Residential Care and Nursing Home Services

Questions and answers

Can I choose which home I go to?

Your care plan will say what sort of care you need. The care manager who assessed your needs will help you weigh up the options and match your needs and preferences to the right home.

If possible it is a good idea to prepare a list of questions and visit a number of homes which may be able to meet your needs. We also recommend a short stay at the home before you make a final decision. You may choose any home as long as the following conditions are met:

There is a place available
The home can meet your care needs
The home and Adult and Community Services can agree a care plan to meet your needs
The home does not cost more than Adult and Community Services usually pay for the care you need

If you enter a care home that costs more than Adult and Community Services are prepared to pay, someone else must pay the balance for as long as you are in the home.

What happens once I have chosen a home?

Your care manager will help you prepare to move in. You can arrange to move in on the understanding that the first few weeks are to be a trial period and that if you are unhappy you can leave, giving notice as agreed.

You should not make arrangements to sell or give up the tenancy of your existing home until after the trial period and you are sure that you have found the right residential home.

Towards the end of your trial period your care manager will arrange a meeting with you and staff from the home to say whether you will stay, try another home or move back to your home.

This is called a review meeting. A friend or relative is also normally invited to a review. If at the review meeting you say that you would like to stay we will confirm your move as permanent.

We like to arrange further reviews at least once a year. This is to ensure that you are satisfied with your care and that your needs are still being met.

What kind of care will I get?

As community care services have improved in recent years, more people who would previously have moved into residential care have been able to continue to live in their own homes. People in residential care require more personal care than it is possible or practical to provide at home.

All homes must meet social, physical and personal care standards set by the Commission for Social Care Inspection. Inspection reports are available on all residential homes. For a copy of the latest inspection report on any home please contact the Commission for Social Care Inspection.

What happens if my needs change?

We will arrange a meeting to review your needs. You, or a home manager, may ask for a review at any time. The service you receive may then be changed to meet your needs (within resources available to Adult and Community Services).

What happens if I am unhappy or have a complaint?

Please talk to the staff at the home or your care manager. You may also ask a friend or relative to raise your concerns. We will try to resolve the matter to your satisfaction. If you remain unhappy or feel that a complaint has not been properly dealt with, please call or ask to talk to the Adult and Community Services Complaints Team.

You can also complain directly to the Commission for Social Care Inspection. Inspectors will investigate any issue you or your relatives are unhappy about.

Will I be able to go out and receive visitors?

Yes, we encourage people to maintain important contacts with family, friends and clubs. We would expect independent homes to make visitors welcome. This is one of the topics to explore before committing yourself to a particular home. After your trial period your care manager may not visit unless you ask to see them.

When I am living in a home may I speak to an independent person for advice?

Yes, you may speak to an adviser of your choice, or we can arrange for you to see an independent and confidential advocate in private.

Please see Sources of Information, advice and help for further contact details.