Many things can lead to a move into a care or nursing home. It may be that the intention is for a short term stay. Or period of respite and this may be exactly what is needed. Before moving into a permanent care setting the home should give you key information on charges. As well as, what happens if your money is likely to reduce. This may be the best or only option, but a crisis point may not be the best time to make permanent decisions. Needs may change and we can help make sure that you have considered all of your options. To make sure that your choice is appropriate and affordable in the longer term.
If you are sure it is a care home you are looking for it may help to consider the key points in our choosing a care home checklist.
Care homes can provide different levels of support and should be registered with the Care Quality Commission who are responsible for care standards and provide reports on assessed care providers. The Local Authority may be able to help make sure that your care choices are appropriate to avoid a possible move.
Moving into a Care Home
Residential Homes – If you need more help with day to day care these homes have care assistants but don’t often provide nursing care unless they have a dual registration for both Care and Nursing provision.
Nursing Homes – If your needs include requirement for medical care then provision of nursing care by a registered nurse and a higher staff/resident ratio of a Nursing home may be a more suitable option.
EMI – Elderly Mentally Infirm is an old-fashioned term that really means a more specialised need which may require a higher staffing to resident ratio and may also provide a more secure environment.
Dual Registration – some homes have both Residential beds and Nursing beds. These may be a more suitable option for people who have needs that are likely to change. Residential care may be suitable for a while but if there is a risk or likelihood that the need will increase or change to require some nursing care a ‘Dual Registered’ home may be worth considering from the start.
Specialist Care – There may be a need for a specific or specialist type of care. Whether this is due to a disability or illness, religious, cultural or complex need it may be that care providers may not be able to satisfy these requirements and a specific type of support or placement required.
The Care Quality Commission
The Care Quality Commission is responsible for care standards and provide reports on their assessments of registered care providers and we can help you to make sure you aren’t paying for care that you shouldn’t be, are getting the right benefits and help that you need.
If you would like some help please Get In Touch.
Care Navigators
