One of the biggest concerns when arranging support at home is cost, and whether there will be unexpected fees or complicated pricing.
ilarna is designed to be transparent. There are no agency mark-ups or hidden surcharges. You can see clearly what you are paying, and your ilarna Personal Assistant can see clearly what they are earning. Here is a straightforward overview of the most common ways people fund support at home.
Private funding
Many individuals and families choose to pay for support directly. This option offers the greatest flexibility and choice. You agree the hourly rate directly with your ilarna Personal Assistant, which allows you to find support that fits your budget. The ilarna platform supports invoicing and secure payments, so the practical side is kept simple.
Direct Payments and personal budgets
If you have had an assessment by your local council and are eligible for financial support, you may be offered a Direct Payment or personal budget. Rather than the council arranging support on your behalf, the budget is paid to you so you can choose who supports you and how. ilarna is built around the same principle: you choose an independent, self-employed ilarna Personal Assistant and agree arrangements directly, in a way that suits your life. You can read more about using a Direct Payment with ilarna in our dedicated guide.
NHS Continuing Healthcare
In some situations, the NHS may fund ongoing support for people with complex health needs through NHS Continuing Healthcare, often referred to as CHC. Where CHC funding is already in place, families may explore whether it can be used to arrange practical support at home through ilarna, helping to maintain the familiarity and consistency that many people value over time.
Clear pricing, no surprises
With ilarna, costs are visible and agreed upfront. You and your ilarna Personal Assistant agree a rate that works for both of you. ilarna's platform fee is clearly explained and covers the technology and support that keeps the platform running. The majority of what you pay goes directly to the person supporting you.
Taking the first step with confidence
You do not need to have everything worked out before you start exploring. A conversation with our team can help clarify the different funding routes and how payments work on the ilarna platform.
If you would like to find out more about funding support at home through ilarna, get in touch using the form below, or call us on 0208 050 4805.
