Your Finances

Understanding what financial assistance is available is a key consideration for many people when exploring their housing and care options in later life.

There are a range of state benefits and grants that can assist with things such as home adaptations, home help, rent, service charges and council tax.

You may also wish to explore the various financial products and services that are available. Products like equity release can help meet the cost of home improvements, whilst care annuities may effectively cap the cost of your care fees. EAC recommends using an Independent Financial Advisor (IFA) to explore these options.

Care home costs

Moving into a care home can be an emotional time for both the person requiring care and their family. For many this will be the first time they have encountered the considerable costs of living in a care home and they can be daunting. This guide explores the range of funding options available

Funding home adaptations

From minor adaptations, such as installing handrails, to large home improvements, like converting a bathroom into a wetroom, there are a number of grants available that can help meet some or all of the cost. 

Paying for care at home

There are various sources of support that may be available, depending on your financial circumstances and your current health situation. This section explores the help that may be available from your local council and the NHS, as well as what options are available to those paying for the cost of care themselves.

Equity release

Equity release can help homeowners over the age of 55 to unlock wealth from their home, in either a lump sum or in smaller amounts over time, or both. There are a number of financial ‘plans’, including lifetime mortgages or home reversion plans, that enable you to free up money from the value in your home.

Help with the cost of moving

There are many expenses involved with finding a new home, but you may be eligible for some assistance with these and other costs. This quick guide helps to identify the various benefits and grants that may be available to those on a low income.

State Benefits

Every year in the United Kingdom over five billion pounds in benefit income goes unclaimed by older people. This guide identifies the main benefits that are available to older people and provides information on how to apply.