Residential/Nursing Homes
YOUR
RIGHT TO CHOOSE
Preparing for long term care
People usually move into care
because of failing health and increased dependency. If you are unsure
of your needs then speak to your doctor who will advise you. It should
be possible for you to visit the home and, ideally, stay a few days.
If you, your relatives, or friends can pay the home's fees in full then
you can make your own arrangements to go into any residential
care or nursing home. Contact Social Services if you need help to pay
the fees. You will still have the right to choose any home you like,
as long as four key points are satisfied.
- You have been assessed as needing residential or nursing home care and the preferred accommodation is suitable in relation to your needs.
- There is a place available.
- The home can provide that care at a price the authority would usually expect to pay or you are able to arrange a "top up", perhaps from a relative or friend.
- The home is willing
to provide accommodation subject to the authority's usual terms
and conditions.
If the NHS is to fund your
care in a nursing home then you still have a right to choose the home
you wish to live in as long as it provides the specialist care you require.
You can move from one home to another and have exactly the same rights
to choose the new home as you did the first one.
People
unable to make their own choices
If the prospective resident is unable to express a preference for themselves
the authorities must act on the preferences expressed by their carers
in the same way that they would on the resident's own wishes, unless
that would be against the best interest of the resident.
Challenging
decisions
Your right to choose is written into law. If you believe your right
to choose is being infringed you should quote LAC (92)27 to the authority.
Paying
for care
If you move into a residential care or nursing home with financial support
from Social Services then they will make arrangements to pay the fees.
Your contribution to the fees will take into account your own income
and capital.
RESIDENTIAL
CARE HOMES
- Are run by councils, charities, housing associations or private individuals
- Provide accommodation,
meals and personal care for the elderly
NURSING HOMES
Are mostly privately owned; some are run by councils and charitable organisations
- Care is provided by qualified nursing staff 24 hours a day
- They cater for patients
with special needs such as those suffering from Alzheimer's disease
or incontinence problems
ALL HOMES
- Are registered with the local social services department
- Have their facilities and standards checked regularly
- Will welcome you to
visit them to have a good look round before you make your final
choice. Choosing the right home could make all the difference.
FURTHER ADVICE
Independent organisations such as Citizens Advice Bureau and Age Concern
are happy to provide further guidance on the current rules and your
rights.