The information on this page is presented in the format of frequently asked questions. Please click a question from the index below to see the appropriate answer.
Will I be expected to make a contribution if I go into a nursing home/residential home?
Everyone who is placed in a residential or nursing home by the local authority is assessed for a contribution towards the cost. If you have over £21,500 in savings or assets you will be responsible for the full cost until your savings and assets fall below £21,500. If you have less than that amount basically your income will be taken, less a weekly personal allowance.
Will I be entitled to any additional benefits if I go into a residential home or nursing home?
The only additional benefit will be if you were living at home with your spouse/partner and your combined income is below the government’s limit for a couple. If you are over 60 this figure is £181.70 per week.
If you enter a care home on a permanent basis, you will each be treated as a single person and be entitled to Pension Credit to bring your income up to £119.05. Of course if your income is above that to start with then you will not be eligible to apply.
What if I am only going into the care home for a short while?
This is normally referred to as Respite and we make a fixed charge for respite care up to 4 weeks in any financial year (April to March). This is currently £63.
If the respite lasts longer than 4 weeks then an assessment will be carried out to determine whether a higher charge is applicable.
I have been told that I need a period of intermediate care. Will I have to pay a contribution towards the cost?
No you won’t have to pay anything for the first 6 weeks. If your stay lasts longer than that then a financial assessment will be carried out, to take effect after the 6 weeks.
How do I find an Approved Care Home?
Information related to care homes is in our Finding the right care home leaflet [PDF].
If you require detailed information and assistance please contact the Adult and Disability Team who will also be able to provide you with a list of residential and nursing care homes.
For further information please contact: Slough Social Services, Town Hall, Slough. SL1 3UQ. Tel: 01753 690400. Email: socialservices@slough.gov.uk.
What services for Older People can I have?
Slough Borough Council provides many different services for older people for which you might be eligible following an assessment of needs. Please note that some of the services are subject to a charge.
For further information please contact: Slough Social Services, Town Hall, Slough. SL1 3UQ. Tel: 01753 690400. Email: socialservices@slough.gov.uk.
Where can I get advice on nursing and residential care?
The adult and disability team will be able to give you advice on the different types of care available both in the community and in residential care. Where appropriate, they will also be able to provide you with a list of residential and nursing care homes.
For further information please contact: Slough Social Services, Town Hall, Slough. SL1 3UQ. Tel: 01753 690400. Email: socialservices@slough.gov.uk.
Will I have to sell my house if I go into a nursing home/residential home?
If you own your own home and no-one else lives with you then the value of your home will be included as part of your assets. However there is a scheme which means that your home does not need to be sold while you are alive.
If someone else lives with you then in most cases the value of your property will NOT be included in your assets. It depends on the relationship of the other person and their age.
I currently receive Attendance Allowance and I am going to go into a residential home/nursing home. Do I continue to get this allowance?
For most people the answer is NO. This allowance stops four weeks after going into hospital or long term care.
If however you are responsible for the full cost of your residential care then you will be entitled to carry on receiving Attendance Allowance.
Surely if I go into a Nursing Home then the state (or NHS) will pay for me?
For most people going into a Nursing Home the situation is no different to going into a residential home. They will still be assessed for a financial contribution.
The NHS does make a contribution to meet the level of assessed nursing care, but unless you are responsible for the full cost then this will not affect the amount you are assessed to pay.
For all enquiries please contact the Customer Service Centre
01753 475111
My Council
Landmark Place
High Street
Slough
opposite Slough Library
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