The needs assessment.
Under the Care Act 2014, your local council must carry out a care needs assessment for any adult who appears to need care and support — free of charge, regardless of income. The assessment looks at how you manage day-to-day living and what support would help. For our area, this is requested through Kent County Council or the London Borough of Bexley or Bromley, depending on where the person lives.
The financial assessment.
If the needs assessment identifies eligible needs, the council then carries out a financial assessment (means test) to work out what, if anything, you contribute towards the cost. Savings, income and some assets are considered; the rules and thresholds are set nationally and can change, so check the current figures with your council or at gov.uk.
Carer's assessment.
If you care for a family member, you are entitled to a carer's assessment in your own right — support for you, not just the person you care for.
NHS Continuing Healthcare.
Where someone's needs are primarily health needs, the NHS may fund the full package of care. Eligibility is assessed by the local Integrated Care Board and is not means-tested.
Self-funding.
If you pay for your own care, you still have the right to a council needs assessment, and it is worth having one — it documents your needs and connects you to advice.
One piece of advice above all:
Get the assessment before you arrange care. It costs nothing, and it may change what you pay.