Extra care standard charge
About the extra care standard charge
All residents who live in an extra care scheme in Gateshead are financially assessed to pay a support charge. The standard charge is determined by Gateshead Council and is the equivalent to 4-hours of care.
It is there to provide you with peace of mind that staff are on site 24/7 to offer support should you need it. This is what differentiates extra care from other accommodation, such as sheltered housing.
The extra care standard charge is separate to your assessed package of care or private arrangement you have in relation to your care and support.
When the extra care standard charge is used
The standard charge is there for the following:
- to provide emergency support during the day or night, such as if you have a fall
- to support with any short-term or one-off care needs outside of your assessed care package
Costs of extra care standard charge
It is a total cost of a maximum of £82 per week, subject to financial assessment.
The extra care standard charge is per flat. If you move into a flat with another person, you only pay one standard charge.
You will be financially assessed for both the extra care standard charge and your planned package of care. You will receive further information that will explain the financial assessment process to you.
If you don't have care needs
If you currently don't have assessed care needs, you still need to pay the standard charge. This is because it provides access to emergency carer support or short-term support should you need it.
Going in to hospital
You'll still need to pay the extra care standard charge if you go in to hospital. This is because you pay a contribution towards staff being on site 24/7.
Passing away whilst living in extra care
If you pass away whilst living in extra care the standard charge will stop on the date of death. Please be aware that this can only be applied once the council has been informed.
Contact us
You can contact Adult Social Care Direct on 0191 433 7033 if you have any questions.