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 clearly see what you’re paying, and your ilarna Personal Assistant can clearly see what they’re earning.
Below is a straightforward overview of the most common ways people fund support at home.
1. Private funding (self-funding)
Many individuals and families choose to pay for support directly. This option offers the greatest flexibility and choice.
How it works
You pay for the hours of support you agree, using your own income or savings.
Using ilarna
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 admin is kept simple.
2. Direct Payments and personal budgets
If you’ve had an assessment by your local council and are eligible for financial support, you may be offered a Direct Payment or personal budget.
How it works
Instead of the council arranging support on your behalf, the budget is paid to you so you can choose who supports you.
Using ilarna
Direct Payments are designed to give people choice and control over who supports them. ilarna is built around the same principle, allowing you to choose an independent, self-employed ilarna Personal Assistant and agree arrangements directly, in a way that suits your life.
3. NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
In some situations, the NHS may fund ongoing support for people with complex health needs through NHS Continuing Healthcare.
How it works
CHC is arranged and funded by the NHS and can be used to support someone at home, where appropriate.
Using ilarna
Where CHC funding is already in place, families may explore whether it can be used to arrange practical support at home through ilarna. This can help maintain familiarity and consistency, which many people value over time.
Clear pricing, no surprises
With ilarna, costs are visible and agreed upfront.
- Agreed rates – You and your ilarna Personal Assistant agree a rate that works for both of you
- Platform fee – ilarna’s platform fee is clearly explained and covers the technology and support that keeps the platform running
- Direct impact – The majority of what you pay goes directly to the person supporting you
Taking the first step with confidence
You don’t need to have everything worked out before you start. A conversation with our team can help explain the different funding routes and how payments work on the ilarna platform, so things feel clearer and easier to navigate.
Ready to find the right support for your home?
Find an ilarna Personal Assistant
Feeling unsure about how to fund your support? Our team is here to help you navigate funding options and talk through how payments work in a way that’s simple and clear.
Call us: 0208 050 4805 | Email: hello@ilarna.com
ilarna is a platform that helps people connect with independent, self-employed ilarna Personal Assistants. We can share general information about funding routes and how payments work on the platform, but we do not provide financial advice or carry out local authority or NHS assessments.
