You can contact your local social service department to arrange a care assessment. This will help you determine the type of care you require. No matter your financial ability, you have the right for an assessment.
After your care assessment is complete, social services can advise you about the type of assistance they can offer.
Is it possible to live in my home?
The council should try to help you stay in your home. You might be eligible for meals delivered to you, assistance with adapting your home to safety (stairlifts, fire alarms), heating your home, and even garden maintenance.
Social services can arrange for carer visits to your home if you require a greater level of support. Frequency will depend on your level.
What happens if I have to move into a nursing or residential home?
If you feel that a nursing home is the best place for you and your care assessment has indicated this, local social services will conduct a financial assessment. This will look at your assets, income, capital, and assets to determine what you might have to pay towards the fees. It is important to ensure that you receive all financial benefits. The financial assessment will determine your contribution to fees based on this assumption.
Visit our pages on financial advice for more information about fees, entitlements, and how to pay them.
Social services can assist you in choosing a home for you to live in after you have completed your financial assessment. Even if the council pays the fees, you still have the option to choose the home where you live. To ensure that social services support your choice, it is important to choose a home that meets your needs.
Is it possible to go to a care facility in another area?
Even if your local social services have evaluated your needs and paid the fees, you are still responsible for paying the fees if your move is to another area. Many people search for care homes near family and friends. The funding will be continued as long as they meet the criteria.
You can arrange to be in a different care home, or stay at your home until you find a suitable place. If your fees are covered by the local council, they should be able help you with both options.
