Planning for Your Future

You may be thinking about your finances or long-term health and wellbeing, but not sure where to start. This page explains why planning ahead matters, what your options are, and where to find trusted support.

To help you get started, download our step-by-step Planning for Your Future guide, or contact the Planning for Your Future team to request a printed copy.

There are free Live Well for Longer events taking place in West Sussex libraries in March 2026, where you can find out more about Planning for Your Future. Visit the libraries’ website to learn more. 

Why it’s important

Social care is not free, and most people will pay something towards the cost of their care. It’s never too early to think about how you’ll manage care costs and what support is available.

Planning ahead helps you make informed decisions about your care. It can help you understand what you can afford based on your finances. It also helps you consider what would happen if you needed someone to manage your money or make decisions about your care on your behalf.

The benefits  

• Taking positive action now will help you to understand what choices are available.
• Planning ahead gives you control over how you wish to live your life in future.
• Discussing your options and sharing your preferences now, increases your chance of getting the care you’d like and reduces the chance of decisions being made in a crisis. 

Starting a conversation about care can feel daunting. Talk to family, friends, your carer (if you have one), or someone else you trust about your future care preferences, then write down your wishes here.

Having this conversation early gives you the opportunity to explain how you want to live your life in the future.

When you start the conversation, think about what matters most to you. For example, where you want to live, who should support you, and how you want to be cared for.

You may also want to set up a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). An LPA lets you choose someone you trust to make decisions for you if you are ever unable to do so yourself. It is a simple way to help make sure your wishes are respected and that decisions can be made in line with your preferences.

Find out more at www.gov.uk/power-of-attorney

If you do not have family, you can reach out to a trusted professional or an organisation such as Age UK West Sussex, Brighton and Hove.

If you are caring for someone, you can also contact Carers Support West Sussex.

There are many types of care and support available. Having the right information early can help you make confident decisions about the future.

Health and social care can feel complicated, but understanding your options makes it easier to find what is right for you.

Not everyone needs residential care. Most people prefer to stay at home and live independently for as long as possible. This is often possible with support in the community, for example:

• help at home
• meal deliveries
• transport services
• local groups and activities to help you stay well and connected

You can also explore other types of care, including:

• care at home
• extra care housing
• supported living
• live in care

There is also support for unpaid carers, alongside social activities and practical help in your local area.

Visit the West Sussex Care Guide for information about care and support services, and care homes in West Sussex.

Learn more about support in your own home to help you live independently if you are older or disabled.

For more information, contact Planning for Your Future. They can talk you through your options.

• Phone: 0330 222 4040
• Email: planningforyourfuture@westsussex.gov.uk

It is worth thinking early about how you might pay for care if you ever need it.

Understanding your finances can help you make informed decisions. This includes how much money you have available, how long it might last if you need to pay for care, and whether you are entitled to any benefits or allowances. You may also want to think about setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney or making a will.

• Think long term: Consider how your needs might change over time, and how this could affect costs and affordability.
• Think about who could support you: Could friends or family offer unpaid help alongside any paid care services?
• Understand what is included: Costs vary depending on the type of support you need. For example, help at home or moving to a care home.

Complete the Financial Support checklist. This gives you an estimate of how much you may need to pay towards the cost of your care.

The Carewise Care Funding Scheme offers independent information and advice on sustainable ways to fund your care.

Check whether you are receiving all the benefits you are entitled to. You can get advice about benefits and financial support, or contact Age UK West Sussex, Brighton and Hove.

An example of costs is provided below for guidance only. These figures are based on average costs for self funded care in West Sussex. They are not a formal quote and should not be relied upon when making decisions.

Sources: Care Home Costs and Care Fees UK Average For 2025 Lottie, UK Home Care Association and average costs published by major UK care providers.

* 14 hours of care per week.

Planning for your future care needs is important for you and the people who support you. Small lifestyle changes can also help you maintain your health and wellbeing.

You can find advice on a range of topics on the West Sussex Wellbeing Hub, including staying active, preventing falls, and keeping your home warm.

Small changes at home, such as grab rails or mobility aids, can help you stay independent. Find out more about home adaptations and equipment.

If you would like advice about staying in your own home, the Prevention Assessment Team can talk you through home adaptations that may support your independence.

You may also want to consider Meals on Wheels for hot meal deliveries and a friendly wellbeing check. Visit hils-uk.org or call 0330 2000 103 and select Option 2.

If you are worried about your care needs, visit how to get adult social care support and use the Care Needs Checklist. This can help you understand whether you may benefit from a conversation about adult social care support.

Local events

Your local library can offer information on planning for future care. There are events taking place across West Sussex in libraries and community venues where you can find out more.

You may also be interested in our Live Well for Longer events in March 2026, which will be held in selected West Sussex libraries. Please check back closer to the time for details of dates, locations, and what will be available at each event.

Live Well for Longer events

Event times are the same at every location, from 10.00am to 2.00pm.

Contact Planning for Your Future to find out more.

If you, or someone you are supporting, is already receiving care, it may still be worth following some of these actions. This is especially important if you are paying care home fees yourself. We recommend that you:

• Look at ways to increase your income or raise funds. Check whether you are entitled to any benefits. Age UK West Sussex, Brighton and Hove can help with this.
• Check whether you are paying for care in the most cost effective way. You can contact Carewise for independent financial advice.
• Keep a close eye on your savings. Contact West Sussex County Council six months before your savings fall below £23,250.
• To get in touch, call Adults’ CarePoint on 01243 642121 or use the Contact us online form at westsussex.gov.uk/contact-help. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can use the BT Relay UK app and dial 18001 01243 642121.
• Use the Capital Depletion Calculator to estimate when your savings may fall below £23,250 and to understand the next steps.

Planning for Your Future

For general enquiries, and for information and advice to help you plan.

• Phone: 0330 222 4040
• Email: planningforyourfuture@westsussex.gov.uk

Carewise Care Funding Scheme

Independent financial information and advice on paying for long term care fees.

• Phone: 0330 222 7000
• Email: carewise@westsussex.gov.uk
• Website: carewiseadvice.com

Age UK West Sussex, Brighton and Hove

Information and advice, including free money advice, and services to help you live independently at home.

• Phone: 0800 019 1310
• Email: info@ageukwsbh.org.uk
• Website: ageuk.org.uk/westsussexbrightonhove

Carers Support West Sussex

Help and advice for unpaid carers, including emotional support and practical guidance.

• Phone: 0300 028 8888
• Email: info@carerssupport.org.uk
• Website: carerssupport.org.uk

Prevention Assessment Team

Information and advice to help adults access support to live independently at home.

• Phone: 0330 222 4222
• If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can use the BT Relay UK app and dial 18001 0330 222 4222.
• Email: prevention@westsussex.gov.uk
• Website: westsussex.gov.uk and search for 'advice and guidance on staying healthy'.

Other sources of advice, support and guidance

• West Sussex Care Guide
• In person at your local library