When should I put a loved one into a care home?

A care home may be necessary for someone who is struggling to live alone, even after receiving help from family, friends or carers. Somebody with a complex medical condition that requires specialist, round-the-clock attention may also benefit from a care home. Some care seekers will have a care needs assessment and be advised that a care home is the best option.

What is Respite Care?

Respite Care Homes are designed for carers who need to take a break from caring. For example, when a carer is on holiday, care services will step in to provide respite care. This care can come in many forms and is usually determined through a care needs assessment by your local council. The carer will undergo a carer’s assessment while the person being cared for will undergo a needs assessment.

What is Residential Care?

A residential care home provides accommodation and round-the-clock support for people who are no longer able to live alone, yet don’t require nursing care or a hospital stay. Residential care typically includes help with day-to-day tasks like washing, dressing, using the toilet and taking medication. They also offer support for residents with other care needs, such as those with physical or learning disabilities and mental health problems.

How much does a Care Home cost?

Care home costs vary across the UK and depend on several factors, such as the region the care home is in, what facilities are on offer and the level of care that’s required (specialist homes will typically charge higher fees than residential care homes). For example, average costs for residential care are higher in the South East of England than in the North East, while nursing care will cost more than residential care. When all care services are added up, residential care can cost upwards of £1,000 per week. Research from Laing Buisson showed that care home fees in the UK ranged from £27,000 to £39,000 a year for residential care or £35,000 to £55,000 per year for nursing care.

What is the Care and Home Inheritance Plan?

The Care and Home Inheritance Plan from My Lifetime Care can pay your care fees for the rest of your life, whether you choose to live in a care home or your own home. The Plan can pay the difference between these family’s lifetime care and what they can afford from their pension and ensure that their family inherits their home – eventually debt free.

Quite simply, the Plan will pay the care costs you can’t afford in exchange for a long-lease on your home. The lease can be cancelled as soon as rent from your home has repaid these costs, but your beneficiaries can also cancel the lease any time before then by paying the outstanding costs not yet repaid by rent.

What is a Care Needs Assessment?

A Care Needs Assessment determines exactly what sort of help or support someone requires with their care. Care assessments are carried out by a trained professional, typically from the social services department within your local council. Anyone can have a care assessment, with this being a good opportunity to raise any personal concerns or requests you have for your own care or that of a loved one.

What is a Care Plan?

A Care Plan covers exactly what care and support you need. It outlines your care goals, lists your needs as determined by a care assessment, highlights which needs your local council will meet and provides information on preventing, reducing or delaying your future needs for social care. Your personal budget figures and payment details will also be included.

What is Power of Attorney?

Power of attorney is a legal document that enables one or more people to act on someone else’s behalf when that person is no longer able to make decisions or adequately communicate them. Setting up a power of attorney can help you to convey your choices and preferences regarding your health and wellbeing, along with your finances and property.

What is Intermediate Care?

Intermediate Care is a temporary care service provided by the NHS. You can receive Intermediate Care for up to six weeks – either at home, in a care home or in the hospital. If you need further support after the six weeks are up, you’ll be given a care plan, but you may have to cover the costs yourself.