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Deciding on the right care for you is an important decision that can significantly affect wellbeing, independence and quality of life for you or a loved one.
As you get older and need more support, you may want to choose a care home from the many excellent providers that are available. However, many older people want to stay at home and receive domiciliary care. Promoting independence for older and vulnerable people is becoming a more important focus in social care policy.
This page outlines the key steps you should take in identifying care needs, exploring different options, evaluating care homes, understanding funding, and making a final choice.
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Assess your care needs
Before searching for a care home, it is helpful to understand what level of support is required. A care home may be suitable if someone:
- Struggles to live independently, even with support from family or a formal package of care
- Has had a care needs assessment recommending a care home
- Has complex medical needs requiring frequent or 24 hour attention from registered nurses
A care needs assessment from the local council is free and identifies what support is required. It is also necessary for accessing local authority funding.
There are two main types of care home:
- Residential care homes provide accommodation and personal care (washing, dressing, meals, medication).
- Nursing homes provide personal care and 24 hour nursing by qualified staff. Some homes specialise in dementia or other specific conditions.
Visiting care homes
Visiting in person is recommended before making a decision. You can research care homes and identify suitable homes on the internet.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulates and rates all care homes. Their reports include assessments of safety, effectiveness, responsiveness and leadership.
Things to consider
- Cleanliness, safety, and staff professionalism
- Interaction between staff and residents
- Facilities, activities and outdoor spaces
- Room options and comfort
Questions you may want to ask
- Staffing levels and training
- Daily routines and personalisation of care
- Medical support availability
- How much the fees are, what they include and if there is any top-up on local authority fees
Key considerations
- Proximity to family, friends and community
- Cultural, lifestyle or religious preferences
- Flexibility for future changes in care needs
- Overall atmosphere and resident satisfaction
How much do care homes cost?
- Costs vary by region and type of care
- Local authority funding depends on a financial assessment and eligibility. Top up fees may apply.
- Self funders can negotiate fees directly with homes
- NHS Continuing Healthcare may fully fund care for complex medical needs or for a nursing care element
Top-up fees
A top‑up fee for a care home is an additional payment made to cover the difference between what the local authority is willing to fund and the actual cost of the care home chosen.
Typically, a third party pays such as family or friends.
Once you’ve chosen a home
- Arrange a move in plan
- Notify relevant healthcare and support services. You may need to change GP practice, and this is something the home can help with.
- Ensure all paperwork and financial agreements are clear before signing
Care in your own home
Choosing care in your own home from a good-quality provider is an excellent way to retain your freedom and independence while getting the help you need to stay happy and safe.
The level of home care can be tailored to meet your needs – from a visit once a day to a much greater amount of support.
Even people with quite debilitating medical conditions can get skilled personal care that can enable them to stay in their own home.
Some agencies provide live-in care, which is a viable alternative to moving into a residential care home.
Find out more about care in your own home by downloading the Lincolnshire Care Services Directory.
Start your search here
with CareFind.