Understanding the Care System

Finding information about the Care System may seem a daunting process, there are also a lot of misconceptions about care for the elderly. This web site is designed to help you find sources of information and contact details of local organisations that can give practical support and advice.

Care for Older Person is generally termed "Long Term care" However the type of care will be dependent on a particular person needs. This Maybe as simple as receiving "Meals on Wheels" and utilising aids and equipment, through to intense nursing care in a specialist home.

This Page Covers the Folowing Topics
Quality and Standards of Care
Types of Care
Where to start
Assessment of Needs
Assessment of Means

Care of the Older Person
There have been a lot of press reports about poor care, although there are cases of abuse and bad care these do not reflect the majority of providers who deliver a high standard of quality care. The accompanying pages on this web site offer advice on what to check for in organisations that provide care.

Remember
People who are buying care (whether subsidised by the local authority or not) are Customers and all have a choice

All organisations which provide care for older people have to be registered with the Commission for Social Inspection (CSCI) This Regulatory body has far reaching powers which can fine providers and in certain circumstances close the organisation.

The Commission oversees a range of care services provided for older people and younger adults - including care homes, nursing homes and adult placements. Domiciliary care services also fall under regulation ensuring that agencies are accountable for quality of the services they provide.

All Care Providers have to meet minimum standards required under the Care Standards Act and are inspected regularly to check these standards are met. All care providers will have an inspection report which is available on request from CSCI. This report is also available from the CSCI web site. There are links to the CSCI inspection report pages from all of our care providers pages.
Local authority care homes and a number of establishments that were previously exempt from registration such as charter homes must also register with CSCI.

Care Staff
All people who work with older people have to have a Criminal Record Check
and their names have to be checked against "The Prevention of Vulnerable Adults" List (POVA) This List contains names of people who are excluded from working with vulnerable adults whether they have been prosecuted in court or not.

All Staff in Care Homes have to be trained to a certain standard and Managers of these establishments have to registered with CSCI independently and should have achieved a recognised qualification for care managers.

Types of Care

Home Care
Home care (sometimes called Domiciliary Care) is care provided in the home and is suited to those people who can retain their independence with some outside support. The care provided is usually to help with a specific task, for example, help getting up and going to bed and/or help with bathing.

There are various local private nursing and care agencies who specialise in home care packages to suit individual needs. These agencies are regulated by law and have to meet standards laid down by the Care Standards Act.

As well as care services coming into the home there are many companies who will deliver services, such as pharmacies and local food retailers. Schemes run by the charities, Help the Aged and Age Concern, may provide sitting services and handyman schemes.

Sheltered Housing
Sheltered Housing schemes are suited for people who want to retain independent lives, but would like the security of a Warden or Scheme Manager who is available in case of emergencies. However, sheltered housing schemes do not provide care staff.

Day Care
Day Care Units provide support to older people, providing social contact, preventing them from becoming isolated and giving the opportunity for carers to have a break. During the day drinks and meals are served.

Extra Care Housing
This kind of housing gives older people, who might otherwise consider residential care, the chance to stay independent but with greater support.

Extra Care Housing offers independent living with a Scheme Manager and an Assistant, plus home care staff on site, an emergency alarm system and community facilities such as communal lounges; hairdressing; laundry; and library services. Some schemes offer more, such as a restaurant or cafeteria, a shop and guest room. You do not have to use the Care Service if you do not need to, but they are there for when you do.

Respite Care
It may be that you require a period of more intensive care away from home, possibly following an illness, or during your regular carers annual holiday, or may be just to give your carer a break. Respite care in a specialist home may be the ideal solution in these circumstances.

Many professionally run Care Homes, usually in the independent sector across the UK, offer tailor-made respite care.

Care Homes
There may come a time when a person needs long term care over and above what can be practically provided by home care or nursing agencies. Then the option of a care home should be considered. Deciding to leave one's own home and move into a care home can be very stressful and distressing. However, many people's preconceptions about moving into a care home are usually unfounded and generally the care provided is of a high standard, allowing the residents to live a fulfilled life, with the care provided meeting the individual's personal needs while respecting their privacy and dignity.

There is a wide range of care homes to suit most people, so they can carry on their lives and maintain participation in the activities they enjoy, but with the added benefit of security, companionship and 24 hour care.

Where to Start
You can purchase all the services contained on this web site privately, but all are entitled to help in organising and maybe, paying for care.

Your Local Social Services department are their to help and advise. Legislation under the section 47 of the NHS Community Care Act states that any person in need of care should be assessed by their local social services department to determine the type of care best suited to their needs. This may be Domiciliary Care (Home Care) A Care Home or a Care home with Nursing.

The assessment is not binding and you may decide a different course of action

Having established that care is required, an additional financial assessment may be made to establish what financial help can be given by the local authority(if any)

During this assessment individuals will be required to disclose full details of assets,
including property owned by the person needing care.

It should be noted that local authorities have the power to make sure that assets have not been transferred or given away to avoid paying for care.

We strongly advise you seek professional advice before making any decisions concerning assets or financial decisions.