How to start planning

When to start thinking about care homes

Many people have to make a decision about a care home in a crisis, perhaps after a fall or illness, or the death of a carer. Looking back, people often wish they’d had longer to look around, so if you think you might need to look at care homes in the future, it’s a good idea to do some planning now to prepare yourself.

There are also many factors and issues to think about which you might not know how to deal with and knowing who to speak to will help the situation.

What do I need to know?

• It can be a difficult and emotional time when deciding that someone you love might need residential care. You can gain advice and support from a confidential advice line on: 020 7354 5094. Find out more about the advice line here.

• Before you start your search, it may be useful to talk to friends and relatives about the type of things to think about. eg. Being able to take a pet or your own furniture.

• Talk to your GP and your local Social Services department/Local Authority who should be able to provide you with advice and a list of registered homes in your area.

• All homes have to be inspected and registered by the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI). Inspection reports can be seen on: www.csci.org.uk or you can ask to see the inspection report when you visit a home.

• If you need advice about whether you will need to pay for the care yourself or if it will be funded by the Local Authority, then there are a number of organisations who can help. one such service is available by accessing The Eldercare Funding Programme on 01707 368 945 or www.eldercare-solutions.co.uk.

• If you or your relative will be paying all the care home fees then you can contact the homes you are interested in directly to make a visit and find out more information.

• You can then choose a home that is suitable for your needs in your price range. The home will then make an assessment of your needs so that they offer you the right kind of care.

• If you will be asking the Local Authority to help with all or part of your fees then you should contact your GP and Social Services. They will then make an assessment of your needs and produce a report called a care plan that outlines the right type of care for you.

• If your local authority is assisting with fees then you can still request the home of your choice. However, if you would like to be in a home that is more expensive than the local authority is willing to pay, then you are allowed to “top up” their contribution from another source. It is worth taking direct advice for your area on this subject, from the Home Manager at the home you choose.

Useful contacts:

• CSCI – has a complete list of all homes in the UK on its register plus inspection reports. Call 0845 015 0120 or go to www.csci.org.uk.

• The Elderly Accommodation Counsel (020 7 820 1343) for lists of homes in most areas or go to www.eac.org.uk.

• The Registered Nursing Home Association (0121 454 2511) for a list of registered nursing homes.

• Age Concern 0208 765 7200.

• A detailed guide to the types of care Anchor offers is available here
• A list of questions to ask when choosing a care home is available here
• Click here to find a home in your area
• << Back to Anchor Homes home page

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