Arranging care in Herefordshire
Herefordshire Council is the unitary authority for this largely rural county in the West Midlands, covering the cathedral city of Hereford along with the market towns of Ledbury, Ross-on-Wye and Leominster, plus the many villages and hamlets in between. Because it is a unitary authority, Herefordshire Council is the single point of contact for adult social care across the whole county, so families do not need to work out whether to approach a district or county team.
If you or a relative may need support, the first step is to contact Herefordshire Council's adult social care team and ask for a needs assessment. This assessment is free and available to any adult who appears to need care, whether that is a little help at home or a move into full time residential care. If the assessment identifies eligible needs, a separate financial assessment then looks at income, savings and property to work out how much, if anything, the person is expected to contribute. National capital thresholds apply, and Herefordshire Council will explain how these affect your situation.
The local care market
The rural geography of Herefordshire shapes the care market, with provision spread between Hereford itself and the smaller towns of Ledbury, Ross-on-Wye and Leominster. Families should always check the current CQC register directly, as the picture of registered nursing homes and residential care homes changes over time, and home care agencies serving the county are listed separately.
Paying for care
Funding options in Herefordshire typically include full local authority funding, part funding with a personal contribution, self funding, NHS Continuing Healthcare for those with primarily health related needs, and NHS funded nursing care contributions where a nursing home place is required. Direct payments are also available so families can arrange their own home care.
As a general guide, home care in the UK averages around 20 to 30 pounds per hour, residential care homes tend to sit between 900 and 1,300 pounds per week, and nursing homes are usually higher again at around 1,100 to 1,500 pounds per week. Actual fees in Herefordshire will vary by provider and level of need, so always ask for a written breakdown before committing.
