Advice and FAQs
How to choose a care home
Where do I start?
At the Priory Group we understand that choosing a care home can be an emotional decision, which is why we have produced a
guide to choosing a care home
for you to download. We would recommend that before deciding on the care homes you would like to visit that you speak to:
What do I do next?
When you have visited local homes and compared them.
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If you will be paying the care home fees privately you can contact a home directly and arrange a needs-based assessment for yourself or a loved one. This is usually undertaken by the home manager or a registered nurse from the home
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If the local authority will be paying the fees, depending on your circumstances you will need to speak to your relevant social services team who will undertake an assessment and produce a care plan for you or your loved one, this will detail daily living and nursing care requirements. Please note, if your local authority is assisting with funding, it doesn't mean you have to choose one of their homes. You can request any home that accepts clients funded by the local authority
For further information on how to choose a care home with a free downloadable checklist please
click here
.
For further information on paying for care home fees please
click here
.
Brochures
To request a brochure, please click on the brochure request link on the right hand side.
What funding options are available?
As every person is different, we believe it's important to discuss their individual situation and so would encourage you to visit one of our homes and speak to the home manager.
Fees
Funding for care is provided by the NHS, the local authority or the individual resident. Fees are dependent on the care required and will be determined by a comprehensive needs based assessment prior to a resident entering the home. Please contact the relevant care home manager for further details and click here to view our leaflet
Paying for care - a rough guide
.
Insurance policies to pay for care
Immediate care insurance may be suitable if you are currently considering moving into a care home. It involves paying a single sum at the time you decide you need care. The cost is based on how long the insurer thinks you'll need care for, and the level of care you need.
While the cost can seem a large amount, it should provide a fixed payment for as long as you need care, and can protect the rest of your assets.
The payments are tax-free if they are generally made directly to a care home and are portable if you decide to move to a different home.
Long-term care insurance, where you pay premiums over a lengthy period before you actually need care, is no longer widely available. If you have already taken out one of these policies it should still be honoured. All policies are slightly different. We suggest you speak to an independent financial adviser who specialises in care fees planning.
Among the questions to ask are:
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What are the benefits and for how long will I receive them?
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What is the maximum amount the insurer will pay out per month?
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Should I take out capital protection so that the balance of any lump sum is returned to my estate?
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Are the benefits paid to me so that I can arrange my own care, or paid direct to the care home?
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Are the benefits protected against inflation?
Where can I get advice?
Paying for care is a complex subject, and everyone's situation is different. You should seek advice about your own case. Among the organisations offering specialist advice are:
Charities:
NHS and local authority contacts:
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Your GP
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Your local social services department
Other