Advice for carers, families and friends

Moving to a care home in another area when your council is funding your care

If your council has agreed to fund you in a care home you are free to choose a home anywhere in England, Wales, or Scotland. For example, you may wish to move to be near your family or back to the area where you were brought up. If you move to another area, you will need to arrange for a crossborder placement with the council. If a council is paying your fees, and you move to a different area, you will always be paid for by the council that originally assessed your needs.

The Care Act ensures that people receive proper ‘continuity of care’ when they move from one place to another. This ‘continuity’ means that a person receiving care and support in one area will continue to receive care on the day of their arrival in the new area.

If you want to move to another area, you (or someone on your behalf) must tell the council where you plan to live in future (known as the ‘second council’) about your intentions.

After the second council has been informed and is satisfied that the intention to move is genuine, it must then inform the council where you are currently living, or which is responsible for paying Your local council is only obliged to pay enough to cover the cost of the care you need in the area you require. It is therefore important to find out the cost of care homes in that area. You could also find out how much the local council in that area pays for places which it is funding.

Care homes will sometimes charge a different rate if a person is being paid for by the council compared with a person who is paying his/her own fees. Therefore, when you are looking for a care home place, it is important to tell the care home that your fees will be the responsibility of your local council.

First Stop provides a telephone advice line for older people, their families and carers about housing and care options for later life. Call 0800 377 7070.

Paying for care in a care home

It is very important that you consider all the financial aspects of moving into a care home, whether you are funding the costs yourself or you are eligible for funding from the NHS or your local authority. It is strongly advised that you read the ‘Paying for care’ information beginning on page 108.

Making the right decision

Many people arrange their own care but often it is a family member or friend who asks the questions and becomes closely involved in helping someone move into residential care.

You may be trying to make arrangements from a distance, or you may be living with a person who has many care needs, and it may be difficult for you to come to the decision that residential care is what your relative or friend needs.

Before making a final decision and looking for a care home, it’s a good idea to explore other options as there may be an alternative. See the information in the ‘Managing at home’ information section beginning on page 37. important that your relative or friend (or their legal representative) considers the implications of any move, including its financial consequences, at the beginning so as to try to avoid a move at a later date.

See the information on paying for care in the ‘Money matters’ information section beginning on page 108.

Continuing to care

You will want to continue supporting your friend or relative when they are living in a care home. Here are some things to think about: • Your relative or friend should get an annual review of the care they need, so ask to be present at discussions.

• If you want to do an activity with your friend or relative talk to the home about the best way you can do this.

Financial implications

Residential care can often last a long time, so it is