When someone you love starts needing extra support at home, one of the first questions families ask is: how will we pay for care?
In Blackpool, Lytham, Poulton and Thornton-Cleveleys, families often find themselves trying to understand the difference between private home care and care funded by the local authority. What’s the difference, and which is the right option for your situation?
Let’s break it down in simple terms.
Local authority care is support arranged and funded (either fully or partially) by your local council. This usually starts with a care needs assessment, followed by a financial assessment to see whether the person needing care qualifies for funding.
In our area, this would typically be through Blackpool Council or Lancashire County Council, depending on where you live.
If eligible, the council may:
Provide carers directly through a care agency they commission
Offer you a direct payment, so you can choose your own provider (like Apollo Care)
Pros:
Lower cost (or no cost if fully funded)
May be suitable for families on lower incomes
Cons:
Limited flexibility — care times and providers are usually assigned
Long waiting lists
Less control over who provides the care
Private care is arranged and paid for directly by the individual or their family. This gives you full choice over who comes into your home, when they come, and what support they provide.
At Apollo Care, our private care services in Blackpool, Lytham, Poulton and Thornton-Cleveleys and the rest of Fylde and Wyre areas include:
Personal care (washing, dressing, etc.)
Medication support
Companionship
Complex care
Support with dementia
Pros:
Complete flexibility and choice
More consistent carers and better continuity
Faster to arrange (no waiting lists)
You can tailor care around your loved one’s lifestyle
Cons:
Comes with a cost, although we can help you understand options for funding or combining with direct payments
It depends on:
Your budget
How quickly you need care in place
Whether you want control over who delivers the care
The level of support required
Some families start with local authority funding and later switch to private care for more control. Others combine both using direct payments.
Navigating care options can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to do it alone.
At Apollo Care, we’ve supported many families across Blackpool, Lytham, Poulton and Thornton-Cleveleys and surrounding areas to find the right care for their loved ones. Whether you’re considering private care or have questions about council funding, we’re happy to talk things through.
Call our friendly team today on 01253 966440 — we’re here to help.