Q1. Are there different types of Care Homes?

There are primarily two types of Homes. Those that provide mainly personal care (previously called residential homes) and those that also provide nursing care.

People who can no longer cope with their day-to-day activities alone in their own home, even with a carer or outside help need the support offered and personnel care of a Care Home including accommodation, personal care (such as help with bathing and dressing) and meals.

People whose infirmity, illness or injury require nursing care on a regular basis, which cannot be provided for them at home by the District Nursing Services, also need a Care Home (these used to be called Nursing Homes). This sort of care, the law says, can only be provided by a Qualified Nurse or under the direct supervision of a Nurse. Nursing care generally requires higher fees than personal care because of this care being by Qualified Nurses, on top of the personal care, accommodation and meals.

Q2. Are all homes registered and inspected?

Yes they are. The purpose of registration and inspection is to guarantee the standard of care you are entitled to receive. In order to be registered, a home has to comply with the law and also with the registering Authority's own guidelines. These specify the high standards required, for example the room sizes, number of bathrooms and toilets, staffing levels, food, services and facilities, fire safety and records to be kept.

Each home is regularly inspected. After each inspection a report is sent to the home detailing any recommendations and actions required.  The Care Commission report is displayed within the home and a copy will be given on request. 

Q3. How is care in a home paid for?

It is a complex process and this outlines just the key points. We would encourage you to seek further specialist advice.

The charges for staying in a Care Home are divided into two different elements: Nursing Care which is care provided by a Qualified Nurse and Personal Care (such as help dressing, eating, bathing, mobility etc) and accommodation (which includes food, heating and living costs).

Personal Care and Accommodation

In Scotland if you have over £19,000 in assets you will be expected to pay the full cost of your personal care and accommodation. If you have assets of less, your Local Authority will carry out both clinical and financial assessments to determine what type of care package best suits your needs and how much they believe you can contribute towards your care.

If you have between £11,750 to £19,000 in savings and assets in Scotland, you will be expected to contribute a small amount from your savings. If you have less than these figures, you will be expected to contribute any benefits you receive such as Income Support and Retirement Pension plus any Private Pensions you receive.

In Scotland , the Local Authority pays for personal care amount currently £216 nursing care and £149 residential care per week for people in Care Homes. This amount is paid directly to the Care Home.

In many cases this total amount will cover the cost of your fees, however, if you want to move into a home that the Authority won't pay the total costs for, then this amount can be "topped up" by a relative/friend or charity, we at Community Care Homes do not have "top up fees"

If you own your own home prior to entering a Care Home the value of your home will be included in your assets, unless the house is occupied by your spouse (or in exceptional circumstances an incapacitated close relative). However, the Local Authority may disregard the value of your property for the first 12 weeks after your admission. After this period you will normally be expected to put the property on the market. Whilst the property is being sold the Local Authority will continue to make a contribution towards your fees, however, once the property is sold, you will be expected to repay them this amount. Alternatively, you can retain your property, with all payments made by the Local Authority deferred and deducted from your estate.

You should seek further specialist financial advice on these matters before making a final decision.

Q4. How is the care offered to each resident monitored?

For the peace of mind of anyone being cared for in a Community Care Home, and their family, we ensure a unique care plan is individually prepared for every new resident.

The Care Plan ensures that:

• Your needs are identified by careful assessment, with your own involvement or that of your nominated relative/friend.
• The Plan will describe those identified needs and the way in which our staff will meet them.
• You or your nominated relative/friend can choose to be involved in the ongoing care planning process.
• Care Plans are reviewed periodically and also when your needs change.

Q5. What is the food like?

Meals are an important part of the daily routine in any care home and we take great trouble to provide a nutritious menu for our residents.

If they want, residents can take meals in their rooms and we're also used to catering for special diets and individual preferences.

At Community Care Home we firmly believe that you, and if you wish, your family, should play an integral part in the care planning process.