Charging for Respite Care
Valid until 31 March 2022.
Respite Care
What is respite care?
Respite care describes separate periods of care if you, or your carer, need to have a short-term break. Respite care can be provided at the time of your choice where available. The breaks are only short-term and do not usually last for longer than a few weeks of continuous care.
Who is it for?
Respite care is available to older people and adults with a mental health problem or physical, sensory or learning disability. It can help you to continue living safely whilst giving your carer peace of mind knowing you are in a safe and cared for environment.#
How can I apply?
To apply for respite care you should have a community care assessment completed which assesses your needs.
The budget available for this service limits the services that we can offer, and we cannot meet everyone’s needs all of the time. Some people will have more important needs than others and the assessment process helps us find out whose needs are greatest.
Who completes the financial assessment?
Your care manager will arrange to complete the forms with you or your appointee.
What is the purpose of a financial assessment?
The purpose of the assessment is to work out how much of the residential accommodation charge will be paid by the Council, and how much will be paid by you.
To work this out, you will need to give details of your income and your savings.
Respite Care Charges
With a few exceptions, all income and capital is taken into account in assessing an individual’s weekly charge. In every case the charge is calculated as follows:
- Total Weekly Income: (1).
- Less Financial Commitments (2).
- Less Personal Allowance (3).
- Less Savings Credit (4).
- Weekly Assessed Charge (5) = (1-2-3-4).
Value of Capital – N.B. Please note the upper and lower limits rise to £28,750 and £18,000 from 01 April 2021.
Less than £18,000 - no impact on weekly charge.
Between £18,000 and £28,750 - for every £250 of capital over £18,000, £1 of notional weekly income assumed.
More than £28,750 maximum charge is due.
The maximum charge is £653.79 per week. Over 65’s are entitled to free personal care of £193.50 per week reducing the weekly charge to £460.29 per week.
Further Information
This information is also available in the leaflet in the 'Related Downloads' section of this page, and gives basic information only. The regulations are complex and apply in different ways to different people depending on their personal circumstances.
For more information contact:
Joan Jones, Accounting Officer, Orkney Health and Care, Orkney Islands Council, Council Offices, School Place, Kirkwall, KW15 1NY.
Telephone: 01856873535, extension 2614.
The Citizens Advice Bureau is also available to offer help and advice. They can be contacted at:
Citizens Advice Bureau, Anchor Buildings, Bridge Street, Kirkwall.
Telephone 01856875266.
