From the section: Care homes
Below you will find the answers to commonly asked questions about moving into a care home.
These answers include information if you:
We understand that moving to a care home is a big decision and it can cost a lot of money.
Before you decide, it’s important to consider all your options. A needs assessment can help you do this. The purpose of the assessment is to give us a full picture of your needs and will help us support you to identify what level of care and support you require.
Our top tips for choosing a care home page is also a good place to start and can help you choose the right care home for you.
There are two types of care homes which provide different levels of support, including residential homes and nursing homes.
Information about what care they provide can be found on our care homes page.
The cost of a care home can vary significantly, so always ask for this information from the care home.
If we arrange your care, our paying for care page provides information on what you need to pay and what financial help is available.
You are welcome to choose any care home you wish, providing it can meet your needs and has a vacancy.
It's important to consider your decision carefully. Our care homes and top tips for choosing a care home pages provide guidance on choosing the right residential care for you.
For example, we suggest checking the Care Quality Commission (CQC) website for the care home’s most recent inspection report.
If you choose a care home that costs more than what your personal budget will cover, you will need to pay the difference. This is called a top up payment.
If you pay for your care and your savings fall below £23,250, we may be able to help with the cost of care.
You should contact us about three months before you think your savings will drop below this threshold and ask us to assess your care needs and finances.
We will discuss ways to fund your care which may include:
To contact us:
You should contact us to discuss your circumstances so that a social worker can complete an assessment and work with you.
To get in touch:
Your home will not be included in your financial assessment if:
Our arranging and paying for care page explains this in more detail.
You may be eligible for benefits, such as Attendance Allowance or Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which aren't means-tested.
You can use them to pay towards the cost of your care.
If we contribute to the cost of your care, you may be eligible to claim Pension Credit if you are on low income. We can advise whether we think you may be eligible.
You may also be able to apply for the mobility component of PIP.
If you receive benefits and move into a care home, you will need to tell GOV.UK about the change in your circumstances.
You will always be left with a minimum amount of income after your financial contribution to residential care, so you have enough money to spend on personal items such as clothes and other items which are not part of your care. This is called a Personal Expenses Allowance (PEA) and is currently £30.65 a week as set by the Department of Health.
If you have long-term complex health needs, your care may be funded by NHS continuing healthcare (NHS CHC).
If you are not eligible for CHC funding but have been assessed as needing care from a registered nurse, you may be eligible for NHS-funded nursing care.