The majority of residents going into social care are what is known as “self-funders”. They arrange and pay for their own care or for those of their loved ones, whether that is in their own homes or eventually in residential care. Often arrangements have to be made at short notice, for example, following a fall or a stroke or other medical emergency.
The County Council has a duty to provide information and advice to these residents, and we summarise some of the main information services.
To find essential information in one place and help residents plan and make informed decisions about their care, please go to: www.surreycc.gov.uk/arrangingyourowncare
The pages contain a wealth of information ranging from help with finding the right support to help with money matters, and information for carers, details about advocacy and useful resources.
The County Council has also developed a Considering a care home? checklist to help residents arranging and paying for their own care needs, so they know what to look for and what questions to ask. Being clear on expectations and understanding choices available, will help residents make the best decision on their long-term care and support or those of a loved one.
This dedicated information builds upon existing paying for care information, including links to the online financial assessment and Paying for Care publication.
Other resources include:
- The Care and Support Services directory which has lots of good information on how and when Adult Social Care can help but also lists local regulated care providers.
- Surrey Information Point for regulated care providers and a wide range of other support options in the community.
- Need help finding independent financial advice about care arrangements? Publication. All self-funders are advised to seek independent financial advice when planning for long term care and the County Council recommends the Society of Later Life Advisors as experts in this area.