Direct Payments for Home Care in Birmingham: A Step by Step Family Guide

Families often ask how to fund home care in Birmingham without losing control of who provides the care and when visits happen. Direct payments are a clear way to do this. They turn an assessed personal budget into money you manage, so you can choose a CQC regulated provider like Caring Care and design a schedule that fits daily life.

Key takeaway: Direct payments give you choice and control. You decide the provider, visit times, and how support is delivered, within an agreed support plan.

If you are new to care, start with our Home Care Guide for the basics of assessment, planning and safeguarding.

What Are Direct Payments

Direct payments are funds from the council that you manage yourself to meet eligible care needs set out in a support plan. They can be used for hourly visits, overnight reassurance and some equipment or activities that meet the need stated in the plan.

External guidance for families:

• NHS – Getting care and support at home: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/help-from-social-services-and-charities/getting-care-and-support/
• Age UK – Direct payments explained: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/care/paying-for-care/direct-payments/

Step 1: Ask For A Needs Assessment

Contact Adult Social Care to request an assessment. A social worker or assessor will talk through daily routines, risks, goals and what is important to you. Prepare notes on mobility, medication, sleep, meals, continence, memory, mood and what a good day looks like.

Helpful background: What is Domiciliary Care.

Step 2: Financial Assessment Basics

A separate financial assessment works out how much you pay and how much the council contributes. Capital, income and allowances are considered. You receive a written decision with your personal budget and your contribution if any.

For a plain English overview of costs, read Understanding Home Care Costs.

Step 3: Your Support Plan And Personal Budget

Your support plan sets out the outcomes you want, for example safer mornings, medication taken on time or reduced risk of night time falls. It explains the budget available to achieve these outcomes and how it will be used. This is the document that guides what direct payments can be spent on.

Step 4: Getting And Using The Direct Payments Card

In Birmingham, direct payments are usually provided on a prepayment card. You receive clear instructions for activating the card, making payments to a provider and keeping records. Caring Care can send regular invoices with visit logs to match your support plan, which keeps everything simple and compliant.

Record keeping tip: keep invoices, timesheets and care notes together. Store email receipts in one folder so audits are stress free.

What You Can Usually Spend Direct Payments On

Always check your own support plan. Typical examples include:

• Hourly home care visits for personal care, meals, hydration, housekeeping and companionship
• Medication support where assessed, including prompts or administration and clear records – see Home Care Medication Management
• Overnight support when night time risks or anxiety are identified – see Overnight Home Care
• Short term increases after illness or a hospital discharge – see Home Care After Hospital Discharge
• Respite care to protect family carer wellbeing – see Respite Care

What Direct Payments Do Not Usually Cover

• Goods or services not related to your assessed outcomes
• General household bills or rent
• Cash withdrawals or transfers to personal accounts
• Services from providers that are not safe or appropriate

If you are unsure, ask your social worker or our team before spending. We can help you match purchases to the wording in your plan.

Building A Schedule That Works

Direct payments are flexible. You can combine funded hours with private top ups if you want more time on certain days.

Example 1: Safer mornings

• 45 minutes each morning for washing, dressing, breakfast and medication
• 30 minutes at lunch for hydration and a light meal
• Review after two weeks to adjust timings

Example 2: Night time reassurance

• Evening visit for medication and a calm routine
• One or two overnight sits per week during a period of higher risk
• Reduce to a weekly check once confidence improves

Example 3: Discharge support

• Short term extra visits in the first week at home
• Daily medication support and meal preparation
• Week one review, then step down to a steady routine

If needs increase, our 24 Hour Care guide explains round the clock options.

Combining Direct Payments With Other Funding

Many families blend funding sources. You can use direct payments for core visits and add private hours for extras like longer companionship or appointments. If you receive a carer’s break budget, it can fund respite. Some NHS support may also be available following hospital discharge or for specific health needs.

Reviews, Changes And Audits

Support plans change as needs change. You can request a review if the plan no longer matches your day to day reality. Keep records neat and up to date. Caring Care provides clear invoices and visit notes to make audits straightforward.

How Caring Care Helps In Birmingham

• Assessment support that listens to your goals and daily routines
• Clear written plans with times and tasks that fit your life
• Consistent carers matched to language, culture and preferences
• Flexible scheduling including evenings and weekends
• Fast starts after hospital discharge when safe to do so
• Simple paperwork – invoices and visit logs that match your plan

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch from council arranged care to direct payments
Yes, ask your social worker for a discussion about switching. We can provide quotes and a sample schedule to help.

Can I choose Caring Care as my provider
Yes, if your plan allows provider choice. We are a CQC regulated provider with trained, DBS checked staff.

What happens if my needs change
Request a review. We can also adjust your visit schedule quickly and provide a confirmation for your records.

Can I use direct payments for equipment
Sometimes, if the equipment directly supports your assessed outcomes and is agreed in the plan.

Speak To Caring Care

Call 0330 056 3111 or use our Contact page. Explore our Services to see how we support families across Birmingham. We will explain costs clearly and help you set up a plan that keeps your loved one safe and independent at home.