Personal recommendations about nursing and residential care homes from residents and relatives are invaluable for self funders. As a self funder you have a choice about which nursing or residential home you would like to live in and a personal recommendation from a resident or one of their relatives can make all the difference.
Comments such as "My mother has been in this Nursing Home for a year. Without a doubt, it has to be one of the, if not the best in the UK. Is there any more that I can say, other than it ought to be a model for other similar places and that I recommend it, it's people and it's management unreservedly to anyone thinking of needing such a place".
As a self funder you are unlikely to be offered much support from social services and this is where best-care-home.co.uk provides the information that you need to make an informed decision about the best nursing, residential or dementia home that will meet your needs.
Top tips include; taking a list of questions with you when visiting your shortlist of care homes, print off best-care-homes 'Questions to ask a care home' and take a look at our 'planning for the move' and the 'checklist of what to take with you'.
Make sure you get some professional financial advice about the best way to pay for your care. Statistics show that only 17% of self funders seek professional advice and that up to a third of people run out of money and have to turn to social services to pay their fees. In addition to this, speak to a solicitor about Lasting Power of Attorney - not designating somebody to act on your behalf if you lose mental capacity can seriously impact your personal affairs.
Monday, 5 July 2010
Wednesday, 30 June 2010
best-care-home newsletter for self funders
Information that every self funder needs to know - at best-care-home.co.uk we aim to help those people in particular who are having to pay for their own care, with our monthly newsletter.
It is very likely with the growing restrictions being placed on social care by the government that the number of self funders, which currently stands at 41% of those receiving care, will increase. In addition to this, recent statistics show that 75% of councils will now only provide support for those with 'substantial needs' or above and 10% of councils will only provide support for those with 'critical' needs (Laing & Buisson 2010/11).
As a self funder, somebody who does not qualify for local authority funding, it is generally accepted that you will receive very little help and support to find the care that you need and this is where best-care-home can help, we provide the information.
Once you have been assessed as a self funder you need information about what to do next and how to find the best care home at a price you can afford.
Legal information about a Lasting Power of Attorney and the importance of making a will are all areas that need to be considered.
It is very likely with the growing restrictions being placed on social care by the government that the number of self funders, which currently stands at 41% of those receiving care, will increase. In addition to this, recent statistics show that 75% of councils will now only provide support for those with 'substantial needs' or above and 10% of councils will only provide support for those with 'critical' needs (Laing & Buisson 2010/11).
As a self funder, somebody who does not qualify for local authority funding, it is generally accepted that you will receive very little help and support to find the care that you need and this is where best-care-home can help, we provide the information.
Once you have been assessed as a self funder you need information about what to do next and how to find the best care home at a price you can afford.
Legal information about a Lasting Power of Attorney and the importance of making a will are all areas that need to be considered.
Thursday, 24 June 2010
Self funders - What do I do now?
When you are classified as a self funder - somebody who is paying for their own care because they have savings and assets, excluding property above £23,250 in England and Northern Ireland, £22,000 in Wales and £22,750 in Scotland, you will be unlikely to receive very much help from social services to find the care that you need, or be offered information to enable you to make an informed decision. Facts about self funders
This guide will help you to make an informed decision.
When do I need care?
If there is a question over your safety within your current living arrangements you should start to look at what options are available to you that will either support you within your own home, or provide you with the support you need elsewhere.
Assessments
As a self funder you are entitled to an assessment - which is free, from social services. An Occupational Therapist will assess your needs and advise you what level of care you require. However, this assessment may take some time to organise and in addition to this you may find your needs are assessed in relation to the level of support that the council can offer - rather than the level of support you need.
Your alternative is to approach a care home or domiciliary agency to assess you. This can often be undertaken much more quickly.
Paying for your care
It is vital to establish how much you can afford to pay in care fees. Only 17% of self funders obtain specialist care fees advice about how they are going to pay for their care fees and studies suggest that a third of self funders run out of money and turn to social services to continue paying for their care. The problem with this is that many self funders are paying more for their nursing home or residential home than social services will pay. This leaves the self funder with the dilemma of either moving nursing home, ‘topping up’ the difference (asking family or friends to contribute towards the cost), or negotiating with the home over the fees or moving to a cheaper room.
Speak to a professional care fees advisor to establish how much you can afford and how long this will last.
How much will my care cost?
As a self funder you are responsible for your own costs whether or not you intend to live at home with the support of a domiciliary care agency, or whether you intend to live in a residential care home.
The average cost of care at home is £17.30. So two hours of daily home care could amount to more than £12,600 a year - not including higher rates for weekends and holidays. If 24 hour care is required costs could rise to more than £150,000 per year based on this hourly rate.
The average costs for residential care can vary depending upon the location and whether nursing is required. A general guide for a residential care home is £24,908 a year and £34,788 for a nursing home.
Allowances
As a self funder you are entitled to very few benefits, however Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit for people aged 65 or over who need someone to help look after them because they are physically or mentally disabled. For full details of eligibility. If you are under 65 you may be entitled to Disability Living Allowance and you may be entitled to Pension Credit.
A care home - or home care?
Moving into a nursing home or a residential home is a big decision to make and you may decide, regardless of the advice you have received from professionals, that you would like to try and stay at home. There are a variety of organisations that will help you to achieve this.
Finding the best care
Once you have established what type of care you need and how much you can afford to pay for it, you can begin to look for care homes or domiciliary agencies.
Domiciliary agencies
If you are choosing to stay in your own home and you are looking for a domiciliary care agency, or home help, there is a variety of support on offer. Ranging from a carer who will pop in and make you lunch, to full time live in carers. When choosing the agency remember that it is the staff you will be interacting with, ask whether you can choose your carer or change them if you do not get on. The Care Quality Commission regulates domiciliary agencies, so look for the 3 star ‘Excellent’ rated agencies.
Try and speak to other people who use the agencies as they will be a useful guide to the level of care being offered.
Residential care
When looking for a nursing home or residential home remember that as a self funder you are a preferred client. Statistics suggest that many social services placements in care homes are subsidised by the self funders within the same home. This is because social services set a maximum rate that they will pay. Visit as many nursing homes or residential homes as you can and begin with those that have achieved an ‘Excellent’ rating, 3 stars, from the Care Quality Commission. We have a full list of 3 star care homes in England and a checklist for people who are entering permanent residential or nursing care.
Planning the move
It is really important to prepare yourself and your family for the move into residential care as proper preparation can seriously influence your attitude towards your new home Planning the move.
What do I take into a care home?
Having a checklist of items that are not only essential, but will also help you to settle in is really helpful. Some items are very obvious, others less so - for example very few homes will allow you to have a kettle in your room. It is better to know this before you move in rather than have it taken away after you have moved in Checklist: What to take into a care home.
Give yourself time
As with anything in life change can take a little getting used to. So give yourself time and try and approach your new home with a positive attitude to give yourself the best chance of settling in and making the most of your new home.
This guide will help you to make an informed decision.
When do I need care?
If there is a question over your safety within your current living arrangements you should start to look at what options are available to you that will either support you within your own home, or provide you with the support you need elsewhere.
Assessments
As a self funder you are entitled to an assessment - which is free, from social services. An Occupational Therapist will assess your needs and advise you what level of care you require. However, this assessment may take some time to organise and in addition to this you may find your needs are assessed in relation to the level of support that the council can offer - rather than the level of support you need.
Your alternative is to approach a care home or domiciliary agency to assess you. This can often be undertaken much more quickly.
Paying for your care
It is vital to establish how much you can afford to pay in care fees. Only 17% of self funders obtain specialist care fees advice about how they are going to pay for their care fees and studies suggest that a third of self funders run out of money and turn to social services to continue paying for their care. The problem with this is that many self funders are paying more for their nursing home or residential home than social services will pay. This leaves the self funder with the dilemma of either moving nursing home, ‘topping up’ the difference (asking family or friends to contribute towards the cost), or negotiating with the home over the fees or moving to a cheaper room.
Speak to a professional care fees advisor to establish how much you can afford and how long this will last.
How much will my care cost?
As a self funder you are responsible for your own costs whether or not you intend to live at home with the support of a domiciliary care agency, or whether you intend to live in a residential care home.
The average cost of care at home is £17.30. So two hours of daily home care could amount to more than £12,600 a year - not including higher rates for weekends and holidays. If 24 hour care is required costs could rise to more than £150,000 per year based on this hourly rate.
The average costs for residential care can vary depending upon the location and whether nursing is required. A general guide for a residential care home is £24,908 a year and £34,788 for a nursing home.
Allowances
As a self funder you are entitled to very few benefits, however Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit for people aged 65 or over who need someone to help look after them because they are physically or mentally disabled. For full details of eligibility. If you are under 65 you may be entitled to Disability Living Allowance and you may be entitled to Pension Credit.
A care home - or home care?
Moving into a nursing home or a residential home is a big decision to make and you may decide, regardless of the advice you have received from professionals, that you would like to try and stay at home. There are a variety of organisations that will help you to achieve this.
Finding the best care
Once you have established what type of care you need and how much you can afford to pay for it, you can begin to look for care homes or domiciliary agencies.
Domiciliary agencies
If you are choosing to stay in your own home and you are looking for a domiciliary care agency, or home help, there is a variety of support on offer. Ranging from a carer who will pop in and make you lunch, to full time live in carers. When choosing the agency remember that it is the staff you will be interacting with, ask whether you can choose your carer or change them if you do not get on. The Care Quality Commission regulates domiciliary agencies, so look for the 3 star ‘Excellent’ rated agencies.
Try and speak to other people who use the agencies as they will be a useful guide to the level of care being offered.
Residential care
When looking for a nursing home or residential home remember that as a self funder you are a preferred client. Statistics suggest that many social services placements in care homes are subsidised by the self funders within the same home. This is because social services set a maximum rate that they will pay. Visit as many nursing homes or residential homes as you can and begin with those that have achieved an ‘Excellent’ rating, 3 stars, from the Care Quality Commission. We have a full list of 3 star care homes in England and a checklist for people who are entering permanent residential or nursing care.
Planning the move
It is really important to prepare yourself and your family for the move into residential care as proper preparation can seriously influence your attitude towards your new home Planning the move.
What do I take into a care home?
Having a checklist of items that are not only essential, but will also help you to settle in is really helpful. Some items are very obvious, others less so - for example very few homes will allow you to have a kettle in your room. It is better to know this before you move in rather than have it taken away after you have moved in Checklist: What to take into a care home.
Give yourself time
As with anything in life change can take a little getting used to. So give yourself time and try and approach your new home with a positive attitude to give yourself the best chance of settling in and making the most of your new home.
Wednesday, 31 March 2010
Caring for dementia.
It is estimated that over 700,000 people in the UK have dementia, with this figure to rise to a million within 20 years. How can we help both the sufferer and the carers to maintain both a dignified and for as long as possible, an independent life?
I have been searching for products that will help anybody who is involved with or suffering from dementia and I would be grateful for your feedback, you can email me at debbie.harris@best-care-home.co.uk.
Keeping interested in hobbies can help with confidence and boredom;
- Reminiscence bingo
- Make a card
- Board games
- Knitting
- Gardening
Art and music has proved to be beneficial in recent studies;
- Music and audio books
- Your own TV
- Art prints
- Radio
- Headphones
- Specialised picture books
Aids to help make life easier and more independent for you both;
- Wander alert
- Keeping keys safe
- Personal GPS
- Inflatable bath lift
For more information on gifts for residents of care homes click here.
I will keep searching for new technology and useful gadgets and will keep you informed.
I have been searching for products that will help anybody who is involved with or suffering from dementia and I would be grateful for your feedback, you can email me at debbie.harris@best-care-home.co.uk.
Keeping interested in hobbies can help with confidence and boredom;
- Reminiscence bingo
- Make a card
- Board games
- Knitting
- Gardening
Art and music has proved to be beneficial in recent studies;
- Music and audio books
- Your own TV
- Art prints
- Radio
- Headphones
- Specialised picture books
Aids to help make life easier and more independent for you both;
- Wander alert
- Keeping keys safe
- Personal GPS
- Inflatable bath lift
For more information on gifts for residents of care homes click here.
I will keep searching for new technology and useful gadgets and will keep you informed.
Friday, 12 March 2010
Keeping active and stimulated with dementia.
As a person's dementia develops, it is likely to have an impact on some of their abilities but there will still be lots that the person can enjoy doing. Maintaining existing skills, as far as possible, can give the person pleasure and boost their confidence.
The Alzheimer’s Society gives the following advice;
Keeping occupied and stimulated can improve quality of life for the person with dementia as well as those around them.
Facts
• Remaining physically and mentally active can have a significant impact on a person's well-being
• Carrying out simple everyday tasks can help the person feel better about themselves.
• Some types of activity can help the person to express their feelings − for example listening to music, doing a sketch or writing something down.
• Boredom and frustration are the two most common causes of challenging behaviour in people with dementia.
• Sharing an activity that both parties enjoy may bring them closer together, and help them find new ways to relate to each other.
Exercise
• Exercising together will be beneficial to the person with dementia and anyone accompanying them. Exercise burns up the adrenalin produced by stress and frustration, and produces endorphins, which can promote feelings of happiness
Reminders of the past
• People with dementia can often remember the distant past more easily than recent events. If you can find a way to help trigger the more distant, pleasant memories, the person may become more animated and interested
• Dementia damages the memory and the thinking and reasoning parts of the brain, but the emotions still remain intact. It is not necessarily a bad thing if the person becomes emotional, but if they do make sure you allow them to express their feelings, and acknowledge them.
• Avoid asking very specific questions that require factual responses and could put the person on the spot − the main aim is to enjoy the memories rather than to make the person feel tested in any way.
Activities during the early stages of dementia
Someone in the early stages of dementia may probably want to continue doing the things they have always done. People with dementia retain memory for some activities, depending upon which part of the brain has been damaged.
Activities such as reading, typing or playing the piano are not always affected.
If you are close to someone with early dementia, be aware of the danger of taking over jobs and tasks too quickly in an attempt to minimise your own stress
Involving others
Consider inviting other people (including paid workers, family members or volunteers) to spend time with the person to do something they both enjoy − for example, going for a walk or playing a game of cards
Activity ideas
• Craft activities − These might include simple craft activities, such as creating collages from magazines, or knitting. Someone who has been a skilful knitter may still be able to knit squares for a blanket.
• Puzzles − Someone who has enjoyed doing crosswords may still enjoy a puzzle book.
• Doing things together − The person may like to play cards or board games, or do some gardening or baking together.
• Activities around the home − Men and women alike can enjoy helping with washing and drying up, setting the table or making beds. Again, the end result may not be perfect, but it can give an important sense of achievement. The person might be surprisingly interested in odd jobs, such as sorting through a drawer or a toolbox.
• Music − Even when other abilities are severely affected, many people still enjoy singing, dancing and listening to music.
• TV and radio − Many people with dementia enjoy listening to the radio. Television, however, can cause problems. Some people with dementia lose the ability to tell the difference between what is real and what is on screen, and can become distressed. They can also become confused by too much noise.
• Communal activities − If the person has a connection with an organisation within the local community, whether it is a church, a pub or a club, then continuing to visit this place might be very important
Activities during the later stages of dementia
As a person's dementia advances, they will still be able to carry out some tasks that are very familiar to them, but will probably be more interested in the process of doing the activity than in the end result. If this is the case with someone close to you, look for 'magic moments' throughout the day rather than trying to carry out sustained activities.
Sensory stimulation
During the later stages of their dementia, people often develop severe difficulties with reasoning and language, but they will still have their sense of taste, touch and smell. There are various things you can do to stimulate these senses − for example:
• Encourage the person to touch or stroke pieces of fabric, dolls or cuddly toys.
• Try giving the person a hand massage, using a scented oil such as lavender. This can be very soothing for those who enjoy touch.
• Continue to take the time to sit and talk to the person or to read out loud.
• Enable the person to see a fish tank, mobile or a window with a nice view.
• Make sure the person has a regular change of scene and the stimulation of the fresh air and the outdoor environment.
Specially selected gifts for people with dementia.
The Alzheimer’s Society gives the following advice;
Keeping occupied and stimulated can improve quality of life for the person with dementia as well as those around them.
Facts
• Remaining physically and mentally active can have a significant impact on a person's well-being
• Carrying out simple everyday tasks can help the person feel better about themselves.
• Some types of activity can help the person to express their feelings − for example listening to music, doing a sketch or writing something down.
• Boredom and frustration are the two most common causes of challenging behaviour in people with dementia.
• Sharing an activity that both parties enjoy may bring them closer together, and help them find new ways to relate to each other.
Exercise
• Exercising together will be beneficial to the person with dementia and anyone accompanying them. Exercise burns up the adrenalin produced by stress and frustration, and produces endorphins, which can promote feelings of happiness
Reminders of the past
• People with dementia can often remember the distant past more easily than recent events. If you can find a way to help trigger the more distant, pleasant memories, the person may become more animated and interested
• Dementia damages the memory and the thinking and reasoning parts of the brain, but the emotions still remain intact. It is not necessarily a bad thing if the person becomes emotional, but if they do make sure you allow them to express their feelings, and acknowledge them.
• Avoid asking very specific questions that require factual responses and could put the person on the spot − the main aim is to enjoy the memories rather than to make the person feel tested in any way.
Activities during the early stages of dementia
Someone in the early stages of dementia may probably want to continue doing the things they have always done. People with dementia retain memory for some activities, depending upon which part of the brain has been damaged.
Activities such as reading, typing or playing the piano are not always affected.
If you are close to someone with early dementia, be aware of the danger of taking over jobs and tasks too quickly in an attempt to minimise your own stress
Involving others
Consider inviting other people (including paid workers, family members or volunteers) to spend time with the person to do something they both enjoy − for example, going for a walk or playing a game of cards
Activity ideas
• Craft activities − These might include simple craft activities, such as creating collages from magazines, or knitting. Someone who has been a skilful knitter may still be able to knit squares for a blanket.
• Puzzles − Someone who has enjoyed doing crosswords may still enjoy a puzzle book.
• Doing things together − The person may like to play cards or board games, or do some gardening or baking together.
• Activities around the home − Men and women alike can enjoy helping with washing and drying up, setting the table or making beds. Again, the end result may not be perfect, but it can give an important sense of achievement. The person might be surprisingly interested in odd jobs, such as sorting through a drawer or a toolbox.
• Music − Even when other abilities are severely affected, many people still enjoy singing, dancing and listening to music.
• TV and radio − Many people with dementia enjoy listening to the radio. Television, however, can cause problems. Some people with dementia lose the ability to tell the difference between what is real and what is on screen, and can become distressed. They can also become confused by too much noise.
• Communal activities − If the person has a connection with an organisation within the local community, whether it is a church, a pub or a club, then continuing to visit this place might be very important
Activities during the later stages of dementia
As a person's dementia advances, they will still be able to carry out some tasks that are very familiar to them, but will probably be more interested in the process of doing the activity than in the end result. If this is the case with someone close to you, look for 'magic moments' throughout the day rather than trying to carry out sustained activities.
Sensory stimulation
During the later stages of their dementia, people often develop severe difficulties with reasoning and language, but they will still have their sense of taste, touch and smell. There are various things you can do to stimulate these senses − for example:
• Encourage the person to touch or stroke pieces of fabric, dolls or cuddly toys.
• Try giving the person a hand massage, using a scented oil such as lavender. This can be very soothing for those who enjoy touch.
• Continue to take the time to sit and talk to the person or to read out loud.
• Enable the person to see a fish tank, mobile or a window with a nice view.
• Make sure the person has a regular change of scene and the stimulation of the fresh air and the outdoor environment.
Specially selected gifts for people with dementia.
Wednesday, 17 February 2010
How to pay for your care.
The argument rages on between the political parties about how social care will be paid for in the future. But this does not alter the fact that today somebody is looking for a care home and that they need to pay for it. I have put together a simple ten step guide to make sure that you don't forget any of the important points. You can also request a free detailed guide from this page, that will give you more specific information.
Thursday, 4 February 2010
The best care homes in England.
Finding the best care homes in England is a difficult and daunting task. However, as a result of a competition that http://www.best-care-home.co.uk/ began in July 2009, that encouraged residents, relatives, visitors and professionals who visit homes, to vote and leave personal recommendations about the homes that they believe are doing a wonderful job - I have this week presented awards to four care homes.
These homes won their awards because members of the public think they are the best care homes in England. Having visited them, I think they may be right - but judge for yourself.
The overall winner of the award and the winner of the Midlands region was Morton Grange in Alfreton Derbyshire http://www.best-care-home.co.uk/care-home-5313-morton-grange.php
The winner of the North was Red Rocks Nursing Home in the Wirral, http://www.best-care-home.co.uk/care-home-6465-red-rocks-nursing-home.php
The winner of the South West was Chatsworth in Plymouth http://www.best-care-home.co.uk/care-home-5401-chatsworth.php
and the winner of the South East was St Vincent on the Isle of Wight. http://www.best-care-home.co.uk/care-home-5950-st-vincent.php
With each of these homes you can see a video that really shows you how the Manager and staff feel about their residents - take a look, it's worth it.
These homes won their awards because members of the public think they are the best care homes in England. Having visited them, I think they may be right - but judge for yourself.
The overall winner of the award and the winner of the Midlands region was Morton Grange in Alfreton Derbyshire http://www.best-care-home.co.uk/care-home-5313-morton-grange.php
The winner of the North was Red Rocks Nursing Home in the Wirral, http://www.best-care-home.co.uk/care-home-6465-red-rocks-nursing-home.php
The winner of the South West was Chatsworth in Plymouth http://www.best-care-home.co.uk/care-home-5401-chatsworth.php
and the winner of the South East was St Vincent on the Isle of Wight. http://www.best-care-home.co.uk/care-home-5950-st-vincent.php
With each of these homes you can see a video that really shows you how the Manager and staff feel about their residents - take a look, it's worth it.
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