Answers
Care questions, answered
The questions families ask us most, answered in plain English. Each one says where the facts come from and what to do next.
Paying for care
How much does a care home cost?
Fees depend on the kind of care, the home and the room. Here is what makes the price, who might help pay, and the questions to ask before you agree to anything.
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Who pays for home care?
Home care can be paid for by the council, by the NHS, by you, or by a mixture. Which applies depends on your needs and your money.
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Will I have to sell my home to pay for care?
Not always. Your home is treated differently depending on where you receive care and who still lives there.
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How do I get a care needs assessment from the council?
A care needs assessment is a free conversation with the council about what help you need. Anyone can ask for one, whatever their savings.
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Can I choose my care home if the council is paying?
In most cases, yes. You have a legal right to choose a suitable home, within limits. Here is what those limits are.
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What should I know before paying for care myself?
Paying for your own care is called self-funding. It is a big financial decision, so these are the points to understand before you commit.
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Choosing care
What is the difference between home care, a care home and a nursing home?
They are three different kinds of care. This explains what each one means so you can see which fits.
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How do I choose a care home?
Choosing a care home is a big decision, often made quickly. These steps help you compare homes and ask the right questions.
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What is live-in care, and is it right for us?
Live-in care means a carer lives in the home and provides support day and night. It can be an alternative to a care home. Here is how it works and what to ask.
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How do I complain about a care home or home care agency?
If something is wrong, you have the right to complain and to be heard. These steps show who to go to, in what order.
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Money and benefits
What is Attendance Allowance and how do I claim it?
Attendance Allowance is weekly money for people over State Pension age who need help because of an illness or disability. Savings do not affect it.
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What benefits can older people claim?
Millions of pounds of help go unclaimed every year. This is a plain guide to the main benefits for older people and carers, and how to check what you could get.
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What is Pension Credit, and could I get it?
Pension Credit tops up a low weekly income. It is worth checking even if you own your home or have some savings, because it can open the door to other help.
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Can I pay less Council Tax?
Several discounts and reductions apply to older people, to people with dementia and to people who live alone. Most have to be claimed.
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How do I get a Blue Badge?
A Blue Badge lets you park closer to where you need to go. You may be eligible if you have a hidden condition such as dementia as well as a physical one.
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Health and hospital
What is NHS continuing healthcare?
NHS continuing healthcare is care arranged and paid for in full by the NHS for people with ongoing, complex health needs. Few people qualify, but it is worth asking.
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What help can I get after a hospital stay?
After a hospital stay you may be offered free short-term support at home to help you get back on your feet. This is often called reablement.
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What are the early signs of dementia, and what should I do?
Memory problems are not a normal part of getting older when they get in the way of daily life. Here is what to look for and how to get answers.
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How do I raise a safeguarding concern about an adult?
If you think an adult is being harmed, neglected or exploited, you can act. You do not need proof, and you do not need to be a professional.
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Legal
How do I set up a lasting power of attorney?
A lasting power of attorney (LPA) lets you choose someone you trust to make decisions for you if you cannot. You must make one while you still can.
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Do I need a will, and what happens if I do not have one?
A will lets you decide who gets what, and who looks after your affairs. Without one, the law decides, and it may not match what you would have wanted.
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Carers
What help is there for carers?
If you look after someone, you have rights and there is support: money, a carer’s assessment, breaks and people who understand.
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How can I look after a parent who lives far away?
Caring from a distance is hard, and many people do it. These steps put a safety net in place and help you feel less helpless.
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What is respite care, and how do I arrange it?
Respite care is a short break for you or for the person you look after. It can be a few hours at home or a stay in a care home. Here is how to arrange one.
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Getting started
How do I know if my parent needs care?
Needing help does not happen all at once. Here are the signs families notice first, and the calm next steps to take.
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What can I do if my parent refuses help?
It is very common, and it is usually about fear and pride rather than stubbornness. Here is how to move forward without a fight.
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Home and safety
How can I make my home safer, and what equipment is free?
Small changes can prevent falls and help someone stay at home. Some equipment is free after an assessment, and bigger changes may come with a grant.
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What should I do if my parent has a fall?
Know when to call 999, how to help someone safely and why every fall, even without injury, is worth telling the GP about.
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End of life
What is an advance care plan, and what does ‘do not resuscitate’ mean?
Planning ahead lets people say what care they want, and don’t want, if they become too ill to say so. It can be hard to think about, but it is a kindness to those who love you.
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What do I need to do when someone dies?
When someone you love dies, there is a lot to do and little energy to do it. This is a plain, step-by-step guide to the first days and weeks.
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