b'Activities and outings are usually available, and visitorsThe fees charged by care homes vary considerably. It are always welcome. is sensible to compare the fees of different homes and check what items and services are included within the Care home with nursing fees and what they charge extra for.Care homes with nursing generally care for peoplePaying for your own care if you have who have complex or changing care needs and need the sort of care that can only be provided under theinvestments and savings of more supervision of a qualified nurse. By law, care homesthan23,250with nursing must have a qualified nurse on duty 24If you have more than 23,250 in investments and hours a day. In West Sussex, most care homes withsavings (this may include the value of your main or only nursing are owned and managed by independenthome) and can afford the full cost of your care, you can organisations. make your own arrangements to go into the care home Can I choose the care home? of your choice and pay for the care you need. Whatever your personal financial circumstances, you may be If you are paying for your care, you can choose anyeligible for some financial help from the Department home that you can afford to pay for. If we are payingfor Work and Pensions (DWP).for your place in a care home, you can choose anyIt is important that you receive all the benefits and home as long as: payments you are entitled to, and that you get #the accommodation is suitable for yourindependent financial advice when you are choosing a assessedneeds; home to meet your needs. This can help make sure that #the cost of your care is not more than the amountyou can afford to pay for your care, and avoid the need stated in your personal budget for accommodationto move to another home with lower fees.of that type or, if it is more expensive, you orCarewise is a care-funding scheme that helps people someone else on your behalf agrees to cover theget good information and advice about the range of extra cost for the full length of your stay; care and support options available to meet their needs #the accommodation is available; and and the most cost-effective ways of paying for long- #the provider of the accommodation is willing to enterterm care. See page 22 for more information.a contract with us to provide the care at the rateIt is important that you make sure you can afford the stated in your personal budget. fees for the foreseeable future. If your investments and At the front of this guide there is a checklist of thesavings fall below 23,250 you may become eligible for things you may want to consider when making yourfinancial support from us, following an assessment. We choice. It may be helpful to take the checklist with youwill only be able to help with your fees in the future if we when visiting care homes. have carried out an assessment of your care needs, the As a quick guide, you may want to consider: home of your choice is suitable for your needs and the #the current CQC report and rating for the home; fees are not more than we would normally expect to pay.#whether there is a registered manager; The most we would normally pay for your care are the #whether the staff seem caring and attentive; rates set out on page 23.#whether the residents seem happy and involved; and What happens if I run out of money and #whether there is clear information on how to makecant pay my care fees?acomplaint. Your savings can reduce very quickly when you are What kind of accommodation can I expect? paying care home fees. This can be a difficult and unsettling situation and is one of the reasons why we A care home will normally offer you a single room.recommend you get specialist independent financial Some homes will offer you your own bathroom, but inadvice as soon as possible, and preferably before you others the bathroom and toilet are shared. As well asmove into your care home (see the Carewise section your room, the care home will provide a lounge, diningonpage 22).room and other shared areas. Contact us six months before your investments How do I pay for the care? and savings reduce to below 23,250 (or sooner if possible). We will refer you to a welfare benefits adviser In West Sussex many people who move into a care homefor an initial review. We also recommend that you talk can meet the costs themselves from their investments,to your care provider to explain your situation.savings, benefits, pension and other income.Contact Adults CarePoint on 01243 642121 or Other people who have more limited investmentsemail socialcare@westsussex.gov.uk. You can also and savings may be eligible for financial help from uscall using Relay UK on 18001 01243 642121 (from towards the cost of care. a textphone or the NGT Lite app downloaded onto a computer, tablet or smartphone).20Living well in your community 2023/24'