Thinking about a care home?

Are you finding it difficult to look after yourself at home? It might have happened to you gradually. Or maybe you have had a sudden illness or accident. Either way - whether you are still at home or having a spell in hospital - this guide is for you.

The guide should help you and your family find out more about:

• what help you can expect from Social Services who are in your local council;
• your right to have your needs assessed;
• what choices other than a care home might be open to you;
• what life in a care home might be like;
• your right to choose the home that is right for you;
• how Social Services will assess how much you may have to pay;
• what you can do if you’re unhappy with a decision by Social Services, or someone in the NHS or if you are unhappy about how you are treated in a care home; and
• where you can go for help and for more information.