Whether your stay in a care home is temporary or permanent your local authority must carry out an assessment of your needs to establish that you require care in a care home before it can help you with the cost. Most people will be expected to pay at least something towards the cost of their accommodation and personal care in a care home from their income and capital. The amount that you will have to pay will be determined by a means test following the local authority's needs assessment.

The means test will look at what capital and income you have. Capital can be in a variety of forms including savings, investments and property (such as your own home). The capital value of your property will be based on its current market value less any outstanding mortgage or loans.

If you have more than £23,250 in capital you will generally be expected to pay the full fee, however if you are looking for temporary, or respite care then the value of your own home will not count towards this figure.

If you are looking to move into care permanently however then the value of your home will generally be taken into account as capital although there are certain exceptions to this for example such as if your home is occupied by your partner (husband, wife, or civil partner) or dependant children.

If your property is taken into account in the means test you may be able to enter into a "deferred payment agreement" under which the local authority will agree to provide funding as a loan to be repaid when the property is sold at a later date. This could allow you to move into 'Name of the Care Home' and begin to receive the care that you need whilst you are waiting for your former home to be sold.

We aim to offer equal and fair access to all eligible people, regardless of gender, family or financial circumstances, race, colour, religion, or sexual orientation. We aim to respond to individual need, whilst promoting diversity, respect and spiritual care.

Food is always an area of interest to residents and their relatives. It should not be a concern to either. Example Carehome has a fully equipped kitchen and its fully trained and highly skilled cooks prepare fresh home cooked meals ensuring a balanced and varied diet. Residents who have additional dietary requirements such as diabetes or low sodium can have meals prepared to their requirements.

Example Carehome has a "No Smoking" policy for the comfort of residents. Smoking is only permitted outside or in designated areas.

Apart from your obligations contained in your contract there are no rules other than those of common courtesy.

If you have broad questions about care provision, please do have a look at the Useful links page, which provides contact details for a range of independent advice providers.

At any reasonable time of the day or night. We have no visiting hours and you are free to entertain your visitors whenever you wish. This may be in the privacy of your own room or in the communal areas of each home. When visitors call we will ask you if you wish to receive them before showing them to your room. If you wish for your visitors to have refreshments when they arrive please just ask.

Of course - you are free to come and go as you please.

Yes. All rooms are furnished for your comfort but we are happy to remove furniture if you wish to bring your own pieces. You are encouraged to bring as many personal items and photographs as you wish as this makes your room truly your own. All electrical appliances must be tested prior to use, unless new. If you wish to have your own phone line fitted in your room, then this is to be dealt with on a personal level with BT.