HELPFUL INFORMATION
Choosing a suitable care home for yourself or a loved one is a very important decision. Our member homes are all in the independent sector and may be run by companies, individuals, charities, voluntary sector organisations and housing associations. We do not represent local authority care homes.
WHY CHOOSE AN INDEPENDENT CARE HOME?
Care homes may be residential homes providing 24-hour personal services, or may be nursing homes providing qualified nursing: some nursing homes also specialise in dementia or elderly mental illness. For people looking for the higher levels of care provided by nursing homes the choice is straightforward as all nursing homes are independent. For people seeking residential care there is a choice: you may choose to go into an independent home or into one run by the local authority.
If you require the assistance of the local authority to cover your room charges it is likely that your social worker will insist that you use one of the local authority's homes. You do not have to agree to this - you have a right to choose which home you wish to go into. Social Services have a vested interest in filling their own homes and often make it difficult to choose another home by saying that funding is only available in you choose their homes. You should not be put off by this as Social Services have a legal obligation to allow you to choose for yourself. Any of our member homes will help you in your negotiations with Social Services.
So why choose an independent home?
Choice Independent homes come in all shapes and sizes. There are homes throughout the county, in the city and countryside and very nearly every village has at least one home.
Range Our members' homes range from comfortable through to 5* luxury. Room charges vary accordingly but all homes provide good value for the charge made.
Quality All care homes are registered with CQC and are subject to stringent inspections by both CQC and the local authority. Our members have a vested interest in providing a good quality service to residents.
Facilities All independent homes provide a full range of facilities to meet the needs of their residents. Nursing homes are fully staffed with qualified nurses.
We believe that if people want their loved ones to receive quality care they should consider an independent home.
HOW TO SELECT A SUITABLE HOME
Above all, your chosen home and room must feel right for you! Selecting a suitable care home is very much like choosing a house - everyone likes something different and what is ideal for one is not for another. Nevertheless there are some pointers we can give you to help you in making the best choice for yourself or your loved one.
Homeliness Does the home feel like home? It shouldn't look or feel institutional and certainly shouldn't smell.
Friendliness Are the staff friendly and welcoming?
Facilities Does the home provide the facilities needed by you or your loved one? Whilst all homes provide at least a basic level of facilities, many residents have particular requirements, for example...
The room itself Rooms come in all shapes and sizes, some are sunny whilst others are in the shade. Be careful not to compromise; your room will be your home and you should feel comfortable in it.
STANDARDS
All care homes have to be registered by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and must display their registration certificate prominently. They must meet certain stringent standards and are inspected regularly by CQC. The reports of these inspections are public documents and you are entitled to ask to see them. Our members will always be happy to show you the latest report or you can see it on the CQC website.
ABOUT THE NOTTINGHAMSHIRE CARE ASSOCIATION
NCA is an independent association representing the majority of independent care homes throughout Nottinghamshire. Our member homes are all independent and may be run by companies, individuals, charities and others in the voluntary sector. Our website provides some useful information to assist you in choosing an independent care home either for your own use or for a loved one.
NCA acts on behalf of its members. Whilst we aim to provide useful information to assist members of the public to find a suitable care home for their own use or that of a loved one, the Association cannot and does not warrant the quality of service provided by individual member homes.
