day for people who need regular help or supervision with daily tasks such as personal care, dressing, eating, drinking, taking medication and supporting their mobility. Residential homes do not offer medical care. Nursing homes Nursing homes provide the same level of support as residential care homes, with the addition of 24-hour nursing care for people who need regular medical attention from a nurse. Dual-registered care homes Some care homes are dual registered which means they can provide both residential support and nursing care. See the checklist on page 31 for useful suggestions of questions to ask when looking at care homes. Care homes can specialise in the support they provide, such as: •
dementia;
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learning disabilities;
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mental health conditions;
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physical disabilities;
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sensory impairment;
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caring for adults under 65;
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caring for adults over 65; and
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misuse of alcohol or drugs.
The length of stay at a care home can be varied: Short stay – when you know the date that you will be leaving. It is usually for no more than eight weeks. This can also be called respite care (see page 42 for more information). Temporary stay – when you decide that you need to stay for longer than the eight weeks, but you still know the date you will be leaving, and/or you are in a trial period whilst deciding if you wish to stay permanently. Long or permanent stay – means you will be living at the care home permanently. Before you make any decisions regarding your care, be sure to contact several providers and ask for their ‘Service User’s Guide’, charges and a draft contract, so that you can see what the contract entails and what this means for you. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the organisation that inspects and rates care homes to help you understand the quality of care being delivered. Please see page 45 for more information. Refer to the residential care listings beginning on page 71 for all registered care homes and care homes with nursing in the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire area.
Out of county care You may choose to live in another area of the country as you want to be closer to friends and family. The home you choose must be suitable for your assessed needs and comply with the terms and conditions set by the local authority.
Full listings of residential care homes and nursing homes in the region start on page 71. Alternatively, you can visit www.stokecommunitydirectory.co.uk or www.staffordshireconnects.info
You can contact the Care Quality Commission through its website (www.cqc.org.uk ) where you will find details of all registered care homes in the UK. Alternatively, this Directory’s website (www.carechoices.co.uk ) has details of all care provision in England.
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