FAQ

Whether your stay in a care home is temporary or permanent your local authority must carry out an assessment of your needs to establish that you require care in a care home before it can help you with the cost. Most people will be expected to pay at least something towards the cost of their accommodation and personal care in a care home from their income and capital. The amount that you will have to pay will be determined by a means test following the local authority’s needs assessment.

The means test will look at what capital and income you have. Capital can be in a variety of forms including savings, investments and property (such as your own home). The capital value of your property will be based on its current market value less any outstanding mortgage or loans.

If you have more than £23,250 in capital you will generally be expected to pay the full fee, however if you are looking for temporary, or respite care then the value of your own home will not count towards this figure.

If you are looking to move into care permanently however then the value of your home will generally be taken into account as capital although there are certain exceptions to this for example such as if your home is occupied by your partner (husband, wife, or civil partner) or dependant children.

If your property is taken into account in the means test you may be able to enter into a “deferred payment agreement” under which the local authority will agree to provide funding as a loan to be repaid when the property is sold at a later date. This could allow you to move into one of our homes and begin to receive the care that you need whilst you are waiting for your former home to be sold.

We aim to offer equal and fair access to all eligible people, regardless of gender, family or financial circumstances, race, colour, religion, or sexual orientation. We aim to respond to individual need, whilst promoting diversity, respect and spiritual care.

Food is always an area of interest to residents and their relatives. It should not be a concern to either.

Northgate care homes have fully equipped kitchens and our fully trained and highly skilled cooks prepare fresh home cooked meals ensuring a balanced and varied diet. Residents who have additional dietary requirements such as diabetes or low sodium can have meals prepared to their requirements.

Northgate care homes have a strict “No Smoking” policy for the comfort of residents

Apart from your obligations contained in your contract there are no rules other than those of common courtesy.

If you have broad questions about care provision, please do have a look at the Useful links page, which provides contact details for a range of independent advice providers.

Visitors are welcome at any time except from 10pm to 7.30am when visitors will only be permitted under special circumstances. This may be in the privacy of your own room or in the communal areas of each home. When visitors call we will ask you if you wish to receive them before showing them to your room.

If you wish for your visitors to have refreshments when they arrive please just ask.

Of course – you are free to come and go as you please.

Yes. All rooms are furnished for your comfort but we are happy to remove furniture if you wish to bring your own pieces. You are encouraged to bring as many personal items and photographs as you wish as this makes your room truly your own. All electrical appliances must be tested prior to use, unless new. If you wish to have your own phone line fitted in your room, then this is to be dealt with on a personal level with BT.

All mail will be delivered to your room daily, unopened.

Our homes have a daily newspaper delivered for the communal areas. If you wish for a personal newspaper this can be arranged through the Manager, and your bill for this service will be produced to you on a weekly basis.

This depends on the doctor. If you are a local and have a local GP then there is no problem. However, if you have moved into the area, then your GP is unlikely to be willing to travel to see you and you will need to register with a local GP. Staff will be happy to assist in this instance.

NHS chiropody is provided and visits the home approximately every 3 months and every 6 weeks for diabetics. Appointments are made with the care manager. Should you wish your own private chiropodist this can be arranged at your cost.

You may wish to continue visiting your own dentist but if not a local dentist will visit the home on request. Costs incurred are your responsibility unless you are on income support.

Optometrists visit approximately every 6 months and provide prescriptions where by you can order spectacles from them or from alternative suppliers. Payment is your responsibility unless you are on income support.

If your relative is not able to accompany you to hospital appointments then we will arrange for a member of staff to go with you. We will arrange the transport to and from the hospital via the ambulance service. It is important to inform us of any appointments as soon as possible.

Our home does not have a permanent facility for visitors to stay overnight, however there may be circumstances when the management would like to/need to accommodate such a request. On these occasions each case will be dealt with on an individual basis.

A fully qualified hairdresser visits every week, you are responsible for any costs incurred. You have the option for your own hairdresser to visit the home if you prefer. Staff will wash and do their best to style your hair if you wish but you must always remember they are not professionals and are not allowed to perm or dye your hair.

Restrictions are kept to a minimum and you have the freedom to choose your own lifestyle, so long as this does not infringe on the rights of others. Our philosophy is to make our home as flexible as possible. There are no set times for getting up and going to bed. Some residents like to rise early, others prefer a lie in.

Yes. Because you are living in a care home it doesn’t mean that you have to spend all your time here. We want you to carry on your lifestyle as if you are living in your own home. If you need any help let us know.

You will continue to be looked after in the home if you fall ill. Should you have to enter hospital, then your room will be kept available while you are there. So far as possible you will be cared for, as you would be at home.

In the unfortunate event of you having a complaint which has not been resolved by the manager, staff or proprietors of the home the complaints procedure for you to follow is displayed in the hallway and also in your pack which you or your representative received upon your admission to the home.

We hope that the information we have given you in this section will help you to make a good decision. If you would like to visit a home, to see for yourself and ask your own questions please phone us on 01746 766661 to arrange an appointment.