This is the amount that West Sussex residents could expect to pay for their long-term care in a residential home. Fortunately, Carewise is available to provide impartial and independent financial advice to help you find the way of funding this care.

Set up by West Sussex County Council, in partnership with Age UK West Sussex, Society of Later Life Advisers and West Sussex Partners in Care, Carewise is a care funding scheme that offers advice and support, regardless of your situation.

Choosing care is an important decision, whether it’s for you, a friend or a family member and it is vital to seek out independent financial advice. Many people choose to pay for care using savings or by selling property. Our care fee specialists can talk you through the other options that could be available to you including:

* Advice on how to release extra income from existing savings or investments;

* Equity release from the value of your home to either pay for the cost of care at home or to fund an adaptation or extension to enable you to remain at home;

* An immediate needs annuity or immediate care plan – a type of insurance policy that provides a guaranteed regular income to cover the cost of care; and

* Advice on renting out your property to generate income to contribute to your care costs.

Furthermore, as part of the Carewise scheme, Age UK West Sussex offer a free money advice service on many topics, such as pensions, debt, benefits and budgeting.

Book your free consultation

We offer a free initial consultation with our panel of local independent care fee specialists who will clearly explain the cost of any future advice. There is no pressure to go any further unless you want to.

You can contact a care fees specialist directly by visiting www.carewiseadvice.com. Alternatively, please call Adults’ CarePoint 01243 642121 or email socialcare@westsussex.gov.uk and we can contact an adviser on your behalf.

“I found Carewise helpful in getting referred to a Care Fees Planning Specialist who was able to advise me on the options of funding my Godmother’s care fees. This enabled me to make an informed decision on the most suitable option… My decision to purchase an annuity provided peace of mind, knowing that her care fees could be paid for the rest of her life.”

Mrs G, East Grinstead