Are There Different Types of Care Homes?

All Care Homes provide accommodation, meals and assistance with personal care such as, washing, dressing, and using the toilet.

Homes which provide this level of personal care are generally called ‘residential homes’. Residents in these homes have access to community health services such as the GP and District Nurse.

Care Homes which provide nursing care in addition to the personal care are generally referred to as ‘nursing homes’. Within this type of care home there are always qualified nursing staff on duty.

Some care homes specialise in care for people with mental health needs, eg: dementia.

Care Homes have to be registered for the type of care they are allowed to provide. There are private and council owned Care Homes in Swindon, all have to meet the same National Care Standards and are inspected by The Commission for Social Care Inspection.

The Commission's website (www.csci.gov.uk) includes reports on each of the homes.

How Can Social Services Help?

Social Services can provide a range of services to support older people and adults with disabilities to live at home as independently and safely as possible. This includes support for Carers.

Sometimes the amount and type of assistance people require makes it difficult for their needs to be fully met through services provided in their own home.

If this is the case, moving to live in a Care Home may be the most appropriate way for them to maintain their independence and safety.

Social Services can help by providing a range of information including, alternative support options, contact details and vacancies for Care Homes in the local area, and potential sources of financial help.

Social Services may be able to provide assistance with paying for the cost of your care and with finding a suitable home. This will depend upon whether you are eligible for such assistance.

How Can I Access this Service?

To decide whether you are eligible for community care services, such as care in a residential or nursing home, you will need to have a Community Care Assessment.

The assessment is an opportunity to discuss your circumstances and needs and look at possible solutions or support options.

In Swindon, Social Services and Health Services work closely together. Your assessment will therefore involve practitioners from Social Care and Health, such as a Social Worker, Occupational Therapist or District Nurse. This is to ensure that your needs are fully understood and the most appropriate service options are looked at in detail with you.

Social Services will always look at what support may help you to continue living in your own home.

Will There be a Charge for Care in a Care Home?

In all circumstances you will be required to make a contribution to the cost of your care in a Care Home.

Social Services can only provide financial help with paying for care in a Care Home if:

• You have been assessed by Social Services as requiring this type of care; and
• You are eligible for financial help. Financial help and charges are determined by Government guidelines and Swindon Social Services charging policy

There are different types and levels of financial help depending upon your circumstances. It is therefore important for you to have the most relevant and up to date information to make sure you access all the appropriate help.

Independent Sources of Information and Advice

In addition to Social Services there are a range of other organisations which can provide information and advice about moving into a Care Home:

Age Concern

Tel: 01793 692166

Counsel and Care

Tel: 0845 300 75 85 (local rate)

Citizens Advice Bureau

Tel: 0845 05 05 155

The Commission for Social Care Inspection

Tel: 01249 454550

Useful Contacts

For further information from Social Services or to request a Community Care Assessment please contact:

Care Line

Tel: Freephone 0800 085 66 66

For information and to access Social Services for older people, adults with physical disabilities and their Carers.

(See also: Care Line.)

The Community Team for People with a Learning Disability

Tel: 01793 466712

The Mental Health Team for Adults Under 65 Years of Age

Tel: 01793 437562

Department of Old Age Psychiatry for Adults Over 65 Years of Age

Tel: 01793 481182

Your Views

We would welcome your comments. If you would like to give us your thoughts and ideas about this information or other Social Services publication please contact:

Customer Liaison Officer
Tel: 01793 463496
E-mail: yourcommentscount@swindon.gov.uk

Printed Leaflet

The information contained in this web page is also available in a printed leaflet. If you would like copies of this leaflet, or the same information in another format, please contact:

Customer Services
Tel: 01793 445500

The leaflet is also available as a downloadable pdf document:

Care Homes