Think of it like buying a house, you need to get a feel for what’s out there before making a decision. You should make a list of local homes and visit a few to get an idea of what they’re like.

There are different ways to find options to consider:

• Ask friends, relatives or neighbours about their experiences – but bear in mind that care homes may change over time and what suits one person might not suit another.
• Search online or check the phone book.
• Ask your local council. They should provide you with information about care homes in your area.
• If you have a long-term illness or condition, contact specialist organisations for advice.
• Contact the Care Quality Commission (CQC) or visit their website to search for local care homes.
• Use an online care directory such as Carehome.co.uk or Autumna.co.uk to find local care homes.

• Fully-furnished accommodation
• Food and drink tailored to your dietary requirements
• Full use of all communal areas, including lounges, dining rooms and gardens
• Full use of the on-site recreational facilities
• Comprehensive activities programme arranged by our in-house team
• All utilities including central heating, electricity, lighting and hot water
• Bed linen and towels
• Laundry services, including ironing
• Team on site 24/7 to support as needed
• Daily and weekly cleaning services, alongside regular deep cleaning as and when required
• Insurance of the building and supplied furniture
• Internet access
• Concessionary TV License scheme (if applicable).

Short term respite care is a temporary stay in a residential care home, with access to all of the tailored care and support, facilities and amenities available to permanent residents.
Taking a short respite break in a care home is a brilliant way to get to know the home and residents and experience the atmosphere, facilities, food and activities for yourself, perhaps as a stepping stone to moving in as a long-term resident.
A respite stay can last for anything from a few days to a few months and can be a really helpful option if you normally receive care in your own home, perhaps from a family member, but they are away or unable to support you for a period of time.

To find out if you qualify for financial support from your Local Authority, your local adult social care team will complete a financial assessment to consider the value of your income and assets. This figure takes into account any income, savings, and property you hold solely in your own name, as well as an equally divided share of any assets you may hold jointly.
The value of your assets will place you into one of three bands, and determine the level of financial support you can expect from your Local Authority:

• If your assets exceed the ‘upper capital limit’ set by the government (currently £23,250), you will be deemed a ‘self-funder’ and required to meet the full cost of your care.

• If your capital is between £14,250 and the upper capital limit of £23,250, then you will be expected to contribute a certain amount towards the cost of your care, with the remainder covered by your Local Authority.

• If your assets are less than £14,250, you may still be required to contribute towards the cost of your care, but the majority of your care fees will be covered by your Local Authority.