Planning care for yourself or a loved one often comes with a big, difficult question: How do we afford this? If you’re based in Wiltshire, the good news is that the council offers several pathways to help fund care — but understanding the system is key.

This step-by-step blog walks you through what Wiltshire Council provides, what you need to do next, and where to turn when you need support.

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

Before any funding can be accessed, you’ll need a Care and Support Needs Assessment. This is a free and essential step where a social care professional assesses:

Your daily routines and what’s difficult
Physical and emotional wellbeing
Current support from family or carers
Risks or safety concerns

This conversation ensures your care is tailored to your specific situation — and it’s the foundation of any funding decisions.

How to book your assessment:

Phone:Call the Advice and Contact Team on 0300 456 0111
Online:Wiltshire Adult Social Care – Request Support

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

Once you’ve had your care needs assessed, the next step is a Financial Assessment (or means test). This determines how much you’ll contribute toward your care and how much the council will help with.

Key thresholds:

Savings over £23,250→ You’ll pay the full cost of your care
Savings between £14,250 and £23,250→ You’ll pay a contribution based on income and assets
Savings under £14,250→ You may be eligible for full council support, contributing only from your income

Details: Paying for Support – Wiltshire Council

Step 3: What Types of Care Can Be Funded?

Wiltshire Council provides financial support for a wide range of care services.

a) Home Care (Non-Residential)

If you live at home, the council may help fund:

Daily carer visits
Help with personal care and domestic tasks
Medication support
Equipment or minor home modifications

More info: Paying for Support at Home

b) Residential and Nursing Care

If you require full-time care in a residential or nursing facility, a different financial assessment applies. If you own your home, its value may be considered unless someone such as a partner still lives there.

Learn more: Residential Care Assessment

Step 4: Direct Payments – Take Control of Your Care

If you’re eligible for support, you can choose to receive it as a Direct Payment — giving you more control and flexibility.

With Direct Payments, you:

Receive funding directly
Choose and hire your own carers or support services
Arrange care in a way that fits your lifestyle and preferences

More info: Direct Payments Guide

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

Worried about selling your home to pay for care? You might not need to — thanks to Deferred Payment Agreements.

This scheme allows the council to:

Pay your residential care costs now
Reclaim the funds later (usually after your home is sold)

It’s a way to relieve financial pressure while ensuring your care continues uninterrupted.

Details: Deferred Payment Scheme

Step 6: Additional Support and Benefits

Carer’s Assessments

If someone provides unpaid care for you, they may be entitled to a Carer’s Assessment — which could lead to:

Emotional support
Respite breaks
Financial assistance

Learn more: Support for Carers

Other Benefits

Even if you’re not eligible for full council funding, you may still be entitled to:

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

Explore: Financial Support Options

Step 7: Get Independent Financial Advice

Planning for care is a big decision — especially when savings, inheritance, or property are involved. That’s why Wiltshire Council encourages you to speak with a regulated financial adviser.

They can help you:

Explore all funding options
Understand deferred payments or equity release
Make confident, informed decisions

Visit: Adult Social Care Policies and Strategies

How Care with Confidence Can Help — For Free

At Care with Confidence, we know that navigating care funding isn’t just about paperwork — it’s about people. It’s about helping families get the support they deserve without the stress and confusion.

That’s why we’re here to offer: