advice on housing and care options for older people in warwickshire · occupational therapy...
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Advice on housing and careoptions for older
people inWarwickshire
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ContentsAdvice on
housing options for older people in
Warwickshire
2 Introduction
3 Helping you to stay put
9 Wanting or needing to move on
12 Sheltered or Retirement Housing
16 Renting Sheltered or Retirement Housing
19 Buying Sheltered or Retirement Housing
22 Care Homes
31 Your rights
32 Useful Organisations
Introduction
This guide is an introduction to services inWarwickshire that can help older people livemore comfortably or independently at home,and the options available to those who decideto move in later life. It is written for olderpeople who rent their current homes as wellas those who are owner-occupiers, regardlessof their income or savings.
Each section in this guide suggests some pointsyou may like to think about before decidingwhat is best for you, and provides informationabout what is available and where to go for furtheradvice. The ‘Useful Organisations’ section at theend of this guide gives contact details. You cancontact FirstStop Warwickshire by calling thefreephone telephone line on 0800 377 7070 Or, you can look through all the information abouthousing options for older people on the websitewww.firststopadvice.org.uk. If you prefer, youcan make an appointment for one of our teamof local housing advisers to visit.
FirstStop also operates nationally, so if youwould like to move to another part of the UK,or want information to help an older relativewho lives outside Warwickshire, please don’thesitate to get in touch.
FirstStopWarwickshire is an
advice service tohelp older people
maintain theirindependence and
live comfortably athome in later life.
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Home Improvement Agencies (HIAs):These are not-for-profit organisations set upto help older or disabled home owners andprivate tenants arrange and pay for repairs,improvements and adaptations to theirhomes. HIAs or other local agencies some-times also run small repairs or handypersonschemes. These may vary in the range andthe size of jobs they can do.
If you have recently been unwell, or arecoming out of hospital, you may be con-cerned about how you will cope in thefuture. There are a range of options thatmight be available, and a range of organ-isations that may be able to help you,depending on your needs and circum-stances. The ‘Useful Organisations’ sec-tion in this guide gives contact details forthe organisations, services, grants andschemes mentioned. You can contactFirstStop Warwickshire for further advice.
Helpingyou to stay
put
Condition or layout
of your home
General If you are finding it difficult to cope withdaily tasks or think you need home care,special equipment or meals or any othertype of support, contact Warwickshire AdultSocial Care (or the hospital social worker ifyou are in hospital) and ask for an assess-ment of your care needs. Adult Social Careservices will also be able to explain what, if anything, you might be expected to paytowards the costs of any support it agreesthat you need.
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If you are findingit difficult to
manage in yourhome, but wouldreally prefer not
to move, theremay be ways to
make your lifeeasier and safer.
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and you are a tenant, you should report therepair to your landlord. If you have difficultygetting your landlord to carry out necessaryrepairs you should contact the EnvironmentalHealth Department of your local council orPrivate Sector Housing Team. If you are ahome owner, or a private tenant who isresponsible for certain repairs you may beable to get help from your local HIA orDistrict/Borough Council. If you are arrangingrepairs yourself, you may want to useTrustMark to find a reputable builder.TrustMark is a scheme supported by thegovernment, the building industry and consumer groups to help you find reliable,trustworthy tradespeople.
Adaptations and equipment: Equipmentor adaptations to your home can sometimesmake a real difference to your ability to liveindependently. If you are having difficultyusing the bathroom or getting to the toilet,Adult Social Care services may be able toprovide grab rails, bath seats or portableequipment. If these do not solve the difficulty,other changes to the bathroom, or putting ina downstairs toilet or a stair lift may bepossible. A Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG)may be available to help with the costs if youare assessed as needing major adaptationslike these. Contact Adult Social Care for an
Helping you to stay put
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occupational therapy assessment or yourlocal Home Improvement Agency for adviceand possible assistance.
Heating: If you are a home owner or privatetenant, are 60 or over and get a means-testedor disability benefit you may be eligible forthe Warm Front scheme. This can provideadvice and a range of energy efficiency, insulation and heating measures, includingassistance to install central heating or replacea boiler. A grant may be available, worth upto £3500 (£6000 if the central heating is oil-fired).
Alarm system: An emergency alarm couldbe installed which would allow you to call forhelp 24 hours a day if you have an accidentor are unwell. Your local authority will have aservice, and alarm systems are also availablethrough charities and commercial providers(sometimes these systems are called ‘telecare’).
Telecare: Other telecare equipment (assistivetechnology) is being developed that can helppeople remain independent or live more safelye.g. sensors to detect intruders, or presence ofgas or carbon monoxide, smoke or fire, flooding,or drops in temperature. The equipment canalso monitor for movement (or lack of it), falls,doors being opened (including the fridge door),taking medication etc.
Home safety check: Your Home ImprovementAgency (HIA) or other local agencies may alsobe able to carry out a home safety check to
Helping you to stay put
Safety andSecurity
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help you identify changes you could make toreduce the risk of accidents or falls.
Security: The Crime Prevention Officer (CPO)at your local police station can give advice onsecurity if you feel unsafe in your home. Thereare schemes all over the UK that provide and fithome security equipment, such as locks, chainsand spyholes, and the CPO should have infor-mation on what is available in your local area.
Social activities: Age Concern Warwickshirecan give you information about social activities,visiting schemes or information services.
Homeshare: In a few areas there are home-share schemes. These aim to match peoplewho need accommodation and are willing togive some help, with older or disabled peoplewho are willing to share their home and arelooking for some support or companionship.The support cannot cover personal care, suchas help with dressing. Homeshare Internationalcan give some guidance to those who wantto set up a private homeshare arrangement,but there are a lot of points to consider soit is recommended to take advice on all thelegal issues.Community Transport: If you are findingit difficult to get around or get to the shopsor local amenities, there may be communitytransport or Dial-a-Ride services in your area.Community transport services vary fromarea to area.
Helping you to stay put
Social needs
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top Shopmobility: Shopmobility schemes hire
out or lend manual wheelchairs, poweredwheelchairs and powered scooters to anyonewho needs help getting around. Shopmobilitycentres are usually located in a town centreor shopping centre, enabling people to goshopping and to visit leisure and commercialfacilities. Each scheme varies, so it isimportant to contact the scheme you wishto use before you go. For example, in somecentres you need to book in advance; someservices are free, but some centres make acharge. But you do not have to be registereddisabled, or hold a ‘Blue Badge’ to use theservice, just have mobility problems.
Health: Your doctor can give advice on managingyour health conditions, or arrange for you tosee a community nurse, health visitor or othersupport such as Falls Prevention initiatives.Your health centre or doctor’s surgery shouldhave details.
Benefits: If you are finding it difficult tomanage financially, the Pension Service oryour local Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)could check that you are claiming all thebenefits that you are entitled to.
Equity Release: If you own your ownhome, you may wish to consider releasingsome of the equity to adapt your home orcarry out necessary repairs. The Home
Helping you to stay put
Health
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Finance
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sation, offers an equity release for repairs,improvements or adaptations. You arestrongly advised to take independent financialand legal advice before buying any equityrelease product.
Helping you to stay put
Wanting or needingto move on
Your options might be:
moving to a home that suits your needsbetter e.g. with no stairs or near shops,public transport or supportive relatives;
living with family;
moving to a sheltered, retirement, extracare or assisted living housing development;
moving to a care home.
When deciding on a move, there are important issues to consider to ensure it is right for you, for example:
think about your personality and thethings that are important to you. Will youstill be able to do the things you enjoy now?
Are there good public transport links(even if you drive now, you may not beable to in the future)?
Is there access to local amenities?
If you decide to move to a different area,would you miss your friends and neighbours?
If you move in with family, what wouldhappen if the family circumstances changed?
If you move to sheltered or retirementhousing, would you be able to take yourpet with you? Would you be happy in accommodation occupied exclusively by older people?
You may decidethat you no longerwish to remain in
your present homeand that you want
to move on, or itmay not be possibleto adapt it to meetyour needs, or you
may need morecare and support
than can be provided in your
present home.
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Wanting or needing to move on
If you are a local authority or housing association tenant you can approach yourlandlord and ask for a transfer to a moresuitable property or ask for details of mutualexchange schemes. You can also use theHomeswapper service.
Think about all the things that make yourpresent home unsuitable for you now, asklocal estate agents how much your currenthome is worth, then approach estateagents in the area you want to move to andask them to send details of properties thatmatch your requirements and budget.
You may think about moving in with familybut it is worth considering the following:
will you still have access to friends andother relatives?
will you have access to local or socialamenities?
will you be able to maintain your independence?
what would happen if the family relationship broke down?
what would happen if the family had to move?
what would your legal rights be to live there?
Moving if youare a tenant
Moving if youare a home
owner
Living withthe family
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Moving tosheltered or
retirementhousing
Moving to a care
home
Wanting or needing to move on
what are the financial arrangements?If you put some of your money into theproperty will you be able to get your moneyback if the arrangement does not work, youwant to move or you need to go into a carehome later?
It would be advisable to take legal andfinancial advice before moving in with family,and to consider having a written agreementabout how to address disputes, and how toend the arrangement if necessary.
You may prefer to consider moving to sheltered or retirement housing. The nextsection describes the types of retirementhousing and support available and givesinformation on renting and buying.
If you feel that other options will not meetyour care needs you may wish to considermoving to a care home. Or, you may havebeen assessed as needing a care home place.This option is discussed later in the guide.
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These schemes often have shared facilitiesthat everyone can use, such as a lounge,laundry, guest flat and garden. Meals are notnormally provided but a few schemes offer arestaurant or can arrange a hot meal.
There are many different types of sheltered orretirement housing schemes, both to rent andto buy. Schemes usually consist of between15 and 60 self-contained homes which maybe bedsits (studios), 1 or 2-bedroom flats,bungalows, or even luxury apartments.
There is a minimum age for residents, usually60, sometimes 55 and very occasionally 50.This type of housing appeals to people wholike living independently but want the reassurance of knowing that help is on hand if there is an emergency, or who want thepossibility of socialising with people of a similar age.
Over recent years there have been manychanges to the way the scheme managerservice is delivered, and the role varies considerably between schemes. Generally, the scheme manager is expected to:
manage the scheme and respond to theemergency alarm when on site;
get to know the residents and make surethey know about local services;
provide some support him/herself;
Sheltered or retirement
housing
Sheltered housing (often
called retirementhousing) is
designed to meetthe needs of
older people.Most sheltered orretirement housing
has a schememanager
(warden) and anemergency alarm
(careline) service.
Sheltered or retirement housing
encourage residents to ask for more supportfrom statutory and voluntary organisationswhen it is needed.
Scheme managers generally do not providepersonal care for residents, or carry out taskslike shopping or housework. Some schememanagers live on-site, but most do not. Evenif they live on-site they are usually only onduty during normal weekday office hours.
The availability of an emergency alarm servicethough, offers reassurance that help is athand round-the-clock if needed. By pressinga button on a pendant or pulling a cord, amessage is relayed to the scheme manger (if on duty) or to a monitoring centre staffed24 hours a day. If help is needed, the schememanager will attend or the centre will alertrelatives or friends, or contact your GP or theemergency services.
Extra care housing is housing designed withthe needs of frailer, older people in mind andwith varying levels of care and support onsite. It may also be known as very shelteredhousing or assisted living. There are also‘close care’ schemes where retirement housingis built on the same site as a care homeand a range of services may be available.
Housing with Care
(Extra CareHousing)
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Sheltered or retirement housing
Properties can be rented, owned or occasionallypart owned/part rented. There is a limitedamount of extra care housing in most areasand many rental providers set eligibility criteria,which applicants have to meet.
People who live in extra care housing havetheir own self contained homes. The servicesand facilities provided may vary a lot buttypically they may include 24-hour emergencysupport, some personal care, domestic support,a restaurant/dining room, lounges, laundryfacilities and possibly a specialist bathroom.
If you are thinking about a move to extracare housing, check what care services areavailable, whether they meet your needs, howthey are organised, how they are paid forand whether you are eligible for financial help.
Retirement villages are larger complexes andgenerally offer more leisure and care facilitiesthan ordinary sheltered or retirement housing.
Once you have decided to move to sheltered orretirement housing, you will want to considerwhich features are important to you. If possible, visit several schemes and meetthe scheme manager and other residents.
Location: Are there shops, banks, parks,doctors, pubs nearby? Are there hills toclimb or busy roads to negotiate?
Retirementvillages
Choosing sheltered or
retirementhousing
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links? Is parking available?
What are the communal facilities? Are social events organised?
Are pets allowed?
Facilities: Is there a lift? Are doorways andcorridors wide enough for walking framesand wheelchairs? Are doors and windows easyto operate and light switches and electricsockets easy to reach? Is there space and a charging facility for mobility scooters?How good is the insulation? Is therenoise from the lift, communal lounge, laundryor neighbours?
How secure is the main entrance (if thereis one) and your own front door? Are theresecurity locks on the windows?
Is there a residents’or tenants’ association?
What are the rent, service and supportcharges and what do they cover?
Are any furnishings or appliances provided?
What type of heating system is there andhow is it controlled?
What happens if you become frail ordevelop dementia and begin to need morehelp than the scheme provides?
Sheltered or retirement housing
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Renting from LocalAuthorities
and HousingAssociations
They generally aim to offer places to peoplein the greatest housing need, at rents whichare affordable – perhaps paid with the helpof Housing Benefit. They set criteria describingwho qualifies for their housing and whichapplicants have the highest priority (oftenmore people apply than they can assist, sothey have to decide who to accept and whoto turn down). The cost of renting is madeup of rent plus a charge to cover the servicesand support provided. Rents vary significantlybetween landlords and around the country.
Many landlords will consider applications fromowner-occupiers, depending on their circum-stances. A lower priority may be given to thosewho have the resources to buy a retirementflat, particularly if rented accommodation isin short supply. You will need to check yourlocal council if you own your property andwant to rent sheltered housing.
To apply for sheltered or retirement housing,contact your local district or borough councilhousing department who will tell you aboutthe application procedure. Many councils andhousing associations have changed the waythey allocate properties, and now operate asystem called ‘choice based lettings’. In manyareas there is a combined waiting list and allvacancies are published at the council officesand on the Internet.
Renting sheltered orretirement
housing
Most shelteredor retirement
housing for rentis provided by
your local counciland by housing
associations, butthere are somecharitable andprivate sector
providers withplaces to rent.
Renting sheltered or retirement housing
Applicants have to express an interest inempty properties. You will need to ask fordetails about how the system works in the areain which you are applying. Help is available into complete forms or express an interest in avacancy. Some housing associations may alsohave a waiting list of their own, so it is a goodidea to contact all the providers in the area,to see if you can apply directly to them as well.
Applicants are generally expected to showthey are in housing need:
because they are homeless or at risk ofbecoming homeless; or
because of the physical condition or over-crowding of their present home; or
because of medical and/or social reasonsfor wanting to move e.g. poor health, disabilities, loneliness, fear or isolation from friends and family; or
if not local already, that they have agood reason for wanting to move to anarea, e.g. wanting to be nearer family or close friends.
Abbeyfield houses are run by voluntaryorganisations and offer supported housingfor between 5 and 12 older people. Eachhouse has a paid house manager and providestwo meals a day and support from local
Other options
for renting
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top volunteers. Residents have their own rooms,
often with en-suite facilities. Some Abbeyfieldresidents are tenants but some have licences(this means the tenure is less secure). If youare interested in an Abbeyfield house, checkthe tenancy arrangement and seek advice.
Almshouses are independent local charitabletrusts that provide affordable housing. Mostalmshouses have rules as to who they canhouse. As an almshouse resident you will bethe beneficiary of the trust rather than a tenantand will have less security. If you are offeredan almshouse property it is advisable to checkthe requirements of the trust, and what wouldhappen if your needs or circumstances changed.
Private renting is available for a limitedamount of sheltered or retirement housing.Most of the properties are in leaseholdschemes which accept tenants over theminimum age (55 or 60). You need to checkwhat services are included in the rent andthe terms of the tenancy.
Renting sheltered or retirement housing
Once all the properties in a new shelteredor retirement housing scheme have beensold, the ongoing management of the schemeis often transferred to a management company, which may be either commercialor non-profit making. The managementcompany employs the scheme manager andorganises the maintenance and cleaning ofexternal and shared areas.
There is usually a minimum age for peopleliving in sheltered or retirement housing(55 or 60) but younger people can oftenbuy properties on behalf of someone whohas reached the minimum age.
The scheme manager and shared facilitiesare paid for through service and supportcharges. These can range from a fewpounds a week to £100 or more a weekdependent on the services and amenitiesprovided. In addition you will have to payground rent, council tax, water charges,contents insurance, and telephone and fuelbills. Optional home care and meal serviceswill normally be charged for separately.
The majority of properties are sold on along lease. The lease sets out in a legal andbinding form the duties and obligations ofboth the management company and resi-dents, including any restrictions on the useof the property. It is very important thatyou understand the implications of all the
Prices and typesof property vary
enormously. A small second-hand flat might
be found forunder £100,000in some parts of
the country. Newproperties usually
cost more.Luxurious homes
on sites withevery amenity –
swimming pools,golf courses,
restaurants – may cost
£350,000 oreven more.
Buying sheltered orretirement
housing
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top clauses of the lease. Most management
companies are members of The Associationof Retirement Housing Managers (ARHM)and are bound by its Code of Practice.
Most leasehold sheltered or retirement housingis offered for sale at the full price on theopen market. However, a few organisationsoperate special arrangements for older peoplewith limited income and insufficient capital to buy at market prices.
Typically these are:
Shared ownership
A small number of housing associations offerthe option of buying a part share in a propertyand paying rent on the balance. The proportionyou can buy varies. The rent element maybe eligible for Housing Benefit. There willnormally also be service and supportcharges to pay.
Leasehold Schemes for the Elderly (LSE)
These are run by a small number of housingassociations and require you to buy 70% ofthe equity, the remaining portion beingowned by the housing association. When yousell, you receive 70% of the market value.
A Lifetime Lease
This product offers an arrangement whereby youbuy the right to live in a retirement property for therest of your life (or lives in the case of a couple).
Other tenureand product
options
Buying sheltered or retirement housing
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top The price is well below the normal purchase price
but once you leave the property it reverts backto the company. Lifetime leases are available topeople aged 60 and over. Lifetime leases mayalso be available for non-retirement properties.
Part exchange
A few developers may offer part exchangedeals, especially on new properties. Thesecan be very useful but you are advised tocompare the price offered with the full market value.
Ensure you are getting all the financial benefits that you are entitled to, especiallyany supplements to your retirement pensionincluding Pension Credit and Council TaxBenefit. People who are renting sheltered or retirement housing and who have a lowincome and limited capital may be eligiblefor Housing Benefit (which could cover rentand some parts of the service charge) andhelp from the Supporting People Fund(which could cover support costs such asthe scheme manager and emergencyalarm). Leaseholders in receipt of PensionCredit or on a low income may also be eligible for help with the service charges.Contact the Pension Service, or theWarwickshire Supporting People Team.
Affording shelteredhousing,whether
buying orrenting
Buying sheltered or retirement housing
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It is often a sudden crisis that sparks offthinking about whether a move to a carehome might be necessary. Decisions mayhave to be made in a hurry and there canoften be firm, and sometimes conflicting,advice offered by family, friends and professionals. It can be difficult for theolder person as well as everyone elseinvolved to arrive at the best decisions in these circumstances.
Before deciding to move to a care home,have you:
considered whether it is possible for youto stay in your own home, with care supportor adaptations or whether sheltered orretirement housing or extra care housingwould meet your needs?
contacted Warwickshire’s Adult Social Careservices and asked for a needs assessmentfor services such as home care, meals orrespite care?
contacted your doctor to make sure a medical assessment of your needs has been carried out?
been in touch with organisations such asAge Concern Warwickshire to see if there is any way they can support you?
asked Adult Social Care services if they canprovide useful equipment if you are findingusing the stairs, bath or toilet difficult?
Care Homes
Thinkingabout care
Is a carehome right
for you?
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Care Homes
asked your local home improvementagency or local council whether repairs oradaptations would make your home moresuitable, and explored whether you wouldbe eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant(DFG) or other financial help?
contacted the Pensions Service, HousingBenefit section of your local council, ororganisations such as Citizen’s Advice Bureauto see if you are getting all the benefits towhich you are entitled?
Care homes may be owned and operatedby private individuals, companies, not forprofit organisations and (some) social caredepartments. All care homes in England areregistered and inspected by the Care QualityCommission (CQC). Inspection and reportsare available from the home or from CQC.
Care homes providing personal care
These are often called residential homes.They vary in size and facilities. All areexpected to provide a room, possibly withen-suite facilities, shared areas, meals, helpwith personal care such as dressing, super-vision of medication, companionship andsomeone on call at night. Care homes providing personal care give extra supportduring normal short illnesses but do notprovide constant nursing care.
Types of Care Home
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Care Homes
Care homes providing nursing care
These are often called nursing homes. Theyalso vary in size and facilities but all providepersonal and nursing care 24 hours a dayfor people who are bedridden, very frail orhave a medical condition or illness that meansthey need regular attention from a nurse.There is always a qualified nurse on duty.
Care homes for dementia
Older people with dementia may need acare home with an additional category ofregistration (DE). These were previouslyknown as EMI (Elderly Mentally Infirm)homes and some people still use this term.
A stay in a care home does not have to bepermanent. You might want to stay in acare home for a short period to give yourcarer a break, or to build up your strengthafter an illness. This is called respite care.Some care homes allocate specific beds forrespite care; others accept residents forrespite if they have a vacancy. You mayhave to pay towards this cost. If you thinkyou, or any family carer, would benefit fromyou having some respite care, askWarwickshire Adult Social Care services fora needs assessment and to explain aboutany charges for respite care.
Respite care
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top Care homes vary in cost, depending on the
location and services provided. Fees mayrange from £350 per week to more than£1,000 per week for a home providingnursing care.
People with very high nursing or medicalneeds may qualify to have their care fullyfunded by the NHS under the ContinuingCare criteria.
If you are paying your own fees you canchoose a home and make your ownarrangements. Before doing this, askWarwickshire Adult Social Care services fora needs assessment, particularly if you mayneed help with the fees in the future. Thecare home must provide a written contractat the time you move into the home. Ifpossible, try and arrange a trial stay in ahome before making a final decision.
If you are paying your own fees in a carehome providing nursing care, the NHS willmake a financial contribution subject toassessment of your nursing needs. Thissum is paid directly to the home.
If you are paying your own care home fees,you should be eligible for an AttendanceAllowance, and should make an application.If you are not already receiving this, contactthe Benefits Enquiry Line for a claim pack, ordownload a form from the Directgov website.
Paying forcare yourself
Care Homes
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You may also want advice on the best waysof investing your capital to pay for futurecare. There are ways of meeting care costsusing only part of your capital. An ImmediateNeed Care Fee Payment Plan can provide aregular increasing income for as long asyou need care and potentially cap the costof care from the outset. It is important toseek independent advice from experts withthe CF8 qualification. As part of of FirstStopAdvice we have selected a panel of CareFees Advisers with the CF8 qualification.These advisers specialise in care funding,can advise on your entitlements from thestate and provide financial advice on careplans or other financial products that maybe suitable for meeting care costs and,where possible, preserving capital.
If you would like your local care fees adviserto contact you please complete the form atthe end of this guide and return it to theaddress given or complete a form on line atwww.firststopadvice.org.uk or, please callthe advice line on 0800 377 70 70 if youneed help completing it.
Warwickshire Adult Social Care needsassessment and financial assessment
If you need help towards the cost of a carehome you should first contact WarwickshireAdult Social Care services and ask for a
Care Homes
Local authorityhelp with the
costs of a carehome place
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with information as to whether you meetthe council’s criteria for a care home andhow much they will normally pay for someonewith your assessed care needs. They thenhave to assess your finances (income andsavings or capital) to find out how muchyou might have to pay towards this cost,using a system set by the government. If you are unhappy with any aspect of theassessment, call FirstStop’s Advice Line.
Treatment of Capital
The capital limits for assistance with care feesare set in April each year by the government.Warwickshire Adult Social Care services orFirstStop Warwickshire will be able to tellyou what the current limits are. From April2010, the upper capital and savings limit is£23,250. Anyone with capital or savings inexcess of this figure will not get any financialhelp toward the costs of care from AdultSocial Care services. From April 2010, savingsbetween £14,250 and £23,250 are assumedto generate a notional income, which areincluded in the financial assessment togetherwith your other sources of income such asany pensions. Savings of less than £14,250are ignored.
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Treatment of your own home
If you own your own home, its value will be ignored for up to 12 weeks after youbecome a permanent resident in a carehome. This means that if you have lessthan £23,250 in savings other than yourhome, Adult Social Care services will helpwith the fees for the first 12 weeks, butafter that your home will be included in the financial assessment unless:
your husband, wife or partner still lives in the house, or
a relative over 60, or under 60 but incapacitated, lives in the house.
The council can use its discretion to disregardthe value of your property in other circum-stances. Once Adult Social Care serviceshas agreed you need to live in a care home,you should have some choice as to the areaand the home to which you move.
If you envisage funding your care yourself,now and into the future, you are free tochoose your care home. If you need helpwith the fees, or envisage you might in thefuture, you still have a right to some choiceas to which home you move to, thoughthere will be a limit on how much the localauthority is willing to pay.
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apart from checking the charges and thecontract, you may want to think about thefollowing:
Trial period: Most homes will be happy toaccept potential residents on a trial basis,to see whether they can meet your needs,and for you to see if life in a care home iswhat you expected.
Level of care: Is the home able to provide the care you need?
Personal needs: Can the home cater forany cultural, spiritual or dietary needs youhave? If you are a smoker, what is thesmoking policy?
What about your personality: Do youlike a routine and a setting where a lot of things are done for you; or would youprefer to be encouraged to be as independentas possible, and expect to be consultedabout most decisions?
Location: Is the home near enough tofamily and friends so you will be able tohave visitors?
Social activities: What activities areorganised, and how often? Will you be able tokeep up any hobbies you are still able to do?
Meals: What are the meals like? How muchchoice is there?
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Nationalvariations
Facilities: If the shared lounge has a TVhow and by whom are the programmeschosen? Is there a separate room wherethere is no television, for those who want to be quiet, or to be able to have conversationwith visitors?
Pets: Can you bring your pet if you haveone? Does the home have a pet?
Is there a residents’or relatives’ associationor committee?
What happens if you become more frail or your needs change?
This information relates primarily to the situation in England. For further advice onchoosing and funding care, including theregulations in the other parts of the UK,contact the national FirstStop Advice Line(0800 377 7070).
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YourRights
Most organisations have a formal complaintsprocedure, but it may be possible to resolvethings informally by initially raising yourconcerns with the relevant department ormember of staff. You can do this in person,by telephone or in writing. You should keepa note of the person you speak to or makea copy of your letter, and ask that they writeto you confirming that your complaint has beenreceived and detailing who is dealing with it.
If you are still not satisfied you can make aformal complaint using the official complaintsprocedure of the organisation.
If you would like to talk it over with an advisorat any stage contact FirstStop Warwickshire’sAdvice Line.
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Sometimes you may be
concerned aboutthe quality of a
service you or afriend or relative
is receiving orthings do not go
as you would wish,and you may want
to challenge a decision made by a council or
health authorityor make
a complaint.
UsefulOrganisations
Age UK WarwickshireTel: 01926 458 100 Website:www.ageukwarwickshire.org.uk
Association of Retirement HousingManagers020 7463 0660 www.arhm.org
Benefits Enquiry Line(for Attendance Allowance Claim Pack)
0800 882 200
Citizens’ Advice Bureaux (CAB) in Warwickshire0844 855 2322www.adviceguide.org.uk or www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Care Quality Commission (CQC)0845 015 0120 www.cqc.org.uk
Directgov www.directgov.co.uk
Disabled Living Foundation0845 130 9177 www.dlf.org.uk
Foundation for Assistive Technology020 7253 3303 www.fastuk.org
Home Improvement AgenciesNuneaton, Bedworth & North Warwickshire02476 376 342Rugby 01788 533 867Warwick & Stratford Districts 01926 458 125
Home Improvement Trust0800 783 7569 www.houseproud.org.uk32
PLEASE NOTE:
Although 0800numbers are freefrom a land line,they may attracta premium from mobiles.
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Bristol 0117 908 3045 London 020 7376 4558 www.homesharelondon.comOxfordshire 01235 469 547West Sussex 01243 752 026Wiltshire 01225 785 964www.naaps.org.uk & www.homeshare.org
HomeSwapper www.homeswapper.co.uk
Independent Financial Advisors (IFAs)IFA PROMOTION www.unbiased.co.uk
Lifetime LeasesHOMEWISE
0800 043 4488 www.homewise.co.uk
National Federation of Shopmobility0845 644 2446 www.shopmobilityuk.org
Pension Service 0845 606 0265 www.thepensionservice.gov.uk
Private rentingGIRLINGS RETIREMENT OPTIONS
0800 525 184 www.girlings.co.uk
TrustMark01344 630 804 www.trustmark.org.uk
Warm Front0800 3162 805 www.warmfront.co.uk
Warwickshire County CouncilAdult Social Care service01926 410 410 www.warwickshire.gov.ukSupporting People Team 01926 742 965
Useful Organisations
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We aim to provide high quality, independent information and adviceto help people maintain their indepen-dence and live comfortably at home inlater life. We provide guidance on theservices available to help you managebetter at home, including care services,as well as support to help you movehome if you prefer.
Our service is available free to all olderpeople and, where appropriate, peoplewith disabilities in Warwickshire. This includes tenants as well as those whoown their own home, regardless of their income or savings. It is alsofree to their families and carers and to professionals.
A visiting housing options service is available for those who would prefer this.
FirstStopWarwickshire provides housingand care adviceto older people,their familiesand carers. It isa joint initiativeby WarwickshireCounty Council,the county’s five District and BoroughCouncils and a group ofnational adviceservices.
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Visit us online at:www.firststopadvice.org.ukCall the advice line: 0800 377 7070 Open Mon–Fri, 9am-5pm Calls may be monitored or recorded.
This service is primarily providedby FirstStop Advice,led by ElderlyAccommodationCounsel (EAC), anexternal partnershipto WarwickshireCounty Council.Please contact.their advice line orsee their website for details of theirPrivacy Policy.
Our service is supported financially by the Department of Communities and Local Government.