Arranging care in Cheshire East
Cheshire East Council is the unitary authority for a large swathe of the North West, covering market towns and communities including Macclesfield, Crewe, Congleton, Nantwich, Wilmslow, Knutsford and Sandbach. Because it is a unitary authority, Cheshire East is responsible for adult social care across the whole area, so families only need to deal with one council rather than a separate county and district.
How to start the process
The first step for most families is to contact Cheshire East Council's adult social care team and request a needs assessment. This assessment is free, regardless of income or savings, and looks at what support an older person or disabled adult needs to live safely and well, whether that is help at home, day support, or a move into a care setting. If the assessment shows eligible needs, a financial assessment (means test) then looks at income and capital to work out how much the council will contribute. National capital thresholds apply, and anyone above the upper limit is usually expected to fund their own care, at least initially.
Choice of care across the area
The local care market is well established, with around 196 CQC registered care homes across Cheshire East. That gives families a genuine choice between residential care homes for personal care and companionship, nursing homes for those with more complex medical needs, and home care providers supporting people to stay in their own homes in places like Wilmslow, Nantwich or the villages around Knutsford.
Paying for care
Funding options in Cheshire East include local authority funded care after a means test, NHS Continuing Healthcare for those with a primary health need, self funding, and Deferred Payment Agreements secured against a property. As a rough guide for the area, home care typically costs around £20 to £25 per hour, residential care homes average roughly £900 to £1,100 per week, and nursing homes usually fall between £1,100 and £1,400 per week depending on needs and location. Getting a clear written fee breakdown early on helps avoid surprises later.
