Home Care Funding in Essex: What Support Is Available in 2025?

If you're exploring home care in Essex for yourself or a loved one, you might be wondering: how do people afford home care? With costs varying and support options often unclear, it’s important to understand what help is available, whether you're self-funding or seeking local authority support.

At Homelium Care, we’re here to make the process simple, with clear guidance on how to fund high-quality care in your own home.

Why Choose Home Care?

Remaining at home offers comfort, independence, and dignity especially for older adults who may find residential care homes unsuitable. With the right care plan in place, home care can be more flexible and cost-effective than moving into a care home. This blog outlines home care funding in Essex.

Discover how we support families in Essex to stay safely at home.

1. Home care funding Essex (Essex County Council)

If you have low income or limited savings, you may be eligible for council-funded home care via Essex County Council.

What to do:

Start by requesting a free care needs assessment:👉 Request an assessment here

After your care needs are assessed, the council will carry out a means test to see if you qualify for financial support. They’ll look at:

• Your income

• Your savings and assets (but not the value of your home if you’re staying in it)

  
  

You may be entitled to:

• Part or full payment for your care

• Direct Payments (a personal budget you can use to choose your preferred provider, such as Homelium Care)

  
  

💡 Tip: Direct Payments allow you to take control and choose a trusted care provider that suits your family’s needs.

2. NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)

If your primary care needs are health-related, such as long-term medical conditions, complex needs, or end-of-life care, you might qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC).

This is fully funded by the NHS and not means-tested.

How to apply:

• Ask your GP or hospital discharge team to refer you for an assessment

• Learn more about eligibility on the NHS website

If approved, CHC can fund home care services, nursing, and therapies at no cost to you.

3. Self-Funding (Private Home Care)

If you are not eligible for public funding, you can choose to pay for home care privately.

This is ideal if:

• You want full flexibility and control

• You need care to start quickly

• You want to choose a premium provider with trusted carers

  
  

At Homelium Care, we support many families in Essex who self-fund care. We offer bespoke care packages from daily visits to 24/7 live-in care.

👉 Learn more about our services here

✅ Special Offer: All new clients in Essex receive a free consultation and two hours of free care to help get started.

4. Other Financial Support You May Be Entitled To

Even if you’re self-funding, you could still be eligible for certain benefits:

Attendance Allowance

For those over State Pension age who need help due to illness or disability. Apply for Attendance Allowance.

Carer’s Allowance

If someone looks after you for 35+ hours a week, they could be entitled to this benefit. Check eligibility for Carer’s Allowance.

Personal Health Budgets

For individuals with long-term health needs, a personal health budget can offer more choice in how your care is delivered. Find out more here.

How Homelium Care Can Help

We understand how stressful arranging care can be, especially when trying to navigate funding. Our Essex team is here to:

• Help you apply for council or NHS funding

• Assist with Direct Payments

• Create flexible care plans that suit your budget and lifestyle

  
  

📞 Call us today to speak with our friendly Essex care team📍 Or book a free home care consultation online

FAQs: Paying for Home Care in Essex

Q: How much does home care cost in Essex?

It varies depending on your needs. At Homelium, we offer personalised quotes with no hidden fees.

Q: Can I use Direct Payments with Homelium?

Yes many of our clients in Essex use Direct Payments to fund their care with us.

Q: Do I have to sell my home to fund care?

Not if you're receiving care at home. Your property's value isn’t considered in most financial assessments for domiciliary care.

Ready to Arrange Home Care in Essex?

Homelium Care is here to make things easier, offering practical support, transparent advice, and flexible care that keeps you or your loved one safe and comfortable at home.

Call us on 0333 3448 677 or email us at hello@homelium.com