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Health and well-being
Introduction to care homes
You may need a level of support that cannot be provided in your own home. A care home may be the answer - and a positive choice to make.
Your local council's social services department can provide information about what services are available and how to get them. They have a duty to make sure your care needs are met.
Many charities support people with a specific disability and are a good source of information. Some run their own care homes ranging from homes for disabled children, people with learning disabilities through to people needing full-time support for physical or multiple disabilities.
Choosing a care home
You have the right to choose your care home. There are lots to choose from, but finding one that is right for you might take some time. You should make sure the care home you choose has the facilities, equipment and staff with the right training to meet your needs.
Each local council sets amounts that they normally pay for someone with your assessed needs. If you want to move into a care home that is more expensive, you may need to find a way to pay the difference.
Types of care home
There are different types of care homes. Some offer full time nursing care, others support people with a specific disability or medical need.
If you are currently receiving treatment on a regular basis from a qualified nurse then you may need a care home with nursing. Your district nurse or hospital staff will be able to help you decide.
Covering the cost
Care home fees are a worry for a lot of people. Sometimes, care homes providing services and facilities appropriate to particular disabilities can be expensive.
Health and care professionals will assess your needs and help you find a care home that meets those needs.
They will then do a financial assessment to work out how much you can afford to contribute towards them. Currently if you have more than £20,500 in capital you will be assessed as being able to meet the full cost of your care.
Temporary stays in a care home
You might choose a temporary stay in a care home to recover from an illness or as a break for you and your carer. You should also be able to stay on a temporary basis for a trial period to see if the care home suits you. Some people also go to care homes for day care.
Will my benefits be affected?
Moving into a care home can affect on the benefits you receive. Most of your benefits will form part of your contribution to your care home fees, so it is important to make sure you are claiming all the benefits you are entitled to. Your benefits can also be affected by a temporary or trial stay in a care home.
Care homes and hospital
Some people move to a care home directly from hospital - perhaps if they are newly disabled. You cannot be discharged into a care home against your will and you have the right to choose your care home. Sometimes a hospital stay becomes necessary whilst living in a care home.
Care home standards
The Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) regulates care homes and inspects every care home registered by them. When you move into a care home you should be made aware of the complaints procedure. If you have any problems you can complain to the care home directly or to the CSCI.
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