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Over 50s
Guide to care homes for over 50s
Health, mobility and finances may affect decisions you make about your housing arrangements. You may need a level of support that cannot be provided in your home. Once you have made the decision to move into a care home you need to begin the process of choosing the right one for you.
Your local authority's social services department can provide information about what services are available for older people and how to get those services. They have a duty to make sure your care needs – whether they are physical or emotional – are met.
Choosing a care home
You have the right to choose your care home. There are lots to choose from, but finding one that is right for you may take some time. You should make sure that the care home you choose has the facilities, equipment and staff with the right training to meet your needs.
Each local authority 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 find a way to pay the difference.
Find out about local residential care
The following link will let you enter details of where you live and then take you to your local authority website where you can find out more about local residential care.
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 then 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. Sometimes, 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 them. Currently if you have more than £22,250 (£22,000 if you live in Wales) 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.
Will your benefits be affected?
Moving into a care home can affect the benefits you receive. Most of your benefits will 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. Your benefits can also be affected by a temporary or trial stay in a care home.
Your home, your assets and your care home fees
Most people pay at least part of their care home fees but this doesn't always mean you have to sell your home. If you plan ahead, you can protect your assets and make sure you still have something to leave to loved ones in your will.
Your care home, your pets and your personal belongings
When you're considering moving into a care home, you may be worried about what will happen to your pets, your furniture and other personal belongings. It's important to ask about a care home's policy on pets and household effects before you move in.
Care homes and hospital
Some people move to a care home directly from hospital. You cannot be discharged into a care home against your will and you have the right to choose your care home. Sometimes a hospital stay becomes necessary whilst living in a care home.
Care home standards
The Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) regulates care homes and inspects every care home registered by them. When you move into a care home you should be made aware of the complaints procedure. If you have any problems you can complain to the care home directly or to the CSCI.
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