|
Frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some typical questions that may help you. If you require any further information, please contact us.
Where can I get information about paying for my care?
Will the local authority pay for care in my own home?
What benefits may be available?
What does the NHS normally provide?
Are respite care and holiday breaks available?
What does it cost?
What professional care is available within the home?
Where can I get information about paying for my care?
Paying for care is a complex subject, and everyone's situation is different. You should seek advice about your own case. Among the organisations offering specialist advice include charities such as Age Concern (0808 808 6060), Help the Aged (0808 800 6565) and Counsel and Care (0845 300 7585) your local Social Services department the Benefits Agency (0800 88 22 00) the Nursing Homes Fees Agency (0800 99 88 33) Eldercare Solutions Ltd (01707 368 945).
< back to top of page
Will the local authority pay for care in my own home?
There is no simple answer. For care in a person's own home, each local authority makes its own decisions about charges. Some authorities do offer free services, but will assess your income and will charge you if your income is above a certain level.
< back to top of page
What benefits may be available?
Many people are hesitant about applying for benefits, but if you want to remain in your own home, they can be extremely useful to you and your carers. For example, Attendance Allowance does not depend on your savings or income, and could enable you to contribute to the petrol costs of a neighbour who does your shopping, or pay for a home help to do the tasks you can no longer manage. There are also benefits for people under 65, and for carers. For example, Invalid Care Allowance is for people unable to work because they are caring for someone.
Everyone's situation is different, and you should get advice. Try Age Concern (0808 808 6060), Help the Aged (0800 800 6565) or the Benefits Agency (0800 882 200, or in your local phone book).
< back to top of page
What does the NHS normally provide?
Even if you are paying all your own fees, the NHS now makes a contribution to your nursing costs. Nursing care is defined as the care you are assessed as needing from a registered nurse.
In England the NHS will pay a contribution towards the nursing part of your care that they determine needs to be provided by a registered nurse in a nursing home. The payments are banded at three levels provided on a weekly basis and the up to date band fee levels are available form Social Services or direct from St Vincent’s.These bands are calculated and dependent on whether your nursing needs are assessed as low, medium or high. This contribution applies whether your care is funded privately or by the local authority. If you are paying your own fees, you will still have to pay for accommodation and personal care (such as help with dressing or bathing).
There are three bands of support:
1. Your local authority may pay for the cost of your residential or nursing home care if your capital is less than £13,000
2. Your local authority will still pay for your accommodation and personal care, but not fully, if your capital is between £13,000 -£21,500
For every £250 you have over the lower amount, they will subtract £1 per week from the money they contribute.
3. You will have to pay the full costs of your accommodation and personal care if your capital is over £21,500
If your capital falls below the upper amount while you are in a care home, you will become eligible for help from the local authority.
If you want a more expensive home than the authority is willing to pay for, you are allowed to arrange a 'third party contribution' from another source.
Your home would be included in your assets only if you live alone, or you are both moving into a care home. In addition, the local authority will disregard the value of your home for 12 weeks after your admission to permanent nursing or residential care.
You will be expected to use all your income – including your pension, benefits, and so on – to fund your care. However, you can keep £20.45 a week spending money.
< back to top of page
Are respite care and holiday breaks available?
You might want to stay in a care home just for a short term stay, perhaps for a week or two. This may give you a respite period or your carer an opportunity to take a planned break. St Vincent’s Nursing Home has rooms set aside for respite stays.
St Vincent’s Nursing Home is set in beautiful countryside location surrounded by the ancient Ruislip Woods, Haste Hill golf course and beautiful landscaped gardens is an ideal destinations for a short respite break.
If you are worried about whether living in a care home is the right choice for you for the longer term, you can often arrange a trial stay as a temporary resident to see how you get on.
Everyone deserves time out. Whether you care for a relative, are a professional carer, or are in need of permanent care yourself, taking a break from your usual routine can do wonders for you. Perhaps now is the time to think about the value of respite care.
As a carer you can relax, knowing that your relative, friend or patient is in a safe, welcoming environment with first class care tailored to their needs. A respite stay at St Vincent’s Nursing Home gives many people the opportunity to experience first rate service amongst friendly and welcoming staff and residents.
Respite stays are always short term. Having said that, the
|
