Arrangements for Paying for Care in Independent Homes for Elderly People

Abstract

SUMMARY A fundamental reorganization of the basis of financial support for elderly people in independent sector homes is currently in progress. Much of the debate so far has focused on the reasons behind the policy changes, and possible implications for further develop ments in provision of care and services. Less attention has been paid to practical details of mechanisms for transferring money to effect payment to independent proprietors. These have not yet been finalized. It is important that arrangements eventually decided serve the best interests of the elderly people concerned. Such arrangements may not always be the simplest and cheapest to administer, either for those authorities paying the bills, or for proprietors balancing the books and managing homes. There is an opportunity now, while mechanisms of payment are still being worked out, to consider the options and raise the level of discussion on this topic, so that the welfare of elderly people is high on the agenda while policy decisions are being made. This article describes how elderly people currently pay their bills for care and accommodation in independent long-stay homes. Changes in the basis of government financial support for long-term care, due to be fully implemented in April 1993, will require different mechanisms for transfer of monies. TTie options are considered in the light of what we already know about the significance of financial exchanges within care homes.