For people arranging and paying for their own care
Paying for care yourself, without guessing
If you are funding care privately, the two questions that matter are what it costs and what you get for it. This page answers both as plainly as we can, and tells you where an answer is still outstanding.
Call us on +44 20 4634 2291 · OFFICE HOURS
This page is for you if
You are paying for care from savings, a pension, the sale of a property or a settlement, rather than through a local authority or the NHS.
Self-funders are often quoted a weekly figure with no explanation of what sits behind it, and then find that the things they assumed were included are extras. We would rather show you the build-up.
It is also worth knowing that funding your own care does not mean you are outside the system. You are still entitled to a local authority needs assessment, and depending on your circumstances you may be eligible for Attendance Allowance, NHS Continuing Healthcare or help once your capital falls below the threshold.
What we can take, and what we would decline
We would expect to be able to help with
- Supported living with a tenancy, with support hours matched to assessed need
- Live-in and visiting care in a person’s own home
- CONFIRM STAFFING PATTERNS: 1:1, 2:1, waking night, sleep-in
- CONFIRM AGE RANGE SUPPORTED
- CONFIRM: autism, learning disability, mental health, complex and forensic needs
We would be honest and decline where
- The environment or the existing tenant group would make a safe placement unlikely
- The support hours funded would not meet the assessed level of risk
- CONFIRM EXCLUSIONS — what Bellus would not accept
- We cannot recruit and train the right team in the timescale you need
- A better-matched provider already exists and we would be the wrong answer
Saying no early is more useful to you than saying yes slowly. We would rather decline a referral in the first conversation than hold up a discharge or a placement while we work out that we cannot do it.
What we will tell you before you decide
- The weekly cost, and what is included in it
- What is not included, and what those things cost
- How many hours of support that buys, and when
- What happens to the cost if needs change
- The notice period CONFIRM
- Whether a deposit or advance payment is required CONFIRM
WHETHER BELLUS PUBLISHES PRIVATE CARE PRICING IS A DECISION STILL TO BE MADE. Until it is, costs are given at assessment rather than on the website.
What happens after you send a referral
- 1
Initial discussion
A short conversation about the person’s needs and current situation, so we can tell you early whether Bellus is a realistic option. No paperwork required to start this.
- 2
Referral and documents
Formal submission through our secure form, with supporting documents attached.
- 3
Information review
Our clinical and operational teams review the documentation to confirm whether we can safely meet the person’s needs.
- 4
Specialist assessment
A face-to-face or virtual assessment with the person, their family and any current provider.
- 5
MDT review
Our internal multidisciplinary team formulates a support strategy and confirms whether we can offer a safe, effective placement.
- 6
Compatibility assessment
For supported living, a formal assessment of compatibility with existing tenants, the environment and the local community.
- 7
Funding and placement proposal
Detailed costings, a proposed support plan and a transition proposal, submitted to you.
- 8
Transition planning
A step-by-step plan including familiarisation visits, person-specific staff training and any environmental adaptations.
- 9
Move-in
Support commences with a team that has already been trained and briefed on this person.
- 10
Reviews
A structured initial review, then ongoing outcome reviews focused on quality of life, not just service delivery. CONFIRM REVIEW INTERVALS
We publish this pathway because transparency is worth more to a commissioner than a brochure. If a step is going to take longer than expected, we will tell you rather than let the referral go quiet.
What you can expect from us, and when
SLA 1
Initial clinical and operational review, and a clear yes or no on whether we are pursuing the referral.
SLA 2
Specialist assessment arranged with the person and everyone who needs to be there.
SLA 3
Placement proposal and full costings submitted to the funding authority.
These commitments are pending confirmation by Bellus. We will not publish a response time the service cannot operationally hold — a broken commitment costs more than an unpublished one. Out-of-hours referral route: OUT-OF-HOURS ROUTE
Questions from private clients
1How much does live-in care cost?
PRICING NOT YET PUBLISHED. We will give you a clear figure at assessment, with the build-up behind it.
2Is the assessment free?
Yes, and there is no obligation attached to it. CONFIRM TYPICAL ASSESSMENT DURATION.
3What if my money runs out?
Tell us early. There are capital thresholds at which the local authority becomes involved, and planning for that transition beats reacting to it.
4Can I try it before committing?
Talk to us about a short arrangement. It is often better for everyone than a long commitment made under pressure.
5What is the notice period?
CONFIRM NOTICE PERIOD.
Start with a free, no-obligation assessment
No cost, no commitment, and an honest answer about whether we are the right provider — including if the answer is that someone else would suit you better.
Referrals inbox: REFERRALS EMAIL · General enquiries: [email protected]