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You may need to relocate a loved one to an out-of-area care home, for example if they need to move to a care home that specialises in addressing specific health concerns, or provides services that aren’t available closer to their current location. Or, you may wish to move them to be closer to family. Whatever the reason, these transitions can be emotionally challenging but the ultimate aim is to find the best environment for their ongoing care, comfort, and overall well-being.
Relocating your loved one to an out-of-area care home can offer them access to specialised medical services, including nursing care tailored to their needs. This move can bring about several benefits, enhancing their quality of life. The care facilities are equipped with the necessary resources to manage various health conditions effectively, from residential care settings to more intensive nursing care homes if the health condition necessitates it.
One of the main challenges you may face is the emotional struggle that comes with uprooting your loved one from their current care home, familiar surroundings, and routines. It can be tough for both you and your loved one to adjust to this significant change.
When contemplating a move to an out-of-area care home, prioritise your loved one’s specific needs and preferences. It’s important to choose a facility that can cater to your loved one’s care requirements effectively, offering a comprehensive range of care services, to ease the burden on family caregivers and ensure the well-being of the individual receiving care. Understanding the level of support needed and exploring different care options to ensure the chosen care home can offer the necessary services can help alleviate caregiver stress and provide peace of mind.
Financial planning is another critical aspect to take into account when moving a loved one to an out-of-area care home. The cost of care can vary significantly depending on the location, services offered, and level of assistance required. It’s crucial to factor in these expenses when making a decision to ensure that the chosen care home is sustainable in the long term.
For those considering self-funding, understanding the terms and conditions of the contract with the care home and navigating the funding arrangements is essential. Seeking financial advice and exploring available resources can help you plan effectively and alleviate any financial strain associated with the move. By addressing caregiver stress and financial planning proactively, you can make a well-informed decision that prioritises your loved one’s comfort and quality of life.
If your loved one is already in care, make sure you find out the required notice period for leaving so that you can navigate contractual obligations and plan the move accordingly.
Yes, you will need an assessment from your existing local council, but once completed and concluded that your loved one needs residential care, you are able to move to any care home even if it is in a different county. Your local council will be able to tell you if this is subject to any conditions if you are receiving social services funding.
Your local council will assess any assets such as property and savings to work out how much you (or your loved ones estate) will need to contribute towards paying for care, including if you will have to pay the full cost yourself. Once they have done this, you are free to move your loved one to any care home in the UK, with the existing local council covering any council related costs. If the area you move to has higher fees, your existing local council should consider increasing any council funding entitlement.
If you are self-funding and pay for all care yourself you can do the same and pay for a care home that you choose in any part of the UK. You would be treated as an ordinary resident in the new council area and will be responsible for arranging any funding should you become eligible for social funding.
Yes – once you’ve decided where you will be moving to and if your local council are funding the care, they will need to liaise with that provider and the local council in the area you are moving to, provided the prospective home meets certain conditions. Your current local council can inform you of these conditions. If the care needs have changed, there should also have a new care needs assessment from your current social services department to ensure that where you move your loved one to will be able to meet their needs.
If you are self-funding, you will need to read the terms and conditions of your contract with your current care home to understand how to terminate your agreement with them, including what their required notice period is. You should also bear in mind the point at which you may become eligible for social services funding. If you move to an out-of-area care home as a self-funder, the new local authority is responsible for you if you become eligible to receive local council social services funding.
Any relocation as a person ages can be an upheaval. If the person also has a condition like dementia it may be even more challenging. Frequent moves may result in a person’s physical or mental health deteriorating, so whilst it’s possible to move care homes make sure you’re thinking carefully about why you’re choosing a particular home or area.
Some questions you might want to consider:
To trial living in a care home or moving care homes, it might be helpful to arrange a respite break in the care home you are planning to relocate your loved one to. This will help you both to get a good idea of whether they’ll be happy in the home and to explore the local area.
Upon arriving at the new care home, take the time with your loved one to explore your surroundings and familiarise yourself with the layout to facilitate your adjustment to this new environment. Exploring the local area around the care home can encourage new residents to get to know the neighbourhood and what it offers, enhancing their transition. Make the adjustment smoother by following these tips: