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Charging for Care Services - Residential Services

Introduction | Non-Residential Services | Residential Services

Residential services include both long term and short term (respite/ short stay) residential and nursing care.

Assessment

If you find that you require residential or nursing care and have sufficient savings or income, you can make arrangements direct with the care home of your choice. See the factsheet Paying for Residential and Nursing Care in Cheshire for further information, or the Standard Charge Sheet to view current charge rates and dates.

If you do not have sufficient savings or income, you can be placed on a Social Services contract and will be financially assessed to determine the amount of charge you are able to contribute towards the cost of the care.

Before being placed on a Social Services contract, a care needs assessment will be carried out jointly by a social worker and health worker. This will determine the type of care required.

Social Services only pay for personal care and accommodation. If nursing care is required, a further care assessment will be made to determine the level of nursing required as this element will be paid for separately by the local Primary Care Trust.

Useful Documents

• Charges for residential services are made under the National Assistance (Assessment of Resources) Regulations 1992 and following Department of Health guidance “Charging for Residential Accommodation Guide” (CRAG).
• The leaflet “Paying for Residential and Nursing Care in Cheshire” provides more detailed information, including how property is treated and how the regulations apply to short term (respite) care.
• Assessment for Residential Services describes the process for carrying out a financial assessment
• Charging for Residential Services gives details of how the charge will be made once it has been determined
• Age Concern produces a factsheet on charging procedures for care homes.