Introduction to care homes
You may need a level of support that cannot be provided in your own home. In this case, a care home may be the ideal choice.
Choosing a care home
Your local health trust's social services department can provide information about what services are available and how to get them.
You have the right to choose your care home. 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 trust 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 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, 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. 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 the costs. If you have over £23,250 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.
Care homes and benefits
Moving into a care home permanently or for a short time can affect the benefits you receive. Your benefits will usually 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.
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. A hospital stay may become necessary while you live in a care home.
Residential care and nursing home standards
Residential care and nursing homes are overseen by the the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA), which is responsible for monitoring the standards of private, voluntary and Trust homes.
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