One of the first questions people ask is
“How do I pay for care?”
The answer depends on your individual circumstances.
Your care should be built around your needs, goals and support, not a standard package or fixed price. Because every care package is unique, we do not publish prices online. Instead, we provide a personalised quotation once we understand your needs, with no hidden costs or obligation.
Funding Options
| Funding Type | How It Works (Home Care and Live-In) |
|---|---|
| Private Funding | You arrange and pay for your own care using savings, income, investments, a pension, insurance or other personal funds. This offers complete flexibility and allows care to begin quickly while longer-term funding options are explored. |
| Local Authority (Council) Funding | If you’re eligible for support from your Local Authority, there are several different ways your care can be arranged. Direct Commissioning: Your Local Authority commissions your care directly with an approved provider, such as Candlelight. Direct Payments: Your agreed care budget is paid directly to you (or someone acting on your behalf), giving you the freedom to choose your own care provider and arrange the support that best suits your needs. Individual Service Funds (ISFs): Your personal budget remains with the Local Authority but is allocated to Candlelight to manage on your behalf. Together, we design a personalised package of care around your goals and outcomes, while you remain in control of how your support is delivered. Top-Up or Contribution Funding: Sometimes the Local Authority contributes towards the cost of care, with the individual or their family choosing to pay the difference. This can enable additional support, greater flexibility or allow you to remain with your preferred care provider. |
| NHS Funding | Some care is funded directly by the NHS through NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) or End of Life Funding. Candlelight works closely with NHS teams and has extensive experience supporting individuals through both the assessment process and the ongoing delivery of care. |
To discuss your circumstances, call us or complete our online enquiry form.
We would be delighted to help.
Supporting You Through the Process
Understanding how social care is funded can feel complicated, but you do not have to navigate it alone.
Since 1988, Candlelight has helped people understand their options, apply for support and move between funding arrangements.
Whether you are paying privately, exploring Local Authority funding or applying for NHS Continuing Healthcare, our team can guide you through each step.
In some areas, Candlelight acts as a Trusted Assessor, helping gather evidence, identify needs and support care planning.
Our aim is to make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
Your Funding May Change, Your Care Doesn’t Have To
Many people start by funding their own care before later becoming eligible for Local Authority or NHS support.
Because Candlelight holds contracts with the Local Authorities and NHS organisations across the counties we serve, it is often possible for you to remain with the same trusted care provider as your circumstances change.
Continuity matters. The relationships you build with your care team are important, and wherever possible we work hard to ensure those relationships continue, even if the organisation funding your care changes.
Whether your care is privately funded today or later becomes funded by your Local Authority or the NHS, we will support the transition while keeping your care centred around you.
You Always Have a Choice
“I don’t like my current care provider, but I thought I had no choice.”
We hear this more often than you might think.
Many people assume that if their care is funded by the Local Authority or NHS, they cannot choose who provides it. In many cases, you may still have a say.
The Care Act 2014 places choice, wellbeing and personal outcomes at the heart of adult social care. Where legal and funding arrangements allow, you may be able to choose a care provider that better meets your needs.
At Candlelight, we know that trust, consistency and relationships matter. If your current care is not working for you, we can help you explore your options. Our team can explain your rights, guide you through funding arrangements and support a smooth change of provider.