Leaflet 10 - When Caring Becomes Too Much

You can only do so much as a carer and there may come a time when you feel, for whatever reason, that you are unable to care for a person any longer. Perhaps you think it would be better for you, and the person you care for, if they were taken care of in specialist accommodation.

As a carer, you may feel guilty about coming to this decision, but sometimes it may be the only practical and realistic option.

You should try to discuss the situation with the person you care for. If you find this difficult, it may be worth talking it over with a friend or Social Worker first. If your GP or Social Worker agrees that a care home would be the best option, they may be prepared to explain the situation to the person you care for on your behalf.

Moving into a care home will be a big step for both of you and it is wise to consider the various options carefully.

Community Based Services will carry out an assessment of your needs and the needs of the person you care for to find out whether residential care is necessary. Sometimes Community Based Services will offer more services in the home to enable you to continue caring at home.

Types of care homes
Sheltered housing
Provide an independent home with the additional support of a warden who can give help if it is needed. The warden can be contacted by an alarm system that operates in each house. Some of the homes have a communal lounge so residents can socialise.
If the person was getting support at home, it will still be given if the new home does not provide it. For example, if the person was getting meals on wheels and the home is self-catering - they will continue to get meals on wheels.

Sheltered housing is run by the Council's Housing Department and various Housing Associations.

For further information contact the nearest Council Housing office. (See Section 3 - Help at Home)

Residential care homes
Provide personal care and residential accommodation, all meals are provided. Residential homes are not suitable for people who need skilled nursing. These homes must be registered with the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI).

Nursing homes
Nursing homes are staffed by qualified nurses and are suitable for anyone in need of nursing or medical care. They also provide personal care and residential accommodation. The majority of nursing homes are run privately but they must be registered with the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI).

If you or the person you care for are considering the option of a care home and want further information or advice,

Contact Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI), Baltic House, Tynedock, South Shields. NE34 9PT
Tel 0191 497 4220
Fax 0191 497 4256

Paying for residential care
If the Social Worker agrees that there is a need for residential care, the assessment they carry out will also cover the person's financial situation. The local authority is responsible for paying the fees if the person has less than a certain amount of money.

The rules about paying for residential care are complex. For free, confidential advice about obtaining and paying for care, including selling any property and legal matters:

Contact Nursing Home Fees Agency (NHFA) Care Advice Line
Tel 0800 99 88 33

Paying for nursing care
The arrangements for payment are dealt with in a similar way to that of residential care homes. However, if the person you care for has complex medical or clinical needs, long-term nursing care must be provided, free of charge, by the NHS in a hospital, hospice or nursing home. For further information

Contact Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI)
(See Section 13 - Caring contacts)

Choosing and finding a care home
You can choose a care home yourself or ask Community Based Services for help, or to arrange everything for you.

If Community Based Services are involved in making the arrangements, they must try to provide you and the person you care for with a real choice.
A list is available from the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI), of all the local registered residential and nursing homes. They can also give you information about local care homes to help you to decide which care home will be best suited to the person you care for.

For information about housing schemes or care homes in specific areas

Contact Elderly Accommodation Council, 3rd Floor, 89 Albert Embankment, London. SE1 7TP
Tel 020 7820 1343
Fax 020 7820 3970

The Relatives and Residents Association supports people whose relatives are in residential and nursing homes and long stay hospitals. They can give support, information on choosing a home, paying fees and can discuss any concerns about the care given.

Contact Relatives and Residents Association, 5 Tavistock Place, London. WC1H 9SN
Tel 020 7916 6055
Fax 020 7916 6093

There are booklets available from Gateshead Carers Association, which give more information and advice on choosing residential and nursing care. (See Section 13 - Caring contacts)

Inspections
All homes are inspected regularly, and a report is produced. This is available to the public and you should ask to see a copy when making a decision about which care home to choose. Ask the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) or the home itself for a look at the inspection report.

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