2. Steve was appointed as Registered Manager in 2013 following a successful career as a health services manager in the
Royal Air Force Medical Services and latterly in the National Health Service. Steve possesses a BSc in Health and Social
Care (2009) and a Diploma in Leadership in Health and Social Care (2015). He is passionate about enhancing care and
the care environment for residents and their families and friends.
Contents
Introduction 1
Is a care home the right place? 2
Is a care home even needed? 3
Which type of care home is the most suitable? 4
What is life like in a care home? 6
How do you choose a care home? 8
How are care home fees paid? 10
Where can I get further information? 11
Steve Oswald
Registered Manager
01249 760464
executive.manager@goatacre.com
3. An Introduction
by Steve Oswald
Welcome!
For many people, moving to a care home is a big step and it can be difficult to know where to start. Find-
ing an established and trusted care home provider can be a difficult challenge. The need to find care
arrangements can come about quickly, and can also feel overwhelming.
There are many benefits to moving into a care home. It means there are trained staff on hand to help,
and the home may well have specialist equipment that would not be practical to install in someone’s
home. Moving to a care home can give people a renewed purpose in life because it gives them a
chance to meet new people and develop new friendships.
By making plans now, you can feel more relaxed and in control of the future.
This guide is designed to help you and your loved ones consider the choices carefully and make a con-
sidered decision when the time comes. It covers many common concerns such as:
• Is a care home the right place?
• Is a care home even needed?
• What type of care home is the most suitable?
• What is life like in a care home?
• How do you choose a care home?
• How are care home fees paid?
• Where do I get further information?
Page 1 of 11
4. Is A Care Home
The Right Place?
It is helpful to know the difference between the main types of accommodation available for older people:
Care Homes
Providing 24-hour support, care
homes are most suitable for those
who require regular or continual care.
Residents have their own
bedroom and bathrooms but also
share communal areas within one
building. There are different types of
care homes offering varying levels of
support, depending on individual
needs.
Sometimes referred to as sheltered
accommodation, this describes a
group of self-contained houses or flats
supported by a manager, with access
to 24-hour emergency help. Generally
this is offered on a rental or leasehold
basis and can include at-home care.
This describes a variety of rental
and leasehold properties set out in a
village style development. They
offer independence with a sense of
community, access to leisure facilities
and the option to build in at-home care
is often available. Some may have a
care home within the development.
It is useful to think about all aspects of your current home and lifestyle, as well
as your future needs before making your decision. The Elderly Accommodation
Counsel’s free Housing Options Tool will help to consider the alternatives. Find out
more: http://hoop.eac.org.uk/
Sheltered
Housing
Retirement
Village
Housing
Options Tool
Page 2 of 11
5. If you or your older relative is considering a move into a care home, the first step is to request a free
care assessment from the social services department of the local council. Getting a care assessment
doesn’t mean a move to a care home is inevitable. The assessor will look at the individual’s needs and
decide whether residential care is appropriate or whether other care and support in the home would be
more appropriate. The person will not be forced to move if it’s not the right solution.
If support is already in place by social services, perhaps because there is help at home, the
recommendation to move into a care home may come from the care manager or someone else involved
in the support network, such as the GP.
The assessment may cover:
Is A Care Home
Even Needed?
• The person’s health and disabilities, and
what they can and can’t do, or struggle to do
• The current living arrangements
• What help is currently in place, if any, and
whether this can continue
• How the person would like to be supported
• Any concerns a carer may have
• The opinions of people like the GP or
community nurse
The assessor will also look at their overall
wellbeing, including their emotional and
social needs such as a desire to stay living near
family, and their religious, cultural and
communication needs, such as a wish to attend
church once a week, or attend a regular activity
group.
Residential Specialist
Or Nursing Care Requirements?
Part of the assessment will include whether you or your loved one needs nursing care and, if so, how
much. This must be carried out by a nurse or other medical professional. If it’s decided that nursing care
is needed, there are two possible outcomes:
• A place in a residential or nursing home is the most appropriate next step, and/or
• If a lot of medical help is required, then a nursing home with specialist care equipment and sup-
port, rather than just nursing care, would likely be more suitable
Page 3 of 11
6. What Type Of
Care Home
Is Most Suitable?
Different care homes provide varying levels of care. It’s important to consider your needs before
choosing a home. You should be clear what level of support would most benefit you or your loved one
to ensure the homes you visit provide the levels of assistance required. There are four main types of
care available:
Residential Care
This type of home offer 24 hour personal and practical support that enables people to maintain their
independence, where possible. They offer assistance with everyday tasks such as bathing and taking
medication. Residential care homes are regularly visited by GPs and district nurses, meaning medical
care can be provided when needed. Residential care is ideal for those who want to enjoy maximum
independence as well as having confidence that support is available if needed.
Nursing Care
This type of care offers services for those with specialised nursing needs. This category of homes pro-
vides staff with additional qualifications who are on hand 24-hours a day to deliver medical care and
other forms of specialised support. You or your relative should consider nursing care if you need quali-
fied nursing support.
Continued...
Page 4 of 11
7. Specialist Dementia Care
Dementia care is delivered by specially trained carers, who recog-
nise that the symptoms of dementia are different for each person.
Some homes only specialise in dementia care and provide safe,
specially adapted environments for people living with dementia.
Some homes may offer both residential and specialist dementia
care.
It is important to consider the person’s preferences, lifestyle and
history, and use this information to ensure you find a home that en-
compasses these needs wherever possible to maintain or enhance
the quality of life.
Dementia specialists and all staff working in this area should receive
on-going dementia training. Some homes may provide support and
guidance for you and your loved ones living with dementia.
Dual Registered Care
Provides both residential and nursing care within the same environ-
ment, allowing people to transition as care needs increase.
Page 5 of 11
8. Life in a care home can be richer and fuller
than living alone, the community, social activi-
ties and friendship of other older people make
it a lively and friendly environment.
What Is Life Like
In A Care Home?
A good care home empowers individuals to maintain their current lifestyle with any additional support
needed. It is designed to be a home from home and you are encouraged to personal your private room
with photographs and pictures.
Social Activities
Social activities play an important role in care homes. Before you chose a care home for yourself or a
loved one, you should ask about the type of activities available – keeping up your favorite hobbies or
pastimes can help you to stay active and socialise with fellow residents.
Care homes may have a dedicated Activities Co-ordinator or they may bring in a variety of guest activity
leaders. The home will find out what residents’ preferences are, and then organise daily activities within
the home and local community. These may include fitness classes, quizzes and craft sessions to day
trips on buses, café outings and guest entertainers.
Page 6 of 11
9. Health And Social Care Services
The level of on-site medical care varies from home to home, but all should have a GP available on
request and have access to local dentists, district nurses, physiotherapists and optometrists. These
services often visit and provide treatment within the care home. Some homes also have their own
hairdressing salon, beauty therapist or chiropodist.
Visitors
Friends and family are very much
encouraged to visit loved ones living in a care
home. Residents are also encouraged to
maintain links with the wider community. Some
homes may provide guest rooms for visitors to
stay.
Catering
Most homes are fully catered and staff will be able
to accommodate any special dietary requirements
or allergies.
Catering teams may consult with residents on their
nutritional requirements and food preferences.
Page 7 of 11
10. How
Do You
Choose
A Care Home?
Arrange A Visit
Within a few moments, most people instinctively
know whether a place ‘feels right’. Visit a variety
of homes to find the right one.
When you visit a care home either for yourself or
for a relative, take someone with you for another
opinion and for moral support. Often you’ll know
what you like when you see it, and if the home is
for a relative, try to put yourself in their shoes and
think what they might prefer. What is easiest or
best for you, may not suit the person who will be
living there.
An unannounced visit will also help clarify how
you feel about the home and the staff.
Talk To People
Speaking to existing residents is a great way to
assess a place. Find out what it’s really like there.
Talk to the care home manager and staff about
the options available if your needs change. Speak
to members of staff about how long they’ve been
working there, and how they would be supporting
you day-to-day.
Check that staff have professional backgrounds
and are correctly qualified.
Arrange A Trial Stay
Some care homes offer a trial stay. This will give
you and your loved ones a chance to meet other
people living in the home properly, take part in
a wider range of activities and get a real feel for
what life could be like there.
Page 8 of 11
11. Ask Questions
This is a big decision so get as much information as you need to
feel confident about your choice. It may be the difference between
being able to have visitors whenever you want or having a separate
TV room that helps you make your decision. You will have lots of
questions when you visit. The accompanying checklist will help
remind you of questions you might like to ask, and make sure that
you cover everything that really matters to you or your loved one.
It covers questions such as:
Are the staff friendly and caring; how do they talk to the
residents? Do staff receive regular training and what are the staff to
resident ratios?
Accommodation: Is the home well decorated, is it safe
and secure and would you have private bathroom facilities? Can you
bring your own furniture or your pet? Are there separate dining and
social areas?
Facilities and catering: Is it well adapted to your special
needs e.g. sight, hearing or mobility? Do you have access to
medical services, hairdressing and opticians? Can you choose your
meals and where you’d like to eat them?
Activities: Can you continue to pursue the hobbies you
enjoy, is there a library and are regular outings organised? Is there
an accessible garden for you to enjoy?
Fees and contracts: How much are the fees, does that
include everything and how often are the fees reviewed? How often
do you need to pay something? What are the terms and conditions
and complaints policies?
We’d recommend you take a copy of the checklist with you when
you visit each care home.
Page 9 of 11
12. How Are Care
Home Fees Paid?
Care home fees in England and Wales can vary substantially. Arranging and securing care home
funding can sometimes appear a bit overwhelming. But ultimately, we all want the best we can afford.
Often older people in care homes contribute towards the cost of their care. Some people have the
resources to pay for their care in full, whilst others make means-tested contributions.
Paying for your own care
Care homes will make a needs based assessment to ensure they offer the appropriate care, now and
in the future. Take time to read through any contract and make sure that you understand exactly what
you are paying for.
Requesting funding support
You will need to speak to your GP and local council if funding is required. An assessment of your needs
will be completed before a potential home is identified. The local council will assess your finances,
looking at your income (including pensions and benefits] and capital [such as savings, property and
investments). This information will be used to decide whether the council will contribute to the fees, and
any suitable care homes will be suggested for consideration.
If the local authority grants financial assistance, it does not mean you have to choose the care home
they suggest. However if you want to choose a more expensive home, you will be expected to cover the
difference in cost. A third-party, such as a family member, friend or even charity can contribute towards
the extra costs, known as a ‘top-up fee’.
There is no requirement to pay a top-up fee if there is no suitable home available within the council’s
price limit.
Page 10 of 11
13. Where Can I Get
More Information?
England:
Tel: 0300 061 0614
www.lgo.org.uk
Wales:
Tel: 0300 790 0203
www.ombudsman-wales.org.uk
Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales
(CSSIW)
The national regulatory body of care homes and domiciliary care
services in Wales. Can provide lists of home care providers for a specific area.
Tel: 0300 790 0126
Email: cssiw@wales.gsi.gov.uk
www.cssiw.org.uk
Care Quality
Commission (CQC)
National independent regulator of all health and
social care services in England. Can provide
lists of home care providers for a specific area.
Tel: 03000 61 61 61
Email: enquiries@cqc.org.uk
www.cqc.org.uk
Elderly
Accommodation Counsel
Provides information and advice on care,
housing and financial options for older people.
Tel: 0800 377 7070
Email: info@firststopadvice.org.uk
www.eac.org.uk
Local Government Ombudsman
In England, contact them if you have a complaint about the council and are not satisfied with how the
council have dealt with it. They also look at complaints about other organisations including care homes.
Turn2us
Helps people access the money available to them – through welfare benefits, grants and other help.
May be able to suggest charities that can offer grants for top-up fees.
Tel: 0808 802 2000
www.turn2us.org.uk
Page 11 of 11
14. Guide To Choosing
A Care Home In
England And Wales
www.goatacre.com
executive.manager@goatacre.com
01249 760464
This Guide Was Produced On Behalf of GoatAcre Manor Care Home
