Residential Care

Residential Care

A residential care home aims to provide the care and attention you would receive at home from a caring relative. The staff in a residential home can help with personal care such as washing, going to the toilet, taking a bath, getting up or dressing. The help is there when you need it, 24 hours a day. All meals are provided and there are activities that you can take part in - including outings. Visitors are always welcome.

Residential care homes aim to help you to lead an Independent life in as homely a setting as possible.

All residential homes have to be registered with the Department of Health's Commission for Social Care Inspection. The Commission will carry out regular inspections of all residential homes to make sure that they meet the standards that have been set by the Government www.csci.org.uk

Nursing Home Care

Nursing Homes generally care for people who are more dependent and require the sort of care that can only be provided under the supervision of a qualified nurse. Nursing Homes are required by law to have a qualified nurse on duty 24 hours a day. All nursing homes in Barnsley are privately owned and managed. They have to be registered with and are regularly inspected by the National Care Standards Commission. Some care homes are dual registered. This means that the home can accommodate people needing either residential or nursing care. Some people may wish to choose a dual registered home so that if their relative''s condition deteriorates they do not have to move a different home. A couple with differing needs may wish to go into the same home.

You can either look for a home yourself or ask Social Services for help. You may also be able to get advice from some local voluntary organisations.

Social Services can give you information about the range of homes in Barnsley to help you decide which will suit you best. They can also help you to visit any home you are considering, arrange a trial short stay and show you the latest inspection report on how the home is run. Inspection reports can be seen at the home of your choice or are available from the Social Services Contracts Officer.

Eligibilty Criteria for Adult Services is within Fair Access to Care Services agreed April 2003. The eligibilty criteria for Barnsley MBC has been set at the CRITICAL and substancial band of Need. To access Res/Nursing Care your needs must be assessed as CRITICAL. Please contact your local Social Services office for more information.

Eligibility criteria for services

For further information about services for older people in Barnsley including a list of the residential and nursing homes in the borough download a copy of 'Your Choice 2008/9 - a handbook of services for Older People'

 

Can I choose which care home I want to stay in?

The choice of home is a very personal one and what suits one person may not suit another. You have the
right to choose any home you like as long as Social Services agree four key points:

• there is a place available
• it is suitable for your care needs
• Social Services can agree a contract with the care owner to ensure you are properly cared for
• the home does not cost more than social services usually pays for the care you need, or if it does someone else can pay the difference.

Look at what is important to you. Try to visit several homes so that you can compare them. You may want to live in a home outside Barnsley to be nearer family or friends. There is a checklist at the end of this section that will give you some ideas about the questions that you may want to ask. It is often helpful to take a list with you when visiting a home.

What kind of room can I expect?

You should be offered a single room. Some homes have double rooms for couples or friends to share.
You should only have to share a room if this is your choice. Some homes offer en-suite facilities but in others you will share the bathroom and toilet.

How do I pay for care?

If you are moving into a nursing or residential care home with help from Social Services you will be expected to pay towards the fees. If you are not asking for any help in paying for your care or do not wish to have your needs assessed by the local authority, you can apply directly to the home of your choice. If you only have enough money to pay your fees independently for a short time, it is advisable to have an assessment. This is because the local authority can only help you with your fees in the future if it has assessed you, the home of your choice is suitable for your needs and the fees are not more than it would normally expect to pay. If you have been assessed by Social Services as needing care in a residential or nursing home, the amount you will be expected to pay will be worked out according to a national set of rules. This involves looking at your income, including most benefits and pensions and your capital such as your savings, investments and the value of any property you own. Generally most of your income goes towards the cost of your care. Your Care Manager/ Social Worker will give you more information regarding the costs for Residential Care please contact your Social Services District Office.

 Does the fee cover everything I will need?

Generally, the amount you pay will cover all the normal things a care home would be expected to provide. The home should not ask you for any more money, except for extra things for which you may choose to pay such as hairdressing and newspapers. You will be expected to pay for personal items such as clothes and toiletries.

How much money of my own will I have when I am living in a home?

Social Services calculations will ensure that you are always left with a sum of money each week to cover personal expenses. This is known as the 'personal allowance'. If you have any doubts about how much this is or what it can be used for please contact the local Social Services district office.

Can I stay at a home for a short time to see if I like it?

Yes. Many homes let you stay for a short while to see if you would be happy there. Social Services or the manager of the home can arrange this for you.

What if I need to go into hospital or want to go on holiday?

You will usually continue to pay for your care if you go into hospital, go on holiday or go to stay with family or Friends.

Can I take any of my own things into the home?

Yes. Most homes will help you make your room as personal and comfortable as possible. You may need to insure your belongings: ask the home what their insurance covers the sort of things each home can offer. You will probably want to ask some questions; this checklist can help you to think of what to ask and what to look for in a home. If your placement is being arranged by Social Services many of the following points will be covered by the contractual arrangements between them and

What happens to my own home?

If you own your own home, its value will generally be included when your capital is calculated, unless a partner or relative is still living there. You may need to sell your home to pay your contribution but you should be sure that you are happy in the care home before you sell your house or give up your tenancy.

You will have up to 13 weeks to decide if you want to stay in the home. If you are a tenant and are receiving housing benefit, the local authority may be able to continue paying this for a while after you have moved into a home. It is a good idea to visit a few homes before you make a decision so that you can see what you like and what sort of things each home can offer. You will probably want to ask some questions; this checklist can help you to think of what to ask and what to look for in a home. If your placement is being arranged by Social Services many of the following points will be covered by the contractual arrangements between them and the home.

What if things go wrong?

If you, a friend or a relative have any concerns about the home you have chosen or you are unhappy do let people know. Firstly, talk to the person in charge of the home; you will probably find that the problem can easily be resolved. If it cannot, the National Care Standards Commission will help you with any difficulties and investigate any complaints. If the place has been arranged for you by the local authority, contact the person who assessed you and they will visit you to discuss any difficulties or concerns you have. To find out more about entering a care home ask for the leaflet 'Moving into a Care Home - Things You Need To Know'

Finding the right home for you - checklist

Location

• Is it close to family or friends and can they visit you easily?
• Is it convenient for shops, public transport and your doctor?

The home

• Can you manage steps?
• Is there a lift?
• Are the rooms single or shared? Are you comfortable being on your own or would you prefer to share?
• Can you take your own furniture and personal possessions into the home?
• Do you need to insure them?
• Does the home smell clean and fresh?
• Can you lock your room or is there somewhere you can lock things away?
• Can you have a telephone or is there one for residents use?
• Is there a quiet room?
• Is there somewhere where you can smoke?

Other facilities

• Is there a garden or a sitting out area?
• Are there organised activities?
• Is there a service like hairdressing, library or chiropody?
• Can you take a pet into the home?
• Is laundry done at the home?

Organisation of the home

- Meals

• When are meal times?
• Are these flexible?
• Can you choose to eat in your room?
• Ask to look at a menu - is it regularly changed?
• Can you prepare snacks and drinks?
• Are special dietary needs catered for?
  

- Visitors

• Are visitors welcome at any time?
• Can you entertain them in your room?
• Can visitors stay overnight?

- Staff

• Do there seem to be enough staff?
• Do they respect peoples privacy - for example, knocking on doors, accepting that not everyone wants to join in with activities?
• Are staff on duty at night?
• Is care planned for individuals needs?

- Finances

• Can you afford the fees and when is payment expected?
• How often are the fees increased?
• What do the fees include?
• What proportion of the fees will you have to pay if you are in hospital or on holiday?
• How much notice do you have to give if you decide to leave the home?
• Are there any circumstances in which you would be expected to leave?
• Will you be offered a contract of residency?
• Will this contract mean you can stay in the same room for as long as you remain at the home?
• Will this contract mean you won't be moved to another home owned by the same people without your permission?

- Other important points

• Ask to look at the registration certificate. It should be prominently displayed.
• Is there a waiting list?
• What will the arrangements be if your care needs change?
• Do the residents look happy and well cared for -talk to some of the people living in the home to find out more about it?
• Some voluntary homes are restricted in who they can accept so check that you are eligible.
• Does the home have a brochure? This can be useful when comparing homes later.
• Can you arrange a trial stay to see if you like living there?
• Does the home offer you the care that you will need?
• Can the home meet your religious needs?

Your Choice - A Handbook of Services for Older People

Last modified on 12/6/2008