What action is the Welsh Government taking to prevent families from facing unfair third-party top-up payments for residential care for disabled relatives, and to ensure future care home placements are fully funded based on assessed needs, regardless of the chosen home’s cost?
The Welsh Government has set clear legislative frameworks to protect people financially when arranging care or supporting family entering care. Local authorities carry out comprehensive care needs assessments and individuals have a statutory right to choose their preferred care home, provided it meets their assessed needs, has a vacancy, is within the local authority's usual cost, and the provider agrees to contract terms.
Where a preferred care home costs more than the local authority’s usual rate for meeting the assessed needs, families can opt to make third-party top-up payments to cover the difference between the local authority’s normal fee and what the preferred care home charges. However, it is a requirement that local authorities clearly demonstrate appropriate care and support for the individual’s needs can be arranged at the standard rate.
Third-party top-up payments should always be optional and only for extra services beyond assessed needs. Local authorities must not compel families to pay for necessary placements.
The Welsh Government’s approach is rooted in the principle that quality care for individuals should be available based on assessed need, rather than ability to pay. Anyone concerned about top-up payments should contact their local authority for guidance.