing facility, Somerset Council will carry out a separate assessment. The value of your home may be considered in the financial test unless a partner or dependent still lives there.

Learn more: Paying for Your Care

Step 4: Direct Payments – Choose Your Own Care Provider

If you’re eligible for funding, you don’t have to go with council-arranged services. Instead, you can receive a Direct Payment, which gives you control over:

Who delivers your care
When and how it’s provided
How to tailor support to your preferences

The money is paid to you directly, and you manage the budget (with guidance available).

Learn more: Direct Payments

Step 5: Deferred Payment Agreements – Don’t Rush to Sell Your Home

If you’re moving into a care home and most of your capital is tied up in your property, you may be eligible for a Deferred Payment Agreement (DPA).

This allows you to:

Delay paying care home fees
Let the council pay them on your behalf
Repay them later (usually when your home is sold)

It’s a sensible way to access care without making rushed financial decisions.

Full info: Paying for Your Care

Step 6: Don’t Forget About Additional Support

Carer’s Assessments

If someone provides regular, unpaid care for you, they may be entitled to their own Carer’s Assessment.

This may lead to:

Emotional or practical support
Respite care
Financial help
Signposting to local services

Info: Caring for Someone

Benefits and Financial Help

Even if you don’t qualify for full council funding, you may still be entitled to:

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

These benefits can help ease the pressure on your finances while keeping you or your loved one safe and supported.

More info: Help with Paying for Care and Support

Step 7: Seek Independent Financial Advice

Making long-term care decisions can be daunting — especially when property or inheritance is involved. That’s why Somerset Council encourages families to speak with a regulated, independent financial adviser.

An adviser can help you:

Understand your full range of options
Make informed decisions about funding
Explore things like equity release or inheritance planning

More info: Help with Paying for Care and Support

How Care with Confidence Can Help — For Free

At Care with Confidence, we understand that navigating care funding can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re already trying to find the right services, make decisions for loved ones, or juggle your own emotions.

That’s why we’re here.

Want to talk after work, when the house is quiet? We’ll be there.
Need help filling out forms or understanding council language? We’ve got you.
Prefer to speak with a real human rather than read through guides? Just call us.

Email: hello@bigsistercare.com
Visit: www.bigsistercare.com

We don’t believe in pressure. Just real help — when and how you need it.

In Summary: Your Somerset Care Funding Checklist