This is related to other threads on here, but encompasses perhaps a different aspect.
I can only go by my own experiences.
When I applied for respite care in October for 2 weeks sometime before Xmas, I was offered 2 places. Both were large homes, and both were owned by 'groups' I.e. The order of St. John's, or Barchester etc.
I didn't want Ken to go into either, having visited them both, so didn't get my respite.
When I saw the social worker in January & advised, she said that was 'nonsense' there were other places available.
My partner is not self funding.
I have come to the following conclusion, which may or may not be true!
As the county council has to have some 'emergency' beds available, I guess they 'bulk buy' a certain number which they will have to pay for whether they are occupied or not.
So it is in the Councils interest to fill those beds first whatever else is or isn't available.
I also guess that they 'bulk buy' these from the group care homes as they will have a) more beds available over a wider area, & b) because they will get a 'preferential' rate for these beds.
That is why, there will be a (sometimes) vast difference between the cost paid by social services and that paid privately.
It's not only because they are penalising self funders.
But, it does bring into question patient choice, and finances.
I duly waited until I could get Ken into a care home of my choice. The charges in this home are the same whether funded by the county council or self funded.
I can understand the pressures on the council that social care imposes, & I can understand that if they can do 'deals' with these larger group companies it will save the rate payers money. Just be aware that it will also limit choice.
So, my advice would be to decide which home you want your family member to go into, and if you can find out from the home direct what their rates are, both for social services funded and private funded, and if they have any spaces available. Then phone the council, & see what you are offered!
If you choose a smaller independently run home, it would be interesting to see where the Council offer you first!
And don't forget that in an emergency situation, you are usually only too happy to take whatever is offered, and they may well have only certain places available.
I can only go by my own experiences.
When I applied for respite care in October for 2 weeks sometime before Xmas, I was offered 2 places. Both were large homes, and both were owned by 'groups' I.e. The order of St. John's, or Barchester etc.
I didn't want Ken to go into either, having visited them both, so didn't get my respite.
When I saw the social worker in January & advised, she said that was 'nonsense' there were other places available.
My partner is not self funding.
I have come to the following conclusion, which may or may not be true!
As the county council has to have some 'emergency' beds available, I guess they 'bulk buy' a certain number which they will have to pay for whether they are occupied or not.
So it is in the Councils interest to fill those beds first whatever else is or isn't available.
I also guess that they 'bulk buy' these from the group care homes as they will have a) more beds available over a wider area, & b) because they will get a 'preferential' rate for these beds.
That is why, there will be a (sometimes) vast difference between the cost paid by social services and that paid privately.
It's not only because they are penalising self funders.
But, it does bring into question patient choice, and finances.
I duly waited until I could get Ken into a care home of my choice. The charges in this home are the same whether funded by the county council or self funded.
I can understand the pressures on the council that social care imposes, & I can understand that if they can do 'deals' with these larger group companies it will save the rate payers money. Just be aware that it will also limit choice.
So, my advice would be to decide which home you want your family member to go into, and if you can find out from the home direct what their rates are, both for social services funded and private funded, and if they have any spaces available. Then phone the council, & see what you are offered!
If you choose a smaller independently run home, it would be interesting to see where the Council offer you first!
And don't forget that in an emergency situation, you are usually only too happy to take whatever is offered, and they may well have only certain places available.