A guide to care and independent living
Can’t go to Specsavers? They’ll come to you
We caught up with Kejal Shah who has been an Optometrist with Specsavers Home Visits for 8 years. She explains to us how this much-needed service works.
So, tell me more about the Home Visits service…
Our at-home eye test is very similar to what you would have experienced in-store, just with a few adjustments and specialist equipment to make it home-friendly.
Optometrists, like myself, carry out the eye test, adjusting it to your individual needs. If glasses are needed, experienced colleagues will help with frame selection and then return to fit them. And, it goes without saying, all customers are supported with ongoing aftercare.
In response to demand, we’ve also now launched a new audiology home visits service. So far, we have home hearing services in 19 locations in the UK, with plans to expand this over the coming months.
Who is able to benefit from a home eye test?
Put simply, it’s about bringing the service to your door, if you can’t get to one of our stores. So if you, a friend, or loved one, are unable to leave your home or care home unaccompanied, due to a physical or mental illness or disability, we can come to you.
There are a wide range of conditions and reasons why someone might not be able to leave their home. You can speak to us about your situation and we can help you understand if you or your loved one qualifies. What if someone is bedbound, or struggling with communication? Can you still help them?
The Home Visits service is designed to provide eyecare which is as individual as our customers are.
Some customers might be clinically vulnerable or they might be non-verbal or living with dementia. Depending on the situation, we might use pictures instead of letters for example. Even with a customer who is bedbound, we can change the position of the chart so we’re still getting completely accurate results. All the tests are adapted to fit the customer’s environment and comfort level. We can also speak to the customer or their loved one ahead of the visit, to address any questions or talk through the process.
Given that you provide such a personal and tailored service, does your care go beyond just an eye test?
Every colleague I know sees our services as something beyond just a job. Whether it’s sharing stories over a cuppa, popping something in the post for them, or passing them something out of reach, going that extra mile is such a rewarding part of our role. I only need to see a customer’s smile to know I’ve made a difference.
That’s a big part of what we do. Provide a personal service, tailored care and expertise, right to people’s homes, no matter what their situation – in homes, care homes or sheltered housing.
How do I find out whether someone is eligible?
You can head to our website at www.specsavers.co.uk/home-visits which features a simple step-by-step guide to eligibility and a wealth of information. Alternatively, you can call 0800 0890144
Virtual reality eases the pain for patients
Patients are being offered the chance to enter a virtual reality world, to calm and distract them, while they are having a painful procedure at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB).
The pioneering approach is being tried out on people having a kidney stone removed, who are being given ‘Shockwave’ treatment to get rid of the stone.
Shockwave treatment involves the patient lying for 30-40 minutes on a table and having 3,000 shocks delivered to the stone.
It’s believed to have been the first time virtual reality has been used in the treatment of kidney stones in the UK.
Ivo Dukic, Urology Consultant, is leading the way with this approach at UHB, and at the end of 2024 he carried out the first treatment using the virtual reality approach at QEHB.
“Using the software and the headset allows the patients to go through a virtual woodland, with the movement in the virtual environment accompanied by relaxed breathing.
“This helps calm and distract the patient from the shockwaves used to break the stones that are present in the kidney or ureter.
occasion (his second treatment), and was much more pleasant overall.”
“The VR system helped tremendously during the procedure.”
“Previous studies have found that this distraction technique of virtual reality reduces the pain experienced during shockwave treatment, and allowed a higher energy of shockwaves to be delivered to help break kidney stones.
“The virtual reality really enhanced the experience of our patient, who was able to tolerate a much higher energy of treatment with the same painkillers as he had the on the first occasion.
“He also found that he felt the procedure, which lasts 30-40 minutes, went much more quickly on this
Karl Roberts, who was the first patient to undergo Shockwave treatment using the VR headset, said: “The VR system helped tremendously during the procedure. Despite noticing the increase in pain, the VR platform helped to keep me distracted and to have something to focus on. “
Patients are given a VR headset prior to the procedure. They enter a virtual environment with patterns and shapes designed for relaxation and with breathing patterns designed to give them a meditative feeling during the procedure.
For further information please visit: www.uhb.nhs.uk
Improved care for patients
The Solihull Integrated Locality Hub, based at Solihull Hospital, has launched a range of new pathways aimed at improving care for local patients.
This includes pathways to support patients with long-term respiratory conditions, provide quicker access to diagnostic services like radiology and pathology, improve care for older adults living with frailty, and offer specialised treatment for those needing intravenous antibiotics (antibiotics that are administered directly into a vein).
In addition, plans are underway to launch a pathway for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) care.
The hub operates Monday to Friday, from 10:00 to 18:00, and offers same-day urgent care appointments. However, it is not a walk-in service, and appointments must be arranged through professional referrals.
“These new pathways are a significant step forward in improving the quality and accessibility of healthcare for our local community.”
Solihull residents can access the hub via their GP, NHS 111, or University Hospitals Birmingham’s Urgent Community Response Team, if deemed suitable.
Delivered in partnership between University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) and Solihull Healthcare Partnership, the hub is staffed by a diverse team, including GPs, advanced clinical practitioners, therapists, nurses, and administrative professionals.
Shena Webb, Associate Director of Operations for Solihull Community Services, said: “These new pathways are a significant step forward in improving the quality and accessibility of healthcare for our local community.
“By streamlining access to essential services and offering specialised support for patients with complex needs, we can ensure that Solihull residents receive the right care, at the right time. We are committed to enhancing the patient experience and continuing to work in partnership with local healthcare providers to meet the growing demands of our population.”
Please be aware that while the hub provides essential support for patients with urgent care needs, it is not equipped to manage life-threatening emergencies such as heart attacks or strokes. In such cases, residents should call 999 or go to their nearest accident and emergency department.
For further information please visit: www.uhb.nhs.uk
After your stay in hospital
After your stay in hospital we want to help you regain your independence, manage your own care as much as possible and help you to find appropriate support if you need it. We are also here to help if you’ve become a carer for the first time for a family member and want to know about the support available to you.
In this article you’ll find information about a range of support available in Solihull. A great place to start is the Adult Social Care section of Solihull Council’s website. It offers advice and information about services which could benefit you or the person you care for.
solihull.gov.uk/adultsocialcare
If you don’t have access to a computer at home, you can visit your local library to use one. Library staff can also offer support in using the internet and advising where to search.
If you would prefer to speak to someone over the phone or face to face then contact one of our Community Advice Hubs.
Community Advice Hubs
There are two Community Advice Hubs in Solihull, based at The Core and Chelmsley Wood Library.
If you don’t have access to a computer at home, you can visit your local library to use one.
The Hubs are run by Age UK Solihull, on behalf of Solihull Council, and are a partnership of local voluntary organisations. They provide high quality information, advice and support for you or the person you care for. Two of the organisations: Carers Trust Solihull and Alzheimer’s Society, are also listed separately below.
The central Solihull Community Advice Hub based on the Lower Ground Floor of The Core is open Monday to Friday 10am to 1pm for drop-in enquiries.
The North Solihull Hub, based at Chelmsley Wood Library is open for drop-in enquiries Monday, Tuesday,
Thursday and Friday 10am – 1pm. Appointments are available at both Hubs at other times.
Visit the Age UK Solihull website www.ageuksolihull.org.uk or telephone 0121 709 7590 for latest information on opening times.
Carers Trust Solihull
Carers Trust Solihull is the borough’s lead organisation for unpaid and family carers. It provides an extensive range of services to help support carers of all ages and backgrounds, through expert information and advice.
solihullcarers.org
Email: centre@solihullcarers.org
Phone: 0121 788 1143
Carers Trust Solihull is based at: Solihull Fire Station Annexe, 620 Streetsbrook Road, Solihull B91 1QY
Dementia support
Alzheimer’s Society provides help, advice and guidance for people affected by dementia.
Email: dementia.connect@alzheimers.org.uk
Phone: 0333 150 3456
Solihull Council’s website provides information to help people living with dementia and their families or carers.
solihull.gov.uk/dementia
Solihull Connect
Solihull Connect is the Council’s customer contact service. You can contact our adult social care customer service advisors directly by phone or email and explain
Falls are often due to hazards that are not easy to see such as loose wires, loose carpets, or poor lighting.
your situation. You can also complete your own needs assessment on the Council website. Visit solihull.gov.uk/get-help
Home Hazard Assessments
The advisors can help if you want to request a needs assessment or discuss other topics including staying independent in your own home, getting out and about and carer support. If you need help to understand the assessment or to put your views across, and don’t have family or friends to support you, ask about having an advocate.
Email: ccadults@solihull.gov.uk
Phone: 0121 704 8007
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and 10am - 5pm Wednesday
Solihull Community Housing (SCH)
Working in partnership with Solihull Council, the SCH Wellbeing Team deliver a range of services (listed below) designed to help residents of Solihull lead happy independent lives in their own home. The services are provided to all Solihull residents over the age of 18.
• Safe & Sound (pendant & alarm system) with added unique benefit of access to a 24/7 responder service
• low level adaptations
• assistive technology
• handyperson service to help with odd jobs around the home.
To find out which service could be suitable for you please email wellbeing@solihullcommunityhousing. org.uk or phone: 0121 717 1515.
You can also visit the Adult Social Care section of
Solihull Community Housing offer a free home visit to check for potential hazards that could cause you to slip, trip or fall in your own home.
Falls are often due to hazards that are not easy to see such as loose wires, loose carpets, or poor lighting.
After the free assessment you will receive recommendations on how to improve safety in your home. We can arrange for adaptive equipment to be installed, such as grab rails or other low levels aids, which will enable you to be safe and well at home.
There will be no charge for this equipment or installation. We may also recommend fitting a chargeable personal alarm system so that you can press a pendant for help in the event of a fall, or assistive technology such as a pills dispenser or smoke detector.
SCH also works in partnership with West Midlands Fire Service and Solihull Falls Clinic who we may refer to for further intervention.
For more information call SCH on 0121 717 1515.
Healthy living at your local library
Solihull has 13 libraries across the borough, each offering a range of services, advice, help and information to support you. These include Reading Well and Dementia books on prescription. The Home Library Service supports people who can’t get to their local library, by choosing and delivering books once a month.
Solihull Council’s website.
Discover compassion, care and team that becomes ‘family’ at Blossomfield Rose
For anyone facing the difficult choice of finding the right care home for a loved one in Solihull, Blossomfield Rose - part of MACC Care, a ‘Top 20 Care Home Group’ - should be top of the shortlist. This contemporary care home takes luxury to new levels. It looks and feels like a five-star hotel, with beautifully designed communal spaces, well-appointed, generously sized ensuite bedrooms, wonderful facilities not least a stunning parkland setting.
Whether meeting with friends over coffee and cake in the Coach House Café, taking in a classic movie in the in-house cinema and arts area, or enjoying a pamper in The Stables salon and wellness suite, the focus is very much on ‘feel-good.’ Outside spaces are nothing short of spectacular too. Blossomfield Rose residents, their families and friends benefit from therapeutic green space in abundance, with five acres of
mature private grounds to enjoy, a highlight of which is Tudor Grange’s beautifully restored, original walled garden. When it comes to activities and events, there is always plenty going on, with fun and laughter, friendships and enrichment high on the agenda.
“Enriching later lives’ is the driving force behind MACC Care’s ethos, and our beautiful home has been carefully considered to provide an uplifting, inspirational environment for residents, at a time when many may have given up on feeling a little better, regaining independence, forging new friendships or trying out new activities,” says Blossomfield Rose Manager, Pam Casey.
Person-centred nursing, residential, dementia and respite care is delivered to suit individual needs by an experienced team who prioritise happiness and emotional wellbeing. And who better to convey the extent to which the Blossomfield Rose team strives to go the extra mile, than residents’ relatives, in their own words:
“You can see the facilities Blossomfield Rose offers on the website, a truly beautiful, well - appointed and equipped facility, but you can’t get a sense of the team behind this amazing home. And it is they, who make this place exceptional. Dad was always treated with respect, compassion and dignity and Mum was welcomed, supported and utterly
cared for during her stay. The nursing staff are without equal, the management team are both efficient and kind.” Vicki W (Daughter of Resident)
“Lovely souls that care for our relatives nothing too much trouble they listen and act on any concern. The nurses are wonderful and have treated my dad so well and the care staff so caring and sensitive to him. The manageress went above and beyond when first coming to this beautiful home and the receptionist too. Fantastic place, thank you for the peace of mind and being able to trust in their care.” Amanda J (Relative of Resident)
Why not arrange a tour and see if Blossomfield Rose could be the supportive, ‘home from home’ you are looking for?
Please call 0121 796 6490 or find out more at www.macccare.com/blossomfieldrose
NHS healthcarecontinuing
Some people with long-term complex health needs qualify for free social care arranged and funded solely by the NHS. This is known as NHS continuing healthcare.
Where can NHS continuing healthcare be provided?
NHS continuing healthcare can be provided in a variety of settings outside hospital, such as in your own home or in a care home.
Am I eligible for NHS continuing healthcare?
NHS continuing healthcare is for adults. Children and young people may receive a “continuing care package” if they have needs arising from disability, accident or illness that cannot be met by existing universal or specialist services alone.
Find out more about the children and young people’s continuing care national framework on GOV.UK
You should be fully involved in the assessment process and kept informed, and have your views about your needs and support taken into account. Carers and family members should also be consulted where appropriate.
A decision about eligibility for a full assessment for NHS continuing healthcare should usually be made within 28 days of an initial assessment or request for a full assessment.
If you are not eligible for NHS continuing healthcare, you can be referred to your local council who can discuss with you whether you may be eligible for support from them.
If you still have some health needs then the NHS may pay for part of the package of support. This is sometimes known as a “joint package” of care.
Your eligibility for NHS continuing healthcare depends on your assessed needs, and not on any particular diagnosis or condition.
To be eligible for NHS continuing healthcare, you must be assessed by a team of healthcare professionals (a multidisciplinary team). The team will look at all your care needs and relate them to:
• what help you need
• how complex your needs are
• how intense your needs can be
• how unpredictable they are, including any risks to your health if the right care is not provided at the right time
Your eligibility for NHS continuing healthcare depends on your assessed needs, and not on any particular diagnosis or condition. If your needs change then your eligibility for NHS continuing healthcare may change.
Information and advice
The process involved in NHS continuing healthcare assessments can be complex. An organisation called Beacon gives free independent advice on NHS continuing healthcare.
Visit the Beacon website or call the free helpline on 0345 548 0300.
NHS continuing healthcare assessments
Integrated care boards, known as ICBs (the NHS organisations that commission local health services), must assess you for NHS continuing healthcare if it seems that you may need it.
For most people, there’s an initial checklist assessment, which is used to decide if you need a full assessment. However, if you need care urgently – for example, if you’re terminally ill – your assessment may be fast-tracked.
Being referred for a full assessment does not necessarily mean you’ll be eligible for NHS continuing healthcare. The purpose of the checklist is to enable anyone who might be eligible to have the opportunity for a full assessment.
The professional(s) completing the checklist should record in writing the reasons for their decision, and sign and date it. You should be given a copy of the completed checklist.
For most people, there’s an initial checklist assessment, which is used to decide if you need a full assessment.
Initial assessment for NHS continuing healthcare
The initial checklist assessment can be completed by a nurse, doctor, other healthcare professional or social worker. You should be told that you’re being assessed, and what the assessment involves.
Depending on the outcome of the checklist, you’ll either be told that you do not meet the criteria for a full assessment of NHS continuing healthcare and are therefore not eligible, or you’ll be referred for a full assessment of eligibility.
You can download a blank copy of the NHS continuing healthcare checklist from GOV.UK
Full assessment for NHS continuing healthcare
Full assessments for NHS continuing healthcare are undertaken by a multidisciplinary team (MDT) made up of a minimum of 2 professionals from different healthcare professions. The MDT should usually include both health and social care professionals who are already involved in your care.
You should be informed who is co-ordinating the NHS continuing healthcare assessment.
The team’s assessment will consider your needs under the following headings:
• breathing
• nutrition (food and drink)
• continence
• skin (including wounds and ulcers)
• mobility
• communication
• psychological and emotional needs
• cognition (understanding)
• behaviour
• drug therapies and medicine
If you’re eligible for NHS continuing healthcare, the next stage is to arrange a care and support package that meets your assessed needs.
• altered states of consciousness
• other significant care needs
These needs are given a weighting marked “priority”, “severe”, “high”, “moderate”, “low” or “no needs”.
If you have at least 1 priority need, or severe needs in at least 2 areas, you can usually expect to be eligible for NHS continuing healthcare.
You may also be eligible if you have a severe need in 1 area plus a number of other needs, or a number of high or moderate needs, depending on their nature, intensity, complexity or unpredictability.
In all cases, the overall need, and interactions between needs, will be taken into account, together with evidence from risk assessments, in deciding whether NHS continuing healthcare should be provided.
The assessment should take into account your views and the views of any carers you have. You should be given a copy of the decision documents, along with clear reasons for the decision.
You can download a blank copy of the NHS continuing healthcare decision support tool from GOV.UK
Fast-track assessment for NHS continuing healthcare
If your health is deteriorating quickly and you’re nearing the end of your life, you should be considered for the NHS continuing healthcare fast-track pathway, so that an appropriate care and support package can be put in place as soon as possible – usually within 48 hours.
Care and support planning
If you’re eligible for NHS continuing healthcare, the next stage is to arrange a care and support package that meets your assessed needs.
Depending on your situation, different options could be suitable, including support in your own home and the option of a personal health budget.
If it’s agreed that a care home is the best option for you, there could be more than 1 local care home that’s suitable.
Your ICB should work collaboratively with you and consider your views when agreeing your care and support package and the setting where it will be provided. However, they can also take other factors into account, such as the cost and value for money of different options.
If your needs have changed, the review will also consider whether you’re still eligible for NHS continuing healthcare.
NHS continuing healthcare reviews
If you’re eligible for NHS continuing healthcare, your needs and support package will normally be reviewed within 3 months and thereafter at least annually. This review will consider whether your existing care and support package meets your assessed needs. If your needs have changed, the review will also consider whether you’re still eligible for NHS continuing healthcare.
Refunds for delays in NHS continuing healthcare funding
ICBs will normally make a decision about eligibility for NHS continuing healthcare within 28 days of getting a completed checklist or request for a full assessment, unless there are circumstances beyond its control.
If the ICB decides you’re eligible, but takes longer than 28 days to decide this and the delay is unjustifiable,
they should refund any care costs from the 29th day until the date of their decision.
If you’re not eligible for NHS continuing healthcare
If you’re not eligible for NHS continuing healthcare, but you’re assessed as requiring nursing care in a care home (in other words, a care home that’s registered to provide nursing care) you’ll be eligible for NHS-funded nursing care.
This means that the NHS will pay a contribution towards the cost of your registered nursing care. NHS-funded nursing care is available irrespective of who is funding the rest of the care home fees.
Find out more about NHS continuing healthcare from NHS England.
Frequently asked questions about NHS continuing healthcare
Q I have a local authority support package that works well. I’m now eligible for NHS continuing healthcare – will my support package change?
If you’re concerned about changes to your care package because of a move to NHS continuing healthcare, your ICB should talk to you about ways that it can give you as much choice and control as possible. This could include the use of a personal health budget, with 1 option being a “direct payment for healthcare”.
Q
FAQ’s
Can I refuse an assessment for NHS continuing healthcare? If I refuse, will I be able to get services from my local authority?
Consent is not needed for completion of assessments (CHC Checklists, Decision Support Tools (inclusive of FNC by default) and Fast Track), or collation and sharing of information with:
• Care Teams
• Health and Social Care Staff
But consent is needed to share personal information collected for, and as part of, assessments (Checklist, Decision Support Tool (inclusive of FNC by default) and Fast Track) with third parties, such as family, friends or representatives, at the beginning of the process.
There is a legal limit to the types of services that a Local Authority can provide. If you have any concerns about being assessed for NHS continuing healthcare, the ICB should explore your reasons for this, and try to address your concerns.
If someone lacks the mental capacity to consent to sharing of information with third parties (other than Care Teams or Health and Social Care Staff), the principles of the Mental Capacity Act will apply and a best interests decision may be needed.
Q
My relative is in a care home and has become eligible for NHS continuing healthcare. The ICB says the fees charged by this care home are more than they would usually pay, and has proposed a move to a different care home. I think a move will have a negative effect on my relative. What can we do?
If there’s evidence that a move is likely to have a detrimental effect on your relative’s health or wellbeing, discuss this with the ICB. It will take your concerns into account when considering the most appropriate arrangements.
If the ICB decides to arrange an alternative placement, they should provide a reasonable choice of homes.
Q Is it possible to pay top-up fees for NHS continuing healthcare?
No, it is not possible to top up NHS continuing healthcare packages, like you can with local authority care packages.
The only way that NHS continuing healthcare packages can be topped up privately is if you pay for additional private services on top of the services you’re assessed as needing from the NHS. These private services should be provided by different staff and preferably in a different setting.
Personal budgets and direct payments
You’ll be given a personal budget to spend if your local council decide you’re eligible for help with any social care and support you need. You can request an assessment from the council to establish your needs.
The money in your personal budget can be paid to you, to help you make more decisions about how it’s spent. This is known as a direct payment. What is a personal budget?
Your personal budget is the amount of money your local council will pay towards any social care and support you need.
The amount of money in your personal budget is decided by your local council after a needs assessment to work out:
• what kind of care and support you need
• how much it will cost
• how much you’re able to afford yourself
If you’re a carer, you may be entitled to receive a personal budget after having a carer’s assessment to see what might help make your life easier.
Carers and personal budgets
If you’re a carer, you may be entitled to receive a personal budget after having a carer’s assessment to see what might help make your life easier.
A carer’s assessment is free and anyone over 18 can ask for one.
Choosing how to receive your personal budget
You can ask the council to either:
• manage your personal budget for you
• pay the money to another organisation – such as a care provider
• pay the money directly to you or someone you choose – this is known as a direct payment
You can also choose a combination of these options. For example, the council could arrange some of your care but send you the rest of the money. This is often called a mixed package or “mix and match”.
If the council manages your money
The money in your personal budget will be spent for you by the council. They will arrange all your care and support based on your agreed care plan.
They still need to check you’re happy with the care they’re arranging for you.
If your money is paid to another organisation
The organisation you choose, such as your care provider, will speak to the council and arrange the payments.
Sometimes other organisations charge you extra money to arrange payments from the council.
The benefits of direct payments
Direct payments give you more flexibility over how your care and support is arranged and provided.
For example, you could choose to hire care workers or personal assistants who:
• are always the same people and available when you need them
• speak the same language as you
• have experience working with your care needs
• are a specific person that has been recommended to you
• can help you get to shops or social events
There are many ways you could choose to use the money. It’s your choice as long as you’re spending your personal budget on things that meet your agreed care plan.
Most councils will ask for evidence of how you’ve spent your money every 3 months.
When to consider other options
You may decide direct payments are not helpful if:
How to apply for direct payments
You should be offered direct payments as an option after your needs assessment.
You can also ask your local council’s social services department about direct payments.
How direct payments work
You could also consider having someone else manage your direct payments, for example a friend or family member.
• you’re worried about managing money or the people you employ
• you spend a lot of time in hospital
• you would rather the council arranged your care
If you’re not confident about keeping records or managing the people who care for you, your local council should be able to provide support.
You could also consider having someone else manage your direct payments, for example a friend or family member. You’ll need to set up a trust for payments that are managed by someone else.
The Money Advice Service has information about setting up a trust.
If you choose direct payments, the council will send you the money in your personal budget by either:
• paying it directly into a bank, Post Office, building society or National Savings and Investments account
• sending you a pre-paid card
You can then choose how you spend the money on your own care and support, as long as it matches the care plan you’ve agreed with the council.
Signing
a direct payment agreement
The council might ask you to sign a document called a direct payment agreement. This says:
• how the council want you to record your spending –for example, keeping receipts
• your responsibilities as an employer - if you’re paying for a care worker
If you spend direct payments on something that isn’t agreed in your care plan, the council could take the money back or end the direct payments.
If you’re struggling to manage your money
Ask your local council for advice or call the Money Advice Service on 0800 138 7777.
If you want someone else to receive the direct payment
You could speak to the council and agree for the money to be sent to someone who will spend it for you. For example:
• a carer
When choosing an agency, decide what sort of service you’re looking for and the tasks you need help with.
• a friend or family member
• someone else who speaks up for you (an advocate)
You may need to write down how they will spend the money and which decisions they can make for you. This is known as a decision-making agreement.
Employing your own carer or personal assistant
If you decide to hire a carer or personal assistant yourself, it’s important to know the responsibilities you’ll have as an employer.
Although support from the council should be available, you may need to arrange:
• background checks or references
• tax
• National Insurance
• pension contributions
Read more about employing someone to work in your home on GOV.UK.
Disability Rights UK also have more information on getting a personal assistant.
If you don’t want to become an employer
You could choose to hire care workers through an agency instead. This removes the legal obligations of being an employer, but could:
• cost you more money
• remove some of the benefits - such as having the same person provide your care
How to research a care agency
When choosing an agency, decide what sort of service you’re looking for and the tasks you need help with. It’s a good idea to contact more than one agency, as they may offer different types of services.
You can find out about local home care agencies by:
• speaking to your local council’s social services department
• contacting the UK Homecare Association
If you’re eligible for NHS-funded nursing care, the NHS will arrange and fund nursing care provided by registered nurses employed by the care home.
There are also organisations that inspect care agencies to see how well they are doing. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulates all health and adult social care in England.
You might see a CQC inspection rating when you search online for care home agencies. Their 4 ratings are:
• Outstanding
• Good
• Requires improvement
• Inadequate
You could also search for care home agencies on the CQC website to see their full reports.
Telephone helplines
If you would like support to help you manage your personal budget or direct payments, speak to your council or call:
• the Disability Rights UK personal budgets helpline on 0330 995 0404
• the Age UK advice line on 0800 055 6112 (for older people)
NHS-funded nursing care
NHS-funded nursing care is when the NHS pays for the nursing care component of nursing home fees. The NHS pays a flat rate directly to the care home towards the cost of this nursing care.
Who is eligible for NHS-funded nursing care?
You may be eligible for NHS-funded nursing care if:
• you’re not eligible for NHS continuing healthcare but have been assessed as needing care from a registered nurse
• you live in a nursing home
How will my needs be assessed?
You should be assessed for NHS continuing healthcare before a decision is made about whether you are eligible for NHS-funded nursing care. Most people don’t need a separate assessment for NHS-funded nursing care. However, if you do need an assessment or you haven’t already had one, your integrated care board (ICB) can arrange an assessment for you.
Outcome of the assessment
If you’re eligible for NHS-funded nursing care, the NHS will arrange and fund nursing care provided
How to complain about personal budgets
It’s worth speaking to your council’s social services before making an official complaint to see if they can help.
You still have to the right to complain if you:
• have been told you’re not eligible to receive money towards your care and support
• don’t agree with the amount of money in your personal budget
You could either:
• speak to your social worker about being re-assessed
• call your local council social services and request a complaints form
Your council should also have a formal complaints procedure on its website.
If you’re not happy with the council’s response
Contact your Local Government Ombudsman. They investigate all adult social care complaints.
• Age UK have a detailed fact sheet on personal budgets and direct payments in social care
• The Money Advice Service has a guide to direct payments
by registered nurses employed by the care home. Services provided by a registered nurse can include planning, supervising and monitoring nursing and healthcare tasks, as well as direct nursing care.
If you’re not eligible for NHS-funded nursing care and you don’t agree with the decision about your eligibility, ask your ICB to review the decision.
The cost of NHS-funded nursing care
NHS-funded nursing care is paid at the same rate across England. In May 2022, the rate was set at £209.19 a week (standard rate) and will be backdated to 1 April 2022.
If you moved into a care home before 1 October 2007, and you were on the previous high band, NHS-funded nursing care is paid at a higher rate. In May 2022, the higher rate was set at £287.78 a week and will be backdated to 1 April 2022. You’re entitled to continue on this rate unless:
• you no longer have nursing needs
• you no longer live in a care home that provides nursing
• your nursing needs have reduced and you’re no longer eligible for the high band, when you would change to the standard rate of £209.19 a week, or
• you become entitled to NHS continuing healthcare instead
Paying for your own care (self-funding)
You will not be entitled to help with the cost of care from your local council if:
• you have savings worth more than £23,250 – this is called the upper capital limit, or UCL
• you own your own property (this only applies if you’re moving into a care home)
You can ask your council for a financial assessment (means test) to check if you qualify for any help with costs.
You can choose to pay for care yourself if you don’t want a financial assessment.
How to arrange your care as a self-funder
You can:
• arrange and pay for care yourself without involving the council
• ask the council to arrange and pay for your care (the council will then bill you, but not all councils offer this service and they may charge a fee)
Having a carer who lives with you costs from around £800 a week. But it can cost as much as £1,600 a week if you need a lot of care.
Paying for a care home
There are 2 types of care home:
• residential homes have staff that help with everyday tasks such as getting dressed and supply all your meals
• nursing homes also offer 24-hour nursing care
A room in a care home costs:
• around £700 a week in a residential home
• over £850 a week in a nursing home
The price will vary according to where you live and the type of care you need.
For example, serious health problems like dementia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can increase the cost.
Benefits can help with care costs
Even if you choose to pay for your care, your council can do an assessment to check what care you might need. This is called a needs assessment.
Find out what care you need
Even if you choose to pay for your care, your council can do an assessment to check what care you might need. This is called a needs assessment.
For example, it’ll tell you whether you need home help from a paid carer for 2 hours a day or 2 hours a week and precisely what they should help you with.
The needs assessment is free and anyone can ask for one.
How much will care cost?
Social care can be expensive. Knowing how much you’ll have to pay will help you budget.
Paying for carers at home
A typical hourly rate for a carer to come to your home is around £20, but this will vary depending on where you live.
You may be eligible for benefits, like Attendance Allowance and Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which aren’t means-tested.
You can use them to pay towards the cost of your care.
Can I avoid selling my home?
You won’t have to sell your home to pay for help in your own home.
But you may have to sell your home to pay for a care home, unless your partner carries on living in it.
Sometimes selling your home to pay care home fees is the best option.
But there may be other ways to pay care home fees if you don’t want to sell your home straight away.
Contact your local council about 3 months before you think your savings will drop to below the limit and ask them to reassess your finances.
Releasing money from your home (equity release)
Equity release lets you take money that’s tied up in your home without selling it. It’s available if you’re over 55.
But you have to pay interest on the money you take out, which can be expensive.
MoneyHelper has more information on equity release.
Renting out your home
You can rent out your home and use the income to help pay your care home fees.
A deferred payment scheme
A deferred payment scheme can be useful if you have savings less than the upper capital limit of £23,250 and all your money is tied up in your property
The council pays for your care home and you repay it later when you choose to sell your home, or after your death.
Ask your council if you’re eligible for a deferred payment scheme.
You can get more information from:
• MoneyHelper: deferred payment schemes
• Independent Age: do I have to sell my home to pay for residential care?
Get expert financial help
You can get unbiased expert advice from a specialist care fees adviser.
They’ll help you compare all your options before you decide what’s right for you.
Find a specialist care fees adviser in your area with:
• PayingForCare, a free information service for older people
• Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA) on 0333 2020 454
Telephone help
Get advice on paying for care from:
• Age UK on freephone 0800 055 6112
• Independent Age on freephone 0800 319 6789
• MoneyHelper on freephone 0800 011 3797
If your savings run out
If your savings fall below the upper capital limit of £23,250, your council might be able to help with the cost of care.
Contact your local council about 3 months before you think your savings will drop to below the limit and ask them to reassess your finances.
Councils provide funding from the date you contact them. You won’t be reimbursed if your savings are below the limit before you contact them.
What you can get for free
You might be able to get some free help regardless of your income or if you’re paying for your care.
This can include:
• small bits of equipment or home adaptations that each cost less than £1,000
• NHS care, such as NHS continuing healthcare, NHSfunded nursing care and care after illness or hospital discharge (reablement)
Going home from hospital?
Age UK Birmingham are here to help.
When you are ready to go home, if you are over 50 and live in Birmingham we are here to help and support you.
Information and advice
Often after a spell in hospital it is more difficult to cope with everyday tasks. If you find this is true you may qualify for extra financial help. Our team of advisors are there to provide expert advice and information including welfare benefit calculations, and help to complete forms. They can also answer a wide range of queries or refer you to someone who can help you directly.
Whenever you want to find anything out from a trustworthy source – give us a call on 0121 437 0479.
Home Falls Prevention Service
We support eligible older people to reduce the risks of a fall at home by fitting equipment and making small changes around the house.
What kind of jobs do we do? Our Falls Prevention Officer will visit you at home to discuss safety in your house and the changes you would like to make to increase your confidence and safety at home. We can:
• Fit a key safe
• Move & assemble furniture
• Fix toilet seats*
• Complete small carpentry jobs
• Fit grab rails and stair rails
• Carry out security checks
• Change light bulbs
• Secure loose carpets/rugs
• Provide non-slip bath mats
• Free Energy Check (draughtproofing and energy saving equipment)
Call us on 0121 437 0033 ext. 1501 or email fallsprevention@ageukbirmingham.org.uk for more information.
Other Services
• Dementia Support Services
• Business Directory (or visit www.aubdbirmingham.co.uk)
• Wellbeing Activities Programme
• Wills & Lasting Powers of Attorney
• Telephone Befriending
Please telephone or email us (details to the right) for service availability.
Volunteering For Age UK Birmingham
Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and be part of the team.
We have lots of opportunities to suit everyone, whatever skills, abilities, and free time you can spare. We have several exciting and varied roles ranging from helping in our shop and day centres to volunteering in our Information & Advice and Later Life Planning Services.
We’re also recruiting Volunteers across our Activity Groups. Volunteering with us means we can continue to provide support for the over 50’s. In return you’ll get the satisfaction of knowing that you are making a real contribution to older people, helping them to “love later life”.
Whilst you are supporting the over 50’s we will be supporting you by giving you training and helping you enjoy volunteering!
For further information please call our Volunteering Team on 0121 437 0033 or email: volunteering@ ageukbirmingham.org.uk.
Charity number: 1138240
Telephone: 0121 437 0033
Telephone: 0121 437 0479 (Information and Advice)
Email: info@ageukbirmingham.org.uk
Web: www.ageukbirmingham.org.uk
Age UK Solihull
Age UK Solihull supports older and vulnerable residents of the Solihull borough, and their families and carers.
We provide a range of services including information and advice, befriending and social clubs, falls-prevention classes, a Home Support Service, and digital skills training. To find out more about our services call 0121 704 7840 or email info@ageuksolihull.org.uk
We have several volunteering opportunities that offer the chance to help to make a difference, from visiting a lonely older person once a week to helping at one-off fundraising events. For more information, please contact our volunteering team 0121 704 7843 or email volunteering@ageuksolihull.org.uk
You can also get involved by taking part in one of our sponsored challenge events, which include marathons, skydives, bungee jumps and more. For more information visit www.ageuk.org.uk/solihull/challenges or email fundraising@ageuksolihull.org.uk or call 0121 704 7842.
Charity number: 1055887
United Against Dementia
Alzheimer’s Society wants everyone affected by dementia to know that whoever you are, whatever you are going through, you can turn to them for support, help and advice.
Dementia Connect
Dementia Connect, from Alzheimer’s Society, is a personalised support service for anyone with dementia, their carers, families and friends.
We understand that dementia affects everyone differently. So whether you, a loved one, a friend or neighbour needs dementia support, we’re here for you.
We’ll connect you to a whole range of dementia support, by phone, online and face to face. Our highlytrained dementia advisers can help people come to terms with their diagnosis and navigate the complicated maze of health and social care services.
It’s free, easy to access, and offers you the support you need. Whether it’s advice on legal documents, help understanding dementia or someone to talk to when things get tough, we’re here to help.
We can keep in touch with you to make sure you keep getting the support you need. And because we know it’s never easy to tell your story, you’ll only ever need to tell it to us once.
Phone support
Our dementia advisers are available to talk to on the phone seven days a week. They will listen and give you the support and advice you need, including connecting you to help in your local area and online. We can offer you the option of regular calls so we can keep in touch, to find out how you are and help when things change.
Support line opening hours*
Monday – Wednesday: 9:00am – 8:00pm
Thursday – Friday: 9:00am – 5.00pm
Saturday – Sunday: 10:00am – 4:00pm
*Calls charged at standard local rate.
Online support
Dementia Connect online support is available round the clock through our website. Answer a few simple questions about yourself, or someone you know, to get personalised, relevant information and advice. From guides on dementia to advice on making your home dementia friendly, get the information about the things that matter to you.
‘The Dementia Adviser was lovely and full of information. Without Alzheimer’s Society and the Dementia Adviser we’d have nothing. She is a major networker and knows everything and everyone local. I feel in charge and empowered.’ Katherine, living with dementia
If you need further support, you can request a call from our dementia advisers, who should be in touch with you within a week. Our online support includes Talking Point, our online community where you can connect with others in a similar situation, and our Dementia Directory where you can search for local services.
Face to face support
Where possible, our local dementia support workers can meet you in person to offer further support, advice and information. They will also connect you to other face to face services in your area, including local support groups.
Notes: Dementia Connect phone and online support is available wherever you live. As the service is new, some parts of the service may not be available in your area just yet.
How can you support Alzheimer’s Society?
1) Fundraising and events
From Memory Walk and Cupcake Day to challenging yourself in marathons and treks. There’s plenty of ways you can get involved to help raise money. Search ‘get involved’ on alzheimers.org.uk
2) Donate
Our dementia support services are made possible thanks to generous donations from the public. However, you don’t have to join an event or seek sponsorship to do this. Simply head to alzheimers.org.uk and donate what you can to unite against dementia.
3) Become a campaigner
At Alzheimer’s Society, we work to amplify the voices of people affected by dementia, to create a world where they get the support and care they deserve. We can’t do this alone. Whether you have dementia, you have a personal connection to dementia or you want to stand with those who do. Together we can make a difference, register to become a campaigner at alzheimers.org.uk
“Dementia can and does affect so many families, including mine.
“My father was diagnosed with vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in the summer of 2012. He passed away in September 2018.
“I wanted to do something to help raise awareness of the condition and tackle the stigma associated, so I reached out to Alzheimer’s Society to see if I could help. It gives me an enormous sense of pride being an Ambassador for Alzheimer’s Society and I feel like I’m making a difference.
“I have also personally enjoyed taking part in fundraising activities like Cupcake Day and Memory Walk, as there is a real sense of togetherness for a good cause.
“For anyone wanting to know how they can help, I’d say get involved. Whatever you can give, be that your time, voice or money, you’ll know you’ve made a difference to the lives of people affected by dementia.”
Meera Syal, actor and Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador
Get in touch
If you are affected by dementia in and would like information and support, contact us:
T: 0333 150 3456
W: alzheimers.org.uk/dementiaconnect
E: dementia.connect@alzheimers.org.uk
The Care Quality Commission is here to make sure health and adult social care services including hospitals, home and residential care as well as GPs in England provide people with safe, effective, high-quality care. We publish independent inspection reports and ratings about services – information you can use when you’re choosing care for yourself, or a loved one.
You can use our website to search for services you might be interested in by geographical area, or by specialism. For example, a care home that might offer specialist care for someone who has dementia.
We also welcome your feedback on the care you have received – good or bad. We use this information to help inform our inspections and can alert authorities including local social services, if there are safeguarding concerns about care being provided.
You can visit our website at www.cqc.org.uk to find our inspection reports, or share an experience of care. You can also call us to share an experience of care on 03000 61 61 61.
Here are some tips to help you choose your care.
1 The Care Quality Commission (CQC) registers all care homes and home care agencies. You can find out which ones support specific groups of people, such as people with a learning disability or those living with dementia.
2 CQC’s Chief Inspector for Adult Social Care, always uses ‘The Mum Test’: is a care home safe, caring, effective, responsive to people’s needs and well-led? In other words, is it good enough for my Mum (or anyone else I love and care for)?
Look for care homes and home care agencies where the staff involve people who use services and their families and carers, and treat individuals with compassion, kindness, dignity and respect
Whether you are being cared for in your own home or in a residential setting, the staff looking after you need to be skilled, kind and supportive They should also be capable and confident in dealing with your particular needs. You should always feel that their support is helping you to live the life you want to.
5 A care home will be a home for you or your loved one. Residents should be treated as individuals with their likes and dislikes taken into account. Think about whether a home is close enough to family, friends, and community facilities
Look at how well-led and managed a home is. What does it have in place to ensure that it delivers high quality care? Does it
If you or a loved one needs help with day-today care, you can contact your local council’s social services department. They will ‘make an assessment of your needs’ and depending on circumstances, may be able to help you access financial help. For more advice visit Age UK’s website www.ageuk.org.uk/home-and-care.
Your local social services department should be able to provide details of approved agencies.
Safeguarding adults who receive social care is everybody’s business. If you are concerned about the safety of a loved one receiving care, contact the service provider in the first instance. You can also contact social services at your local council. If you feel a crime has been committed, contact the police. You can share your safeguarding concerns with us on our website or contact our National Customer Services on 03000 616161.
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Solihull,
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Care Services (Solihull)
Providing a reliable, versatile & Professional Service
Care Services has been established since 1983. We are committed to providing a reliable, responsive and high quality service. Our organisation offers trained and experienced care workers to enable older people and people with disabilities to maintain their independence within their own homes. We pride ourselves in not being an agency and do not use temporary staff or operate zero hours contracts, we are equally committed to our staff as to the individuals that we provide care to. You can rely on the fact that you will not be visited by a succession of unfamiliar faces.
Call us on: 0121 706 9444
Email: admin@careservices-solihull.co.uk 15 Ravenscroft Road, Solihull, B92 8AH
Sunrise Healthcare Solutions (SHS) is a UK-based company founded by three experienced nursing healthcare professionals. Our mission is to deliver high-quality homecare and supported living services, focusing on a holistic, person-centred approach to help each individual reach their full potential. We achieve our goals through well-established policies, procedures, and by working with fully trained and vetted staff. At SHS, we prioritize providing exceptional care and support, always ensuring the well-being and happiness of those we serve. We are dedicated to empowering our service users to lead fulfilling, meaningful, and joyful lives. SHS specializes in supporting individuals with ASD, mental health conditions, and learning disabilities.
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Arkall Manor Care Home in Tamworth, Staffordshire provides 24-hour residential, respite and dementia care, within a newly built, stateof-the-art home, where residents stay for one inclusive fee. Arkall Manor is part of Danforth Care Homes and benefits from the support of an experienced management team.
Exceptional Care in a Beautiful Location
Arkall Manor Care Home is a purpose built, five-star luxury accommodation, with exceptional finishing touches. Arkall Manor has luxurious social spaces, attractive décor and stunning landscaped gardens and is situated in Staffordshire.
Enjoying Life to the Full
Arkall Manor has been designed to give all residents a fantastic lifestyle in a beautiful, fun and safe environment. The spacious rooms and suites all have en-suite wet rooms, smart TV’s and mini-fridges. Each room can have their own land line and direct phone number. You can enjoy wonderful sensory gardens, a hair & beauty salon, cinema, library, dining room, lounge and sweet shop.
First Class Living For One Inclusive Fee
All residents are able to enjoy amazing hospitality for one inclusive fee. Hair styling, pampering in our beauty salon, inviting relatives to enjoy restaurant-quality food, cinema, library, daily activities, trips, newspapers and so much more. There are no extra charges so you can relax and focus on the most important thing which is enjoying yourself.
Care Home
Welcome to Bryony House
Bryony House was established in 1955 with one very clear objective; to create a home within a home for every resident.
Standing in attractive gardens in the Bournville Village Trust, Bryony House is an independent registered charity providing a safe, secure environment and high standards of accommodation and support for elderly residents.
• Safe, secure accommodation
• Homely relaxed atmosphere
• Leisure activities provided
• Homemade fresh food
• Desirable location
• Extensive, well stocked gardens
• Call system in every room
• High standard en-suite accommodation
• Caring and friendly staff
For information or to arrange a call: 0121 475 2965 or email: bryonyhouse@googlemail.com