How to fund a day centre placement in Derby
A plain-English guide for families and carers. Three funding routes explained, plus what to ask and where to start.
If you're looking at adult day services for a family member in Derby, funding is probably the first question on your mind. The good news is there are three established routes, and we welcome people through all of them at Caring Places. This guide walks through each one in plain English.
1. Local Authority funded placements
If the adult you're caring for is assessed as needing support under the Care Act 2014, Derby City Council can pay for some or all of their day centre placement.
Where to start: Contact Derby City Council Adult Social Care and ask for a Care Act assessment. You can do this yourself, or your social worker, GP or community nurse can refer you.
What happens next: A social worker will visit, talk through what support is needed and write a care plan. If the person is eligible, they're given a "personal budget" which can be used towards day services, transport, respite and other support.
How Caring Places fits: We can take Local Authority funded placements directly. Derby City Council can pay us on the family's behalf. Most families pay nothing out of pocket.
2. Direct Payments
Direct Payments are the same money as a Local Authority package, but instead of the council paying providers directly, they pay you (or the person being supported) and you decide where to spend it.
Why families like Direct Payments: Full control over choosing the right service. You can mix and match: a few days at Caring Places, plus an evening club, plus a personal assistant for outings, for example.
Where to start: Ask your council social worker about converting an existing care package to Direct Payments, or request them at the original Care Act assessment.
How Caring Places fits: Direct Payment families simply book and pay us like any other service. We invoice the budget holder each month.
3. Self-funding
Self-funding means paying privately, without council involvement. Some families choose this even if they'd qualify for a council package, because it's faster (no assessment wait) and gives total flexibility.
When self-funding makes sense: When the family wants to start straight away, when the person doesn't meet Care Act eligibility but the family wants the support anyway, or when the council package only partially covers what the family wants.
How Caring Places fits: Self-funded placements are simple. Choose your days, agree the support ratio at a taster session, and we invoice you monthly.
What about Continuing Healthcare?
For adults with significant ongoing healthcare needs, NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) can fund day services and other support fully. CHC is assessed separately from social care. Speak to your GP or the local Integrated Care Board if you think this might apply.
Questions to ask any day centre before signing up
- What support ratios do you offer, and what would suit my family member?
- How are activities planned around individual goals?
- What training do staff have in autism, learning disabilities and communication?
- How do you handle health, medication and safeguarding?
- What happens if our needs change over time?
- Can I bring my family member for a free taster session before committing?
- How much will it cost me, all in?
Useful local contacts in Derby
- Derby City Council Adult Social Care, 01332 640777 or care.line@derby.gov.uk
- Derbyshire Carers Association, 01773 833833, for support and advice for unpaid carers
- Derby Local Offer, the council's directory of SEND and adult social care services in Derby
Talk to us before you decide
Funding can feel complicated until you've talked it through with someone who's seen it all before. Pop in for a free taster session any Thursday or give us a ring on 01332 288790. We'll help you work out which route fits your situation, what to ask the council, and how Caring Places could work for your family.