Navigating Home Care Funding in Hampshire, New Forest, Wiltshire, Southampton & Dorset

Finding the right home care can feel overwhelming – and working out how to pay for it can be even more daunting. Whether you’re arranging support after a hospital discharge or simply need help with day-to-day living, it’s important to know what funding options are available.

At CAS Care Solutions, we want families to feel informed and supported. That’s why we’ve put together this step-by-step guide to navigating home care funding across Hampshire, the New Forest, Wiltshire, Southampton, and Dorset.

Step 1: Understand the Main Funding Options

In England, care is usually funded in three ways:

1. Public funding (NHS or local authority)
   • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC): For people with severe, ongoing health needs, the NHS may fully fund your care at home.
   • Intermediate care/reablement: After a hospital stay, you may be entitled to up to six weeks of free short-term support at home.
   • Council support: Your local authority can help pay for care following a Care Needs Assessment and financial means test.
2. Private/self-funding
   • If your savings are above £23,250, you will usually need to pay for your own care.
   • Even if you expect to self-fund, it’s still worth asking the council for a needs assessment. They can give advice and help once your savings fall below the threshold.
3. Charities, benefits & grants
   • Benefits such as Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), and Carer’s Allowance can make a big difference.
   • Disabled Facilities Grants (up to £30,000) may fund home adaptations like stairlifts or accessible bathrooms.
   • Local and national charities (e.g. Age UK, Macmillan, Alzheimer’s Society) may offer grants, respite care, or equipment.

Step 2: Get a Care Needs Assessment

Wherever you live, the process begins with a Care Needs Assessment from your local council. This is:

• Free and open to any adult who might need support.
• The starting point for accessing public funding or advice.
• A chance to discuss what daily activities you’re struggling with and what support would help.

Once your needs are identified, the council will carry out a financial assessment to see how much you should pay.

• Savings over £23,250 → you’ll pay in full.
• £14,250–£23,250 → partial contribution.
• Under £14,250 → you contribute only from income.

Step 3: Follow the Process in Your Area

Hampshire (including New Forest)

• Contact: Hampshire Adults’ Health and Care 0300 555 1386
• Request a Care Needs Assessment and financial assessment.
• If eligible, you’ll receive a personal budget – either services arranged by the council or a Direct Payment to arrange care yourself.
• Reablement services (up to 6 weeks free) are often available after hospital discharge.

Wiltshire

• Contact: Wiltshire Adult Social Care Advice & Contact ☎ 0300 456 0111
• The council handles both care support and housing grants.
• Online tool available to estimate care costs.

Southampton

• Contact: Southampton City Council Adult Social Care ☎ 023 8083 3003
• Care Needs Assessment and financial assessment follow national rules.
• The city runs “Living Well” and “Discharge to Assess” schemes for joined-up NHS and council care.

Dorset

• Contact: Dorset Council Adult Access Team ☎ 01305 221016
• Care Needs Assessment and financial assessment available via council website or phone.
• Reablement and CHC support through NHS Dorset.

BCP Council (Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole)

• Contact: BCP Council Adult Social Care ☎ 01202 123654
• Start by requesting a Care Needs Assessment (free for all residents). The council will then carry out a financial assessment to see if you qualify for help with costs.
• If eligible, you’ll receive a personal budget – you can choose services arranged by the council or take a Direct Payment to organise care yourself.
• BCP works with local NHS teams on reablement and hospital discharge. Short-term reablement services (up to 6 weeks free) are often available after leaving hospital.

Step 4: Check Benefits & Charitable Support

• State Benefits:
  • Attendance Allowance (65+)
  • Personal Independence Payment (under 65)
  • Carer’s Allowance
  • Pension Credit, Council Tax discounts
• Grants:
  • Disabled Facilities Grant (up to £30,000)
  • Local Household Support Funds
  • Charity grants via Turn2Us
• Local charities:
  • Hampshire: Age Concern Hampshire, New Forest Disability Information Service
  • Wiltshire: Carer Support Wiltshire, Wiltshire CIL
  • Southampton: Age UK Southampton, Carers in Southampton
  • Dorset: Age UK Dorset, PramaLife, Carer Support Dorset

Step 5: Plan Ahead

• Review regularly – needs and finances change over time.
• Keep the council informed – once your savings fall under £23,250, you may qualify for support.
• Consider legal planning – a Lasting Power of Attorney makes managing finances and care decisions easier.
• Seek financial advice – from independent advisers specialising in care fees.

Quick Tips

• Always start with a Care Needs Assessment – it’s free and gives you a clear picture.
• Don’t miss out on benefits – many families lose hundreds each month by not claiming.
• Use local directories (Connect to Support Hampshire, SID, Your Care Your Support Wiltshire, Help & Kindness Dorset) to find trusted services.
• Ask about reablement if you’re being discharged from hospital – you may be entitled to up to 6 weeks of free care.

Final Thoughts

Paying for care doesn’t have to be a mystery. Between NHS support, council funding, charitable grants, and benefits, there are multiple routes to help cover the costs. Each area – Hampshire (including the New Forest), Wiltshire, Southampton, and Dorset – has dedicated teams and local resources to guide you.

At CAS Care Solutions, we’re here to support you every step of the way – whether that’s with practical care at home or advice on navigating the funding system.

 If you’d like help understanding your options, give our friendly team a call today.