Thinking of Moving into a Residential or Nursing Home?

What is right for me?

This is a very important decision in your life. The assistance of a Social Worker can help you think this through. Obtaining help to move into a Residential or Nursing Home is dependent on an assessment of your needs either when you are in hospital or living at home in the community. In order to obtain an assessment of your needs, you can request this through the Ward staff when you are in hospital or you can contact the Social Services Department directly at our contact address. Please see the link below.

Residential care - what choices are there?

Different types of Residential Homes are available if you decide to move from your own home. A Social Worker will have a relevant list and brochures, and can help you with your choice as well as making arrangements to visit individual Homes so that you can decide which Home best suits your needs.

The Care Standards Inspectorate for Wales is responsible for registering and inspecting homes on an annual basis and copies of their inspection reports are available on request at:

North West Wales Regional Office,
Government Buildings,
Penrallt,
Caernarfon,
Gwynedd, LL55 1EP
tel: 01286 662300 Fax: 01286 662301
email: CSIW_NW_Wales_Region@Wales.GSI.gov.uk
website: see the link below

Approved providers

You will notice that some Homes are referred to as 'Approved Providers'. These Homes have a close working relationship with the Local Authority and are paid higher fees to ensure you receive a high standard of care. If you wish to enter a Home which is not an Approved Provider Home, this can of course be arranged, as Homes have to be registered with the Care Standards Inspectorate for Wales. If you require nursing care, an admission to a Nursing Home can be arranged by a Social Worker following an assessment and consultation with the Local Health Board's representatives. The Local Health Board is responsible for paying the nursing care element of the weekly fee in a nursing home for all residents. The Social Worker can advise you on how to obtain this element of financial support towards the weekly fee.

What happens next?

It is advisable not to give up your tenancy or to arrange for your house to be sold until you are happy with your decision to move. Some Homes encourage other people to visit for a short period to see whether or not it suits them. Other Homes may encourage people to bring in small items of furniture, ornaments or photographs so that you feel at home. Some will accept pets, although you need to discuss this with the Home Manager before you make your decision.

How much will it cost?

The amount you pay or contribute towards the weekly fee will depend upon your income and capital. Everyone, however, has to pay a minimum contribution out of their state pension or additional income, but they will be allowed to keep a weekly Personal Allowance to spend as they wish. This Personal Allowance is stipulated by the Department of Works and Pensions and is altered annually. The Government set a minimum and a maximum income/capital allowance annually. As a guide, people who have income or capital below the minimum capital limit (which is £14,750 during 2005/06) will contribute from their pension and qualify for sponsorship by the Local Authority in residential homes and by the Local Authority and the Local Health Board if they move into a Nursing Home. People who have income or capital between the minimum and the maximum capital limits (that is between £14,750 and £21,000 in 2005/06) in addition to their state pension have to contribute in accordance with a sliding scale. People who have income or capital in excess of the maximum capital limit (which is £21,000 during 2005/06) will not qualify for financial support and will have to pay the fees in full. If you own your own house, the capital value of the house will be taken into consideration unless you have a spouse or dependent relative living there. For further details see the link below.

Advice and support service - security for you

You may feel that you would benefit from our support even if you do not qualify for financial assistance initially. Social Services can:

• Conduct an assessment of your need for residential or nursing care in a home of your choice
• Provide you with a list of the homes available and with brochures and help to select your preferred accommodation
• Advise you about the weekly fees
• Arrange a contact with the Care Home of your choice
• Keep in touch with you and advise you when we estimate that you may become eligible for financial support
• This service should help you feel secure in your arrangements for your future care and accommodation.

What other choices are there?

1. Can I stay at home? Help at home may be the best option for you. A range of services exist which can provide help in the home. (Follow the link below).

2. Support for Carers: You may have all the support you need but are worried that those who help might also need advice and support in their caring role. Help for Carers is an important aspect of Community Care (See the link below).

3. Repairs to your home: If you are thinking of entering Residential Care because you have a problem repairing or maintaining your home, some help may be available through grants from the Council. On the other hand your home may be too large or expensive to heat and you would like somewhere smaller and more convenient.

4. Sheltered Accommodation: There are many types of sheltered accommodation available, some with a Warden Service, and some - like Abbeyfield - which offer a meals service as well as comfort and security. The Social Worker will be able to advise on what is available in your area.

5. Gofal Môn Community Alarm System: The Gofal Môn Service can provide you with a 24-hour answer/emergency service, and this may give you confidence that help is available if you need it.

Complaints and representations

If you have any comments or complaints about the services you receive from the Housing and Social Services Department, you should, in the first instance, seek further advice from: The Complaints Officer, Housing and Social Services Department. Please follow the link below to our main contact page.