If a relative or someone you know is struggling to manage with general day to day living they may be able to get some help whether it is temporary or for longer term needs. There are basically two types of care available, community or social care and health care.
A local authority may charge for certain services. People receiving services should be charged only what the local authority thinks is reasonable for them to contribute. If the claimant cannot afford to pay or the charge appears unreasonable, it may be possible to challenge this. If the person is 65 or over and has been assessed as needing personal care or personal support s/he should not be charged for this.
Community care is the responsibility of the council’s social services department. The support offered can include:
- Help with personal care, getting up and dressed, bathing and laundry
- Meals on wheels
- Aids and adaptations to the home to make tasks easier and safer
- A place in a day centre or care home
- Healthcare is the responsibility of your local authority. Care available includes:
- Medical care via the GP
- Visits from other community health providers
- Services such as continence advice and equipment, chiropody, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and medical equipment such as wheelchairs
The Assessment
To get help an assessment will need to be carried out. In most cases, you would need to contact your local social services to advise them of your situation and ask for an assessment. The aim of the assessment is to establish what sort of support is needed, which services you are eligible for and to look at your finances to decide if and how much you should pay towards the cost of the services.
You may also be asked about tasks you are unable to do or find difficult, special dietary needs or any other special requirements. You and anyone who cares for you should be fully involved in the assessment. If an interpreter or advocate is needed for the assessment the council should provide one. If you are a carer providing regular unpaid care you also have a right for an assessment to be carried out.
Each council has its own way of working out what help you may require, and you would need to consult council polices for further information. Assessment will take place in your home but can also be carried out at GP surgeries or day centres.
Assessments are normally carried out by someone from social services though there may be other relevant bodies involved for example, an occupational therapist may be involved to offer advice on how to make things easier around your home. Once the assessment has been completed the council decide whether it will provide or arrange services for you by comparing your needs with its eligibility criteria. If a decision is reached in your favour, then a care plan is drawn up.
The Care Plan
The care plan should set out what you need; what you should get; who will provide this; what you may have to pay towards the costs and when the plan is to be reviewed. If you have a carer it should show what help your carer has agreed to. You should receive a copy of the plan. Once the care plan has been drawn up care should begin promptly. If your circumstances change at any time you can ask for a further assessment. Before any of your services are reduced or taken away by the council – you must be reassessed.
Health Care
Where you need care because of ongoing health problems you may be entitled to have the NHS arrange and pay for it. The local authority should arrange for an assessment to see if you are eligible for NHS continuing healthcare. This is a package of care that may include both health and personal care. If the assessment is in your favour, then the NHS could pay for all the care related to your health. If you are unhappy with the outcome of the assessment, then you have the right to appeal to the trust or board.
Who pays for what?
Where continuing healthcare is granted the NHS pays for your care. If you are not eligible you may have to pay for some or all of the care provided by social services. Broadly speaking care arranged by social services is means tested therefore the amount payable is dependent on your income and savings. You may be entitled to certain benefits related to your need for care.
Direct payments
The council can provide the services itself, but it must offer you the option of direct payment to enable you to purchase your own care from a provider of your choice. As a carer you can also receive direct payments. These types of payments offer you more choice about who cares for you and how.
Nursing homes
Your council should provide residential care for people whose needs are such that they cannot reasonably be expected to live at home. In some cases, residential care is free but in most cases you will be expected to make a contribution. The council will look at your circumstances to decide how payments will be made and by whom. If you are assessed as needing nursing care, where you are eligible for NHS continuing care the NHS may pay for all your care. If you are not eligible then the NHS must still pay for part of the care, but you may have to pay for some or all of the accommodation and personal care costs. Payment for accommodation and personal care will be dependent on your personal circumstances. Consideration will be given to any savings and income when reaching a decision.
We have tried to offer you a brief overview of care provision available for the elderly and how to access this. It is not possible to offer advice on each set of circumstances due to the nature and complexity of the subject. Web links have been provided which should offer you more detailed advice on this subject together with other areas of help and support and organisations that can help you on matters relating to elder care.
workplacewellbeing.com assumes no responsibility for the content of linked websites.
