When should I start considering a care home?

There are times when care is required immediately and times when you’re able to plan for the future. Whatever your situation, we can offer some advice to help you make a choice.

Every individual must have an assessment of needs carried out before they enter a care home. One of the management team at the home will carry out the assessment and if Social Services are providing funding they will also carry out an assessment before the one at the care home. We endeavour to make this process as easy as possible and aim to carry out assessments within one working day so you can stop worrying and start settling in.

There will be a number of questions that you’d like to ask when choosing a care home. We recommend taking the following steps:

• Research the care available in your area – seek recommendations from other people
• Create a shortlist of homes you want to visit
• Write a list of questions to ask on your visit
• Speak to residents and staff about the home
• Find out whether or not there is a waiting list
• Work out what your funding situation will be – the Care Home Manager will be able to give you advice on this
• Ask to be put on the waiting list of your chosen home
• If the manager believes you may get assistance with funding, contact social services
• If you are going to be self funding, contact your chosen home when you are ready to become a resident

How do I find help?

Help is available from many sources including:

• your GP
• your local Social Services department
• local voluntary organisations for older people

What can the Local Authority do?

They will make an assessment of your needs, and produce a report called a care plan. It is important to be honest about your needs so that they can offer you the best help they can.

If you are assessed as needing assistance, the local authority has a legal duty to provide you with care at home, although the levels of care and charges may vary from area to area.

They may also be able to suggest other organisations who can help if the local authority cannot, or you do not want them to. They will also advise you about any benefits to which you may be entitled. Many people are hesitant about applying for benefits, but for example Attendance Allowance does not depend on your income or saving, and can be extremley useful to you and your carers.

Please contact us if you have any questions, call 0845 602 7469