As from April 2002 all “care homes” regardless of the level of care they provide require to be registered and regulated.

If you are living in your own home and it is no longer right for you, then you should phone your local Social Services office or make an appointment to see them, when you can talk about the kind of residential or nursing home you need and obtain an assessment. You may only need short-term breaks to help you to continue to live at home.

Before choosing a care home it is important that you take an opportunity to visit a few homes and find out if it offers the type of accommodation that you are looking for. Why not arrange to stay for a trial period. Listed below are a few things you may wish to consider:

• Own room or shared
• Choice of meals-special diets
• Location- near to shops, transport and family
• Staff- friendly and helpful
• Pets- are they allowed?
• Activities and events for residents
• Care needs
• General atmosphere- friendly or institutional

Your local authority Social Services is responsible for arranging and paying for your place if it is agreed this is what you require. Dependent upon your income and savings the authority is also responsible for collecting a payment from you towards the cost of this care.

Kent County Council prepare booklets on residential accommodation and a Kent Care Directory detailing all residential homes, nursing homes and domiciliary care providers (home care). For more information and a copy of the Kent Care Directory contact KCC Social Services.

Tel: 01227 598500