Get the facts when considering a care home
MOVING into a care home is a big decision and it can cost a lot of money – but it may be the best option if you or someone you know is struggling to live alone – even with help from friends, family or paid carers.
They may also have had a needs assessment that suggested a care home is the best choice.
Care homes can reduce the stress of looking after your health and care, especially is a person has complex medical conditions that need attention during the day and night.
This will also help family members and friends focus on other things, like their social life own general wellbeing.
There are two main types of care home: residential homes and nursing homes.
Some care homes offer both residential and nursing care places. Care homes may be run by private companies, voluntary or charity organisations, or sometimes by local councils.
Residential homes provide accommodation and personal care, such as help with washing, dressing, taking medicines and going to the toilet. Some care homes also offer activities, such as day trips.
Before choosing a care home for yourself or someone you know, it's worth considering all of the options
Nursing homes also provide personal care but there will always be one or more qualified nurses on duty to provide nursing care. These are sometimes called care homes with nursing.
Some nursing homes offer services for people that may need more care and support. For example, people with severe learning disabilities or severe physical disabilities.
HOW MUCH WILL A CARE HOME COST?
THE cost of a care home will be different depending on the type of care home you need and where you live. Nursing homes usually cost more than residential homes as they provide nursing care.
The average cost of a care home in the UK is around £600 a week for a residential home and around £800 a week for a nursing home.
Before deciding how to pay for a care home, it's worth asking your local authority for a needs assessment. The council can then help you look at all your options.
You can choose to pay for care yourself if you're able to afford it or you don't want a financial assessment or contact social services at your local council and ask for a needs assessment. You can call them or do it online.
It's important not to sell your home or cancel a tenancy before the council has made a decision.
The council won't look at your relative's finances when they assess you. But if your family are able to help pay towards the cost of a care home, they can add to the money the council gives you. This is known as a top-up fee. This means you could live in a care home that costs more than the council will pay.
If you need advice about a financial assessment or financing a care home yourself, you could call:The Society of Later Life Advisors (SOLLA) on 0333 2020 454 or MoneyHelper on 0800 138 7777