Options Leicestershire and Rutland Autumn 2025 by Octagon D&M Ltd

Supporting you to stay well and independent

Leicestershire County Council knows that being at home with the right support is the best way for people to recover and stay well following a hospital admission. We work closely with the NHS and other partners across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland to make health and care services sustainable for the future.

Please read the following information or access the video on our ‘Coming out of hospital’ webpage here www.leicestershire.gov.uk/ coming-out-of-hospital

When it is time for your discharge from hospital, if you are worried that you might need help and you are not sure that it has been arranged, speak to a member of staff on the ward. You may benefit from short-term support to help you manage your daily living tasks, such as getting dressed or preparing your meals. This short-term support is called reablement.

Reablement could be someone helping you to increase or regain your independence, which may include the provision of equipment to help you with day-today tasks. This service is non-chargeable whilst your longer-term care and support needs are determined. Following this service, if you require long-term support, this will be subject to a financial assessment.

can provide interventions if you are restricted in completing occupations (or daily living tasks) through illness, disability, or environmental barriers. These interventions may be the effective use of moving and handling techniques, equipment, or adaptations.

Investing in specially designed equipment and products known as Care Technology can also make a difference. These include monitoring devices as well as a range of standalone equipment to support people to remain safe and independent both at home and in the community. Find out more at www.leicestershire.gov. uk/care-technology.

Most district councils provide a chargeable, community lifeline service. Find out more at www.leicestershire. gov.uk/lifelines-telecare-and-alarms.

They can help you to improve your balance and mobility and reduce the risk of falling.

Visit www.leicestershire.gov.uk/paying-for-care for more information and video links to the financial assessment process.

Independence in your own home

There are practical ways to make your home more accessible and maintain your independence.

Sometimes the simplest things can improve your daily life, like moving items onto lower shelves, fitting a second stair rail or a referral into our Occupational Therapy service. Occupational Therapy

For further advice about staying independent in your home please visit www.leicestershire.gov.uk/get-helpto-stay-independent. Other suppliers of Care Technology and equipment can be found in our online information and support directory at www.leicestershire.gov.uk/lisd.

Organising your care

Should you require a care and support assessment and this has not been organised during or following your hospital discharge, please visit www.leicestershire.gov. uk/contact-adult-social-care or call Adult Social Care Customer Service Centre on 0116 305 0004.

If you wish to organise your own care, visit

www.carechoices.co.uk/publication/leicestershire/ to access the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Adult Care and Support Services Directory. This is a guide to support with choosing and paying for care services in your local area.

Our Leicestershire County Council website also provides an Information and Support directory. Here you can add your postcode to find services and groups in your local area. Find out more at www.leicestershire.gov.uk/lisd

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Dementia, access Care Choices information on Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland’s living with Dementia at www.carechoices.co.uk/publication/ leicestershire-dementia-guide/

Leicestershire’s Shared Lives service offers an alternative care service for adults with eligible needs, including supporting families of those they live with to have respite, take a well-deserved break, or have a holiday. Individuals move into, or regularly visit, their Shared Lives carer’s home and together they share family and community life, through creative day services, overnight or holiday respite or longer-term residential support.

To find out more visit www.leicestershire.gov.uk/ shared-lives-placements. Or, for an informal chat and advice call 0116 305 8133.

Want to become a Shared Lives carer in your own home? - Just ask on the number above.

‘make a referral’ button and a member of the team will call you back within five working days. The website also includes links to the Warm Homes service for help and advice on making your home warmer and more energy efficient visit www.firstcontactplus.org.uk/our-services/yourhome/warm-homes or call 0116 305 2524.

If you have had a fall or are worried about falling, First Contact Plus can refer you to the free service offered by the NHS Falls team. They can help you to improve your balance and mobility and reduce the risk of falling. For more information visit www.firstcontactplus.org.uk/our-services/falls.

Local Area Co-ordination (LAC) aims to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities in Leicestershire. Local Area Co-ordinators can meet with people to understand what a good life is to them, connect them with others in their community or provide information to support people to make positive changes. For more information visit www.leicestershire.gov.uk/local-area-co-ordinators.

Looking after someone

If you look after a family member or friend, it is vital that you recognise yourself as a carer. Caring for others can be very demanding and can affect your health and wellbeing. We know your priority is the person you are caring for, but you need to keep well and look after yourself too.

Visit www.leicestershire.gov.uk/are-you-a-carer for a video and information on being a carer.

Register as a carer with your GP practice, as they may be able to offer flexible appointments and yearly health checks. Make a plan in case of emergencies and let family members and friends know where to find essential personal and medication information by using the Message in Bottle scheme or the Herbert Protocol for anyone living with a memory problem visit www.leics.police.uk/notices/af/herbert-protocol.

The County Council has a range of online tools and information designed to support carers and commissions a support service for adult carers across the county. For more information on local and national support services and our online carer’s assessment form visit www.leicestershire.gov.uk/looking-aftersomeone or call the following:

Voluntary Action South Leicestershire (VASL) on 01858 468 543; www.supportforcarers.org or

Caring for others can be very demanding and can affect your health and wellbeing.

Staying well

First Contact Plus is a service that offers online information, advice, and support on improving your health, preventing falls, feeling safe, living independently, debts and benefits, work, learning and volunteering, families and relationships and your home.

Visit www.firstcontactplus.org.uk to see the full range of services and support available to Leicestershire residents. If you need extra help, you can use the

Adult Social Care Customer Service Centre on 0116 305 0004 (Monday to Thursday, 8.30am to 5pm, Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm)

For more information

If you live in the county and need more information and advice on adult social care visit www.leicestershire.gov.uk/contactadult-social-care

Live your best life - Rutland

Supporting you in the place you call home, where you feel safe valued and part of your community.

Rutland Hospital Discharge team

If you or a relative require support on discharge, the Rutland Hospital Team will be notified by the Hospital and work closely with you to identify the support you require, ensuring your timely discharge from hospital. You can contact the team by calling 01572 720992

Rutland’s

Adult Social Care

If you would like a chat about support to help you manage at home longer term, contact Rutland’s Adult Social Care team. via our self-service portal: https://socialcare.rutland.gov.uk/web/portal/pages/home

or our website, inc safeguarding: https://www.rutland.gov.uk/adultsocialcare

wondering how much care and support my cost? Visit our online financial assessments hub: https://rutland.mycostofcare.com/Hub

Mental health Central Access Point - it's open 7 days a week - 24 hours a day for the appropriate service for your mental health needs: https://www.leicspart.nhs.uk/ service/central-access-point/

Rutland Housing Options Team

If you or a relative need rehousing, the Housing Options team can talk to you about the options available including the Council’s Housing Register. The Council manage a Housing Register for residents of Rutland that require social housing. To contact call 01572 758 157 or email housingoptions@rutland.gov.uk

Rutland Admiral Nurse Service

Admiral nurses are specialist dementia nurses who help families, considering the person living with dementia and the people around them. They provide tailored clinical advice and psychological support to people affected by dementia.

Rise have a website, which has made it easier than ever to access health and wellbeing services. You can find out more by going to: www.rutland.gov.uk/joy or scanning this QR code with your smartphone

Are you a carer?

A carer is anyone, including children and adults who looks after a family member, partner or friend who cannot cope without their support. The care they give is unpaid.

We recognise the valuable role carers play and our carers team will guide you to the support available.

Adult Carers

• Please access the Council’s carers teamhttps://www.rutland.gov.uk/adult-social-care/ supporting-carers

• Telephone 01572 758341.

• Further information https://www.rutland.gov.uk/ adultsocialcare

Young Carers

• referrals via Early Help – 01572 758407 or earlyhelp@rutland.gov.uk

• The Council’s Young Carers Service: https://www. rutland.gov.uk/children-young-people-families/servicesyoung-people/young-carers

Rutland’s therapy services offer

• Therapy assessment for equipment provision, moving and handling and adaptations.

• Reablement service to help prevent a hospital admission, or to support you on your return home from hospital.

• Grant funding may be available to support with funding adaptations.

We recognise the valuable role carers play and our carers team will guide you to the support available.

Our Admiral Nurses are part of the Adult Social Care team at the Council. Supported by Dementia UK, the specialist Admiral Nurse Charity. They Provide one-toone support, expert guidance, and practical solutions to help families to live more positively with dementia. Tel: 01572 720959 or email admiralnurse@rutland.gov.uk

Rise – Rutland integrated social empowerment service.

This service will support you to:-

• Maintain your independence at home

• Empower you to have choice and control over your life

• Work with GP’s, Adult social care community nursing teams, voluntary sector, families and carers

• Housing MOT Service offering a home check service supporting residents to maintain their independence and live safely.

• We also provide an Assistive Technology Service which provides access to a range of technologies.

To access these services please complete an online referral - https://socialcare.rutland.gov.uk/ web/portal/ pages/public

If you are unable to access these services via the online referral system, please telephone 01572 758324 or email therapyduty@rutland.gov.uk (for assistive technology enquiries please contact 0800 111 4013)

Assistive Technology

Technology can help you to remain independent at home. Assistive Technology can support with many tasks, for example, reminding you to make

The life that matters to you

At Leicester City Council, adult social care uses a strengths-based approach. This means we will take time to listen and understand what matters to you, considering your skills, resources and the people and activities around you.

Adult Social Care Online

You can find out about Leicester’s adult social care services at our new Adult Social Care Online Website. As well as information and advice, you can complete and submit some forms online, quickly and in your own time – such as self-referrals for occupational therapy, or to request a carers assessment. Adult Social Care Online is being improved and you will soon be able to submit other forms, and access your social care online account. You can also use the new online financial assessment calculator which can be used to see how much you would have to pay towards your care costs.. This also helps some people complete their annual financial reviews online, in their own time.

Are you a carer?

Many carers don’t relate to the word carer and feel they are just doing what anyone else would do in their situation – looking after their mother, father, wife, husband, son, daughter or friend, for example.

If you regularly help someone in your family, a friend or a neighbour with their day to day living tasks, you are a carer.

as medication reminders and electronic medication dispensers, night lights to reduce the risk of fall s or calendar clocks/clocks with prompts to help a person to manage their day.

• Equipment which sends an alert to a pager, In the possession of another person in the home, when help might be required. This equipment includes epilepsy sensors, pressure floor mats, bed occupancy sensors or sensors which send an alert when a door is open.

Many carers don’t relate to the word carer and feel they are just doing what anyone else would do in their situation.

If this sounds like you, support is available. We work with the Leicester Carers’ Support Service, for anyone over the age of 18. To find out more about the service and what it offers, email: carers@ageukleics.org.uk or call the helpline on: 0116 222 0538.

You can also complete a Carers Referral Form on Adult Social Care Online to tell us about your role as a carer and what support you might be entitled to.

Help when you need it

Equipment is available from LeicesterCare to help with some everyday tasks and to keep you safe.

LeicesterCare offers a range of care technology, such as:

• Equipment which directly supports someone, such

• Telecare equipment, which will send an alert to a local caring call handling service, which will then organise for an appropriate person to respond. This could be a friend or family member, a carer, a doctor, an emergency 999 service, etc. This type of equipment, as well as the above examples, also includes wearable sensors, which detect when a person may have fallen or property exit sensors, which detect when someone has left a safe location.

To find out more, call: 0116 509 8833.

How to contact Adult Social Care at Leicester City Council

Website: https://adultsocialcare.leicester.gov.uk/ Telephone: 0116 454 1004 (operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

COPD team aims to reduce sudden hospital admissions

A new initiative aims to reduce the number of people with a lung condition admitted to hospital in an emergency.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is caused by a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties. It includes emphysema, which is damage to the air sacs in the lungs, and chronic bronchitis, which is a long-term inflammation of the airways.

COPD is a common condition that mainly affects middle-aged or older adults who smoke. Many people do not realise they have it.

The breathing problems tend to get gradually worse over time and can limit normal activities, although treatment can help keep the condition under control. If a patient’s COPD is not kept under control, they may need to be admitted to a hospital as an emergency.

COPD like many respiratory conditions is made worse by winter weather. Ahead of this winter, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT) is proactively contacting

COPD patients to provide information and advice to keep them well at home.

Ali Shaw heads LPT’s 14 strong team of specialist respiratory nurses, physiotherapists and healthcare assistants. She said: “We are reaching out to patients who might be more at risk of being admitted to hospital over the winter and trying to see if we can offer self-management, make sure their medicines are optimised and seeking to prevent those hospital admissions. We don’t want them going to A and E due to an exacerbation of their COPD if there is something we can help them with.”

Initially the team will work with up to 140 patients in North West Leicestershire who have been identified by their GPs as:

• having COPD

We are reaching out to patients who might be more at risk of being admitted to hospital over the winter.

• having scored poorly on a previous breathing function test; and

• having had three or more courses of steroids over the previous 12 months.

Most of these people had never been in contact with the respiratory team previously. It is hoped the team will eventually work with similar patients across the whole of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Ali Shaw said patients would be invited to a one-hour initial assessment. This would take place either in a surgery, a clinic, or at home for housebound patients.

“We will offer a holistic assessment and education on managing their COPD, preparing them for the winter when they are at higher risk of chest infections, checking their inhaler technique, and ensure they are on the optimal medicines and doses for their condition.”

Where necessary, patients will be referred on to other

specialists, such as dieticians, or enrolled in specialist exercise classes for those with lung conditions. Patients will be able to refer themselves back to the team, or contact them for further advice, at any time.

Ali Shaw said that COPD patients who were offered an annual review with their GP or other health professional should take it up. Patients who are struggling to manage their COPD can also ask for a GP referral to LPT’s respiratory team if they need that

specialist input and once they have been under the care of the team, can refer themselves back into the service by contacting the team through LPT’s Single Point of Access by phoning 0300 300 7777.

• COPD is largely a preventable condition. You can significantly reduce your chances of developing it if you avoid smoking. If you already smoke, stopping can help prevent further damage to your lungs before it starts to cause troublesome symptoms.

Patients will be able to refer themselves back to the team, or contact them for further advice, at any time.

Preparing to go home

Before you leave hospital

Now you’re in hospital and, like most people, you would like to go home as soon as possible. That’s why when you start feeling better, you can expect us to make decisions together to get you home and back to your own routine.

This means getting back to doing the things that really matter to you such as making a cup of tea when you want, looking after your garden, or being with your loved ones or pets.

At the end of the day nothing is better than your own bed. Good sleep is important for recovery. At home you will have the comfort of your own bed, without the noise and clatter of a busy hospital.

Going home

Once you have had the care you need in hospital, research shows that going home will help you get better much faster. So, it’s important that we work together to get you home when it is safe to do so.

If you need it, we will provide extra help for you at home, or close by, to make sure you’re continuing to get better.

• We will help you plan your departure and give you advice on how to take care of yourself.

• You may need details about your condition, medication, and the treatment that you will need once you are back home.

Making sure you have the medication you need

When you are ready to leave hospital, the medications which you still need will be explained to you and you will be given a small supply before leaving the ward. We will give you a green bag with your medications in and a discharge letter, detailing the medicines that you are going home with. Your GP will also receive a copy of this letter.

At home you will have the comfort of your own bed, without the noise and clatter of a busy hospital.

• Depending on your diagnosis, dietitians, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists may be available to help before you leave the hospital.

• Staff will also tell you about follow up appointments, rehabilitation and support services that can help with problems you may have after leaving hospital. Sometimes patients need help with health and social care after leaving hospital. A social worker will visit you if you have additional needs, once you are back at home.

• Don’t forget to ask your nurse for any medical certificates you need and any valuables you handed in for storage before you go.

When you are back home, you will need to make an appointment with your GP to get any further medication you will need and talk about your ongoing health needs. It’s important to do this before your supply of medication runs out.

Arranging your transport home

When you are ready to leave the hospital you will need to arrange your own transport home. You can arrange for someone to collect you or travel home either on your own or with someone else in a taxi. Hospital staff can give you contact details of local taxi companies.

Some people will need to leave hospital in an ambulance or “hospital transport”. The hospital team will decide if this is needed and will make the arrangements for you.

NHS healthcarecontinuing

Some people with long-term complex health needs qualify for free social care arranged and funded solely by the NHS. This is known as NHS continuing healthcare.

Where can NHS continuing healthcare be provided?

NHS continuing healthcare can be provided in a variety of settings outside hospital, such as in your own home or in a care home.

Am I eligible for NHS continuing healthcare?

NHS continuing healthcare is for adults. Children and young people may receive a “continuing care package” if they have needs arising from disability, accident or illness that cannot be met by existing universal or specialist services alone.

Find out more about the children and young people’s continuing care national framework on GOV.UK

You should be fully involved in the assessment process and kept informed, and have your views about your needs and support taken into account. Carers and family members should also be consulted where appropriate.

A decision about eligibility for a full assessment for NHS continuing healthcare should usually be made within 28 days of an initial assessment or request for a full assessment.

If you are not eligible for NHS continuing healthcare, you can be referred to your local council who can discuss with you whether you may be eligible for support from them.

If you still have some health needs then the NHS may pay for part of the package of support. This is sometimes known as a “joint package” of care.

Your eligibility for NHS continuing healthcare depends on your assessed needs, and not on any particular diagnosis or condition.

To be eligible for NHS continuing healthcare, you must be assessed by a team of healthcare professionals (a multidisciplinary team). The team will look at all your care needs and relate them to:

• what help you need

• how complex your needs are

• how intense your needs can be

• how unpredictable they are, including any risks to your health if the right care is not provided at the right time

Your eligibility for NHS continuing healthcare depends on your assessed needs, and not on any particular diagnosis or condition. If your needs change then your eligibility for NHS continuing healthcare may change.

Information and advice

The process involved in NHS continuing healthcare assessments can be complex. An organisation called Beacon gives free independent advice on NHS continuing healthcare.

Visit the Beacon website or call the free helpline on 0345 548 0300.

NHS continuing healthcare assessments

Integrated care boards, known as ICBs (the NHS organisations that commission local health services), must assess you for NHS continuing healthcare if it seems that you may need it.

For most people, there’s an initial checklist assessment, which is used to decide if you need a full assessment. However, if you need care urgently – for example, if you’re terminally ill – your assessment may be fast-tracked.

Being referred for a full assessment does not necessarily mean you’ll be eligible for NHS continuing healthcare. The purpose of the checklist is to enable anyone who might be eligible to have the opportunity for a full assessment.

The professional(s) completing the checklist should record in writing the reasons for their decision, and sign and date it. You should be given a copy of the completed checklist.

For most people, there’s an initial checklist assessment, which is used to decide if you need a full assessment.

Initial assessment for NHS continuing healthcare

The initial checklist assessment can be completed by a nurse, doctor, other healthcare professional or social worker. You should be told that you’re being assessed, and what the assessment involves.

Depending on the outcome of the checklist, you’ll either be told that you do not meet the criteria for a full assessment of NHS continuing healthcare and are therefore not eligible, or you’ll be referred for a full assessment of eligibility.

You can download a blank copy of the NHS continuing healthcare checklist from GOV.UK

Full assessment for NHS continuing healthcare

Full assessments for NHS continuing healthcare are undertaken by a multidisciplinary team (MDT) made up of a minimum of 2 professionals from different healthcare professions. The MDT should usually include both health and social care professionals who are already involved in your care.

You should be informed who is co-ordinating the NHS continuing healthcare assessment.

The team’s assessment will consider your needs under the following headings:

• breathing

• nutrition (food and drink)

• continence

• skin (including wounds and ulcers)

• mobility

• communication

• psychological and emotional needs

• cognition (understanding)

• behaviour

• drug therapies and medicine

If you’re eligible for NHS continuing healthcare, the next stage is to arrange a care and support package that meets your assessed needs.

• altered states of consciousness

• other significant care needs

These needs are given a weighting marked “priority”, “severe”, “high”, “moderate”, “low” or “no needs”.

If you have at least 1 priority need, or severe needs in at least 2 areas, you can usually expect to be eligible for NHS continuing healthcare.

You may also be eligible if you have a severe need in 1 area plus a number of other needs, or a number of high or moderate needs, depending on their nature, intensity, complexity or unpredictability.

In all cases, the overall need, and interactions between needs, will be taken into account, together with evidence from risk assessments, in deciding whether NHS continuing healthcare should be provided.

The assessment should take into account your views and the views of any carers you have. You should be given a copy of the decision documents, along with clear reasons for the decision.

You can download a blank copy of the NHS continuing healthcare decision support tool from GOV.UK

Fast-track assessment for NHS continuing healthcare

If your health is deteriorating quickly and you’re nearing the end of your life, you should be considered for the NHS continuing healthcare fast-track pathway, so that an appropriate care and support package can be put in place as soon as possible – usually within 48 hours.

Care and support planning

If you’re eligible for NHS continuing healthcare, the next stage is to arrange a care and support package that meets your assessed needs.

Depending on your situation, different options could be suitable, including support in your own home and the option of a personal health budget.

If it’s agreed that a care home is the best option for you, there could be more than 1 local care home that’s suitable.

Your ICB should work collaboratively with you and consider your views when agreeing your care and support package and the setting where it will be provided. However, they can also take other factors into account, such as the cost and value for money of different options.

If your needs have changed, the review will also consider whether you’re still eligible for NHS continuing healthcare.

NHS continuing healthcare reviews

If you’re eligible for NHS continuing healthcare, your needs and support package will normally be reviewed within 3 months and thereafter at least annually. This review will consider whether your existing care and support package meets your assessed needs. If your needs have changed, the review will also consider whether you’re still eligible for NHS continuing healthcare.

Refunds for delays in NHS continuing healthcare funding

ICBs will normally make a decision about eligibility for NHS continuing healthcare within 28 days of getting a completed checklist or request for a full assessment, unless there are circumstances beyond its control.

If the ICB decides you’re eligible, but takes longer than 28 days to decide this and the delay is unjustifiable,

they should refund any care costs from the 29th day until the date of their decision.

If you’re not eligible for NHS continuing healthcare

If you’re not eligible for NHS continuing healthcare, but you’re assessed as requiring nursing care in a care home (in other words, a care home that’s registered to provide nursing care) you’ll be eligible for NHS-funded nursing care.

This means that the NHS will pay a contribution towards the cost of your registered nursing care. NHS-funded nursing care is available irrespective of who is funding the rest of the care home fees.

Find out more about NHS continuing healthcare from NHS England.

Frequently asked questions about NHS continuing healthcare

Q I have a local authority support package that works well. I’m now eligible for NHS continuing healthcare – will my support package change?

If you’re concerned about changes to your care package because of a move to NHS continuing healthcare, your ICB should talk to you about ways that it can give you as much choice and control as possible. This could include the use of a personal health budget, with 1 option being a “direct payment for healthcare”.

FAQ’s

Can I refuse an assessment for NHS continuing healthcare? If I refuse, will I be able to get services from my local authority?

Consent is not needed for completion of assessments (CHC Checklists, Decision Support Tools (inclusive of FNC by default) and Fast Track), or collation and sharing of information with:

• Care Teams

• Health and Social Care Staff

But consent is needed to share personal information collected for, and as part of, assessments (Checklist, Decision Support Tool (inclusive of FNC by default) and Fast Track) with third parties, such as family, friends or representatives, at the beginning of the process.

There is a legal limit to the types of services that a Local Authority can provide. If you have any concerns about being assessed for NHS continuing healthcare, the ICB should explore your reasons for this, and try to address your concerns.

If someone lacks the mental capacity to consent to sharing of information with third parties (other than Care Teams or Health and Social Care Staff), the principles of the Mental Capacity Act will apply and a best interests decision may be needed.

My relative is in a care home and has become eligible for NHS continuing healthcare. The ICB says the fees charged by this care home are more than they would usually pay, and has proposed a move to a different care home. I think a move will have a negative effect on my relative. What can we do?

If there’s evidence that a move is likely to have a detrimental effect on your relative’s health or wellbeing, discuss this with the ICB. It will take your concerns into account when considering the most appropriate arrangements.

If the ICB decides to arrange an alternative placement, they should provide a reasonable choice of homes.

Q Is it possible to pay top-up fees for NHS continuing healthcare?

No, it is not possible to top up NHS continuing healthcare packages, like you can with local authority care packages.

The only way that NHS continuing healthcare packages can be topped up privately is if you pay for additional private services on top of the services you’re assessed as needing from the NHS. These private services should be provided by different staff and preferably in a different setting.

Personal budgets and direct payments

You’ll be given a personal budget to spend if your local council decide you’re eligible for help with any social care and support you need. You can request an assessment from the council to establish your needs.

The money in your personal budget can be paid to you, to help you make more decisions about how it’s spent. This is known as a direct payment. What is a personal budget?

Your personal budget is the amount of money your local council will pay towards any social care and support you need.

The amount of money in your personal budget is decided by your local council after a needs assessment to work out:

• what kind of care and support you need

• how much it will cost

• how much you’re able to afford yourself

If you’re a carer, you may be entitled to receive a personal budget after having a carer’s assessment to see what might help make your life easier.

Carers and personal budgets

If you’re a carer, you may be entitled to receive a personal budget after having a carer’s assessment to see what might help make your life easier.

A carer’s assessment is free and anyone over 18 can ask for one.

Choosing how to receive your personal budget

You can ask the council to either:

• manage your personal budget for you

• pay the money to another organisation – such as a care provider

• pay the money directly to you or someone you choose – this is known as a direct payment

You can also choose a combination of these options. For example, the council could arrange some of your care but send you the rest of the money. This is often called a mixed package or “mix and match”.

If the council manages your money

The money in your personal budget will be spent for you by the council. They will arrange all your care and support based on your agreed care plan.

They still need to check you’re happy with the care they’re arranging for you.

If your money is paid to another organisation

The organisation you choose, such as your care provider, will speak to the council and arrange the payments.

Sometimes other organisations charge you extra money to arrange payments from the council.

The benefits of direct payments

Direct payments give you more flexibility over how your care and support is arranged and provided.

For example, you could choose to hire care workers or personal assistants who:

• are always the same people and available when you need them

• speak the same language as you

• have experience working with your care needs

• are a specific person that has been recommended to you

• can help you get to shops or social events

There are many ways you could choose to use the money. It’s your choice as long as you’re spending your personal budget on things that meet your agreed care plan.

Most councils will ask for evidence of how you’ve spent your money every 3 months.

When to consider other options

You may decide direct payments are not helpful if:

How to apply for direct payments

You should be offered direct payments as an option after your needs assessment.

You can also ask your local council’s social services department about direct payments.

How direct payments work

You could also consider having someone else manage your direct payments, for example a friend or family member.

• you’re worried about managing money or the people you employ

• you spend a lot of time in hospital

• you would rather the council arranged your care

If you’re not confident about keeping records or managing the people who care for you, your local council should be able to provide support.

You could also consider having someone else manage your direct payments, for example a friend or family member. You’ll need to set up a trust for payments that are managed by someone else.

The Money Advice Service has information about setting up a trust.

If you choose direct payments, the council will send you the money in your personal budget by either:

• paying it directly into a bank, Post Office, building society or National Savings and Investments account

• sending you a pre-paid card

You can then choose how you spend the money on your own care and support, as long as it matches the care plan you’ve agreed with the council.

Signing a direct payment agreement

The council might ask you to sign a document called a direct payment agreement. This says:

• how the council want you to record your spending –for example, keeping receipts

• your responsibilities as an employer - if you’re paying for a care worker

If you spend direct payments on something that isn’t agreed in your care plan, the council could take the money back or end the direct payments.

If you’re struggling to manage your money

Ask your local council for advice or call the Money Advice Service on 0800 138 7777.

If you want someone else to receive the direct payment

You could speak to the council and agree for the money to be sent to someone who will spend it for you. For example:

• a carer

When choosing an agency, decide what sort of service you’re looking for and the tasks you need help with.

• a friend or family member

• someone else who speaks up for you (an advocate)

You may need to write down how they will spend the money and which decisions they can make for you. This is known as a decision-making agreement.

Employing your own carer or personal assistant

If you decide to hire a carer or personal assistant yourself, it’s important to know the responsibilities you’ll have as an employer.

Although support from the council should be available, you may need to arrange:

• background checks or references

• tax

• National Insurance

• pension contributions

Read more about employing someone to work in your home on GOV.UK.

Disability Rights UK also have more information on getting a personal assistant.

If you don’t want to become an employer

You could choose to hire care workers through an agency instead. This removes the legal obligations of being an employer, but could:

• cost you more money

• remove some of the benefits - such as having the same person provide your care

How to research a care agency

When choosing an agency, decide what sort of service you’re looking for and the tasks you need help with. It’s a good idea to contact more than one agency, as they may offer different types of services.

You can find out about local home care agencies by:

• speaking to your local council’s social services department

• contacting the UK Homecare Association

If you’re eligible for NHS-funded nursing care, the NHS will arrange and fund nursing care provided by registered nurses employed by the care home.

There are also organisations that inspect care agencies to see how well they are doing. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulates all health and adult social care in England.

You might see a CQC inspection rating when you search online for care home agencies. Their 4 ratings are:

• Outstanding

• Good

• Requires improvement

• Inadequate

You could also search for care home agencies on the CQC website to see their full reports.

Telephone helplines

If you would like support to help you manage your personal budget or direct payments, speak to your council or call:

• the Disability Rights UK personal budgets helpline on 0330 995 0404

• the Age UK advice line on 0800 055 6112 (for older people)

NHS-funded nursing care

NHS-funded nursing care is when the NHS pays for the nursing care component of nursing home fees. The NHS pays a flat rate directly to the care home towards the cost of this nursing care.

Who is eligible for NHS-funded nursing care?

You may be eligible for NHS-funded nursing care if:

• you’re not eligible for NHS continuing healthcare but have been assessed as needing care from a registered nurse

• you live in a nursing home

How will my needs be assessed?

You should be assessed for NHS continuing healthcare before a decision is made about whether you are eligible for NHS-funded nursing care.

Most people don’t need a separate assessment for NHS-funded nursing care. However, if you do need an assessment or you haven’t already had one, your integrated care board (ICB) can arrange an assessment for you.

Outcome of the assessment

If you’re eligible for NHS-funded nursing care, the NHS will arrange and fund nursing care provided

How to complain about personal budgets

It’s worth speaking to your council’s social services before making an official complaint to see if they can help.

You still have to the right to complain if you:

• have been told you’re not eligible to receive money towards your care and support

• don’t agree with the amount of money in your personal budget

You could either:

• speak to your social worker about being re-assessed

• call your local council social services and request a complaints form

Your council should also have a formal complaints procedure on its website.

If you’re not happy with the council’s response

Contact your Local Government Ombudsman. They investigate all adult social care complaints.

• Age UK have a detailed fact sheet on personal budgets and direct payments in social care

• The Money Advice Service has a guide to direct payments

by registered nurses employed by the care home. Services provided by a registered nurse can include planning, supervising and monitoring nursing and healthcare tasks, as well as direct nursing care.

If you’re not eligible for NHS-funded nursing care and you don’t agree with the decision about your eligibility, ask your ICB to review the decision.

The cost of NHS-funded nursing care

NHS-funded nursing care is paid at the same rate across England. In May 2022, the rate was set at £209.19 a week (standard rate) and will be backdated to 1 April 2022.

If you moved into a care home before 1 October 2007, and you were on the previous high band, NHS-funded nursing care is paid at a higher rate. In May 2022, the higher rate was set at £287.78 a week and will be backdated to 1 April 2022. You’re entitled to continue on this rate unless:

• you no longer have nursing needs

• you no longer live in a care home that provides nursing

• your nursing needs have reduced and you’re no longer eligible for the high band, when you would change to the standard rate of £209.19 a week, or

• you become entitled to NHS continuing healthcare instead

Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland

Whatever you need, we are here to help

Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland have over 70 years of experience in supporting people in later life, offering over 30 services to meet your needs. Whether you’re looking for a bit of help around the home, support to care for a loved one, help with rising energy costs or would like a regular telephone call or visit from one of our Befrienders, we can help. Details of all our services can be found online, as well as a hand-picked selection here for you to find out more about what we offer.

Home Care

Our experienced and friendly Home Care team provide a flexible range of support, care and services to meet all your needs, supporting you or your loved one, as and when you need it including:

Domestic Help & Deep Cleans

Our Domestic Help service includes dusting, hoovering, changing the beds, ironing and much more, leaving your home spic and span. If you need more intensive support to transform your space, we also offer a Deep Clean service.

Personal Care

If you’re looking for support with your own or your loved one’s daily personal care routine, we offer personalised care to meet your individual needs, maintaining dignity and respect to ensure you are up and ready to face the day.

Handyperson

Our handyperson service can help with most household jobs big and small, including putting up shelves or curtain rails, installing handrails, repairing fences, fitting key safes and general household maintenance tasks.

Gardening

Our experienced gardeners complete a variety of jobs including raking leaves, trimming hedges, painting fences, pruning, and keeping the weeds at bay, allowing you to continue to enjoy your garden all year round.

Companionship

Our friendly companions and offer company, social connection & the support to enable you to do the things you enjoy.

Footcare

Our footcare service is here to assist and help you to maintain good foot health offering a variety of care including a nail trim and foot soak, leaving your feet softer and more comfortable.

Day Clubs

Joining one of our Day Clubs offers daytime care, fun activities & friendship at local community venues across the city and county of Leicestershire. Our clubs offer a warm and welcoming ‘home from home’ environment where you can enjoy a hot lunch and a range of activities throughout the day. Supported by trained care staff, we have specialist day clubs to meet people’s individual needs and abilities including people living with dementia, mobility and personal care needs, mental health and learning disabilities.

Help with Rising Costs

We are all feeling the pinch of rising costs, so let us help you to keep energy bills down and check you are receiving all the benefits you are eligible for.

Benefits Checks

A call to our team of benefits experts can find out if you are eligible for any benefits and support you to claim for them.

Save Money on your Fuel Bills

Our Warm and Wise service can provide you with a free home energy check, providing tailored information and advice to help reduce your bills. We will assess energy usage in your home advising on how you can stay warm for less money, any grants you may be entitled to and fit free energy saving products such as draught excluders, timers and light bulbs.

For more information call 0116 299 2233 or contact enquiries@ageukleics.org.uk

Free, independent and confidential information and advice for people aged over 50, including benefit entitlement checks, care, housing, carers support and more.

Telephone: 0116 299 2278

Email: enquiries@ageukleics.org.uk

Open: Mon – Thurs 09:00 – 13:00

Help at Home

Home Care

Our team of award-winning workers can provide all the support and assistance you need, tailoring the package of care to support you or your loved one.

Telephone: 0116 299 2266

Email: homecare@ageukleics.org.uk

House Clearance

We offer a professional clearance service across Leicester & Leicestershire to clear or partially clear a house, outbuilding or shed.

Telephone: 07540 413806

Email: clearance@ageukleics.org.uk

Dementia Support Service

Leicester and Leicestershire

Our Dementia Support Service in Leicester and Leicestershire offers information, advice and signposting; personalised one to one support; post diagnostic support; carer support; opportunities to get involved in social groups, memory cafes and activities for people living with dementia.

Telephone: 0116 223 7360

Email: dementia.support@ageukleics.org.uk

Open: Mon – Fri 08:30 – 17:30

Rutland

Support in the Community

Resource Centres

Our Dementia Support service in Rutland offers support for those living with dementia and their carers and actively promotes the wellbeing of those living with dementia through one-to-one support and group activities.

Telephone: 01572 823942

Open: Mon, Wed & Thurs 09:00 – 15:00

Support for Carers

Leicester Carers Support Service

Support and information for all carers in Leicester aged 18+ looking after a family member or friend.

Contact: 0116 222 0538 Email: carers@ageukleics.org.uk

A community focal point offering a range of services and activities such as exercise classes and social events, cafes, information and advice surgeries.

Clarence House, Leicester City: 0116 299 2233

Gloucester House, Melton Mowbray: 01664 410253

Earl Shilton Centre: 01455 847666

Day Clubs

An opportunity to enjoy spending time out of the home engaging in fun activities whilst providing respite for carers. Companionship and support for older people with a wide range of abilities and disabilities. Free taster sessions are available. Please call our friendly team for more information.

Telephone: 0116 222 0572 Open: Mon – Fri 08:30 – 17:00

Befriending

Befriending services support older people who may be lonely or socially isolated and would benefit from a friendly face calling on a regular basis at a mutually convenient day and time.

Telephone: 0116 204 6440

Email: befriending@ageukleics.org.uk

Men in Sheds & Women in Sheds

A place to pursue practical interests with a high degree of autonomy. Members share tools and resources to work on projects of their own choosing, at their own pace and in a safe, friendly and inclusive venue. Please call the Shed for latest opening days and times.

Charnwood Shed: 01509 211 603

Email: charnwoodshed@ageukleics.org.uk

Rutland Shed: 01572 720319

Email: rutlandshed@ageukleics.org.uk

Warm & Wise

Offering a free Home Energy Assessment of your home, we can advise on how to stay warm for less money and fit free energy saving products (subject to eligibility) to help you save money on your energy bills.

Telephone: 0116 261 4604

Email: warmandwise@ageukleics.org.uk

Get in touch and find out what is available from Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland.

United Against Dementia

Alzheimer’s Society wants everyone affected by dementia to know that whoever you are, whatever you are going through, you can turn to them for support, help and advice.

Dementia Connect

Dementia Connect, from Alzheimer’s Society, is a personalised support service for anyone with dementia, their carers, families and friends.

We understand that dementia affects everyone differently. So whether you, a loved one, a friend or neighbour needs dementia support, we’re here for you.

We’ll connect you to a whole range of dementia support, by phone, online and face to face. Our highlytrained dementia advisers can help people come to terms with their diagnosis and navigate the complicated maze of health and social care services.

It’s free, easy to access, and offers you the support you need. Whether it’s advice on legal documents, help understanding dementia or someone to talk to when things get tough, we’re here to help.

We can keep in touch with you to make sure you keep getting the support you need. And because we know it’s never easy to tell your story, you’ll only ever need to tell it to us once.

Phone support

Our dementia advisers are available to talk to on the phone seven days a week. They will listen and give you the support and advice you need, including connecting you to help in your local area and online.

We can offer you the option of regular calls so we can keep in touch, to ﬁnd out how you are and help when things change.

Support line opening hours*

Monday – Wednesday: 9:00am – 8:00pm

Thursday – Friday: 9:00am – 5.00pm

Saturday – Sunday: 10:00am – 4:00pm

*Calls charged at standard local rate.

Online support

Dementia Connect online support is available round the clock through our website. Answer a few simple questions about yourself, or someone you know, to get personalised, relevant information and advice. From guides on dementia to advice on making your home dementia friendly, get the information about the things that matter to you.

‘The Dementia Adviser was lovely and full of information. Without Alzheimer’s Society and the Dementia Adviser we’d have nothing. She is a major networker and knows everything and everyone local. I feel in charge and empowered.’ Katherine, living with dementia

If you need further support, you can request a call from our dementia advisers, who should be in touch with you within a week. Our online support includes Talking Point, our online community where you can connect with others in a similar situation, and our Dementia Directory where you can search for local services.

Face to face support

Where possible, our local dementia support workers can meet you in person to offer further support, advice and information. They will also connect you to other face to face services in your area, including local support groups.

Notes: Dementia Connect phone and online support is available wherever you live. As the service is new, some parts of the service may not be available in your area just yet.

“We are

Here at Orchard Manor View we are passionate about our ability to bring in high quality care into a high-quality environment. That is why our mission is to bring warmth, independence, care and support to our service user’s so that we can improve their quality of life and provide peace of mind in a clean, comfortable, safe and friendly environment.

Orchard Manor View is a stunning purpose built care home with a difference. We provide care for adults aged 55+, for those living with Dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and people who are elderly or frail and need of care and assistance.

Beautifully furnished to a very high standard throughout the home to create peaceful and luxurious living space, Orchard Manor View has an abundance of unique décor and style. From themed lounges for residents to relax in, to a spacious dining room with fully trained chefs to offer freshly prepared tasty, nutritious meals and delicious baked goods.

Our service users will also have access to a new state of the art residents’ kitchen which features a dining area as well as doors out onto a patio area for Al-fresco dining.

At Orchard Manor View, we understand that everyone is an individual and as such have different interests, hobbies and needs. Our landscaped gardens with greenhouse and raised planting beds offer the ideal surroundings for those green fingered gardeners. We also have beautifully well-kept gardens which boast mature, fruit producing trees. These supply the apples for some rather scrumptious apple pies from our chefs.

We are proud to have a quiet sensory courtyard which features a central fountain, wind chimes and seating area surrounding the courtyard, offering a quiet relaxing area to either, soak up the sun or simply to sit and read.

All ground floor bedrooms have patio doors leading out into either, the

courtyard or into the gardens. All 26 high spec bedrooms have en-suites with wet room style shower facilities. For those who prefer to soak the day away however, we have 4 hydro therapy baths which have the facility to play music via Bluetooth and soft lighting to enhance the ambiance.

Our beautifully fitted multi-sensory room is an ideal place to retreat and just sit back, relax and enjoy the therapeutic light displays and bubble tube with music. We also have visiting professionals for the ease and convenience of the service user’s and even have an in-house hairdressing salon, ideal for all special occasions or just because…

Our spacious multi-functional recreation room offers an array of daily games and meaningful activities. There is also a reminiscence corner with memorabilia and interesting activities. Our service users will encounter “areas of interest” along our corridors, especially designed to offer purpose.

WYGGESTON’S AND TRINITY ALMSHOUSES

APARTMENTS FOR COMFORTABLE INDEPENDENT LIVING

Wyggeston’s and Trinity provide a range of self-contained apartments for the over 60’s at our peaceful Hinckley Road and Western Boulevard sites, close to the city centre.

• One and Two Bedroom Apartments • Perfect for individuals and couples.

• Affordable fees • High quality, purpose-build accommodation.

• Beautiful landscaped gardens • Wide range of facilities, including library and community lounge.

• Varied activities programme • Chapels on site.

At Wyggeston’s and Trinity, our properties are designed to give residents independence in an inclusive community, with the reassurance of an emergency alarm service and Warden Support.

For more information about life at our Almshouses and eligibility criteria, please contact us using the details below:

By telephone: 0116 255 9174

By email: enquiries@wyggestons.org.uk

Please also have a look at our websites: www.wyggestons.org.uk | www.trinityleicester.gov.uk

Scraptoft Court Care Home

273a Scraptoft Lane, Leicester LE5 2HT

Tel: 0116 243 1115

scraptoft@live.co.uk

At Scraptoft Court we offer a comprehensive range of social and nursing care and support to adults. We provide these services to people with physical disabilities and mental health needs including dementia.

We will meet individual’s specific and desired needs to achieve greater independence and control over their own lives. We aim to provide a permanent home for our residents; giving them a feeling of individuality and security.

We are proud to offer the following services:

• Nursing Staff available 24 hours a day

• Single and double rooms with en-suite facilities

• Large gardens with patio area

• Passenger lift to all floors

• Choice of menu to suit all needs

• Hairdessing, chiropody and physiotherapy services

• In house activities and outings programme For more information, please contact us.

The Care Quality Commission is here to make sure health and adult social care services including hospitals, home and residential care as well as GPs in England provide people with safe, effective, high-quality care. We publish independent inspection reports and ratings about services – information you can use when you’re choosing care for yourself, or a loved one.

You can use our website to search for services you might be interested in by geographical area, or by specialism. For example, a care home that might offer specialist care for someone who has dementia. We also welcome your feedback on the care you have received – good or bad. We use this information to help inform our inspections and can alert authorities including local social services, if there are safeguarding concerns about care being provided.

You can visit our website at www.cqc.org.uk to ﬁnd our inspection reports, or share an experience of care. You can also call us to share an experience of care on 03000 61 61 61. Here are some tips to help you choose your care.

1 The Care Quality Commission (CQC) registers all care homes and home care agencies. You can find out which ones support specific groups of people, such as people with a learning disability or those living with dementia.

2 CQC’s Chief Inspector for Adult Social Care, always uses ‘The Mum Test’: is a care home safe, caring, effective, responsive to people’s needs and well-led? In other words, is it good enough for my Mum (or anyone else I love and care for)?

5 A care home will be a home for you or your loved one. Residents should be treated as individuals with their likes and dislikes taken into account. Think about whether a home is close enough to family, friends, and community facilities Look for care homes and home care agencies where the staff involve people who use services and their families and carers, and treat individuals with compassion, kindness, dignity and respect

Whether you are being cared for in your own home or in a residential setting, the staff looking after you need to be skilled, kind and supportive They should also be capable and confident in dealing with your particular needs. You should always feel that their support is helping you to live the life you want to.

If you or a loved one needs help with day-today care, you can contact your local council’s social services department. They will ‘make an assessment of your needs’ and depending on circumstances, may be able to help you access financial help. For more advice visit Age UK’s website www.ageuk.org.uk/home-and-care.

Your local social services department

be able to provide details of approved agencies.

at how well-led and managed a home is. What does it have in place to ensure that it delivers high quality care? Does

Safeguarding adults who receive social care is everybody’s business. If you are concerned about the safety of a loved one receiving care, contact the service provider in the first instance. You can also contact social services at your local council. If you feel a crime has been committed, contact the police. You can share your safeguarding concerns with us on our website or contact our National Customer Services on 03000 616161.

Every possible care has been taken to ensure that the information given in this publication is correct at the time of going to print. Whilst the publisher would be grateful to learn of any errors, it cannot accept any liability over and above the cost of the advertisement for loss there by caused. No reproduction by any method whatsoever of any part of this publication is permitted without prior written consent of the copyright owners.

Octagon Design & Marketing Ltd. Rossington Hall, Great North Road, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN11 0HR. Telephone: 01302 714528

Options Leicestershire and Rutland is published by Octagon Design and Marketing Ltd with editorial contributions from University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Foundation Trust, Leicestershire County Council, Leicester City Council, Rutland County Council, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, the CQC, Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland, Alzheimer’s Society and the NHS. The editorial contributors have not vetted the advertisers in this publication and accepts no liability for work done or goods supplied by any advertiser. Nor do the editorial contributors endorse any of the products or services.

We offer outstanding and affordable domiciliary care and community-based care primarily to the Leicester City and Leicestershire communities. We also offer our services in Cheshire. Our strength is centred on our ability to employ competent, caring, and well-trained individuals who are responsive to the needs of our service users, their families, and the communities we serve.

Right at Home Loughborough

Quality care services in the comfort of your own home

If you or a loved one are looking for high quality care, companionship, or support for complex conditions, contact Right at Home Loughborough for more information.

CONIFER LODGE & WELFORD COURT

RESIDENTIAL HOMES

Family-run residential homes for the elderly, providing quality care for clients who are over 65 years of age. Both homes are able to provide care on the basis for as long as the resident wishes to reside at the home.

Welford Court 0116 270 3482

www.welfordcourt.co.uk

458 Welford Road, Knighton, Leicester LE2 6EL

Conifer Lodge 0116 288 3170

www.coniferlodge.co.uk

33 Aylestone Lane, Wigston, Magna, Leicestershire LE18 1AB

Provides full range of high quality care tailored to suit the needs of the individual

• All aspects of personal care, including the use of hoists and other equipment where necessary.

• Shopping, prescription collection and similar errands.

• Household cleaning, washing, ironing, making and changing beds.

• Preparing and assisting with the cooking and serving meals.

• Sitting service and escort duties.

We have a large team of dedicated carers covering the Shepshed and Coalville area who are committed to providing a service for elderly, disabled or seriously ill people who wish to remain in their own homes.

The services we provide help them to maintain maximum independence, dignity and choice. All of our carers are fully trained and comply with all necessary regulations.

Field House • 19-23 Field Street • Shepshed Leicestershire • LE12 9AL

Tel: 01509 505243 • www.shepshedcarers.co.uk

We specialise in Dementia Care, with Westfield House providing accommodation for 31 elderly residents.

The Abbeyfield Loughborough Society has been providing care and support to the elderly of Charnwood since 1963. We are a not-for-profit organisation and a registered charity and as such, we reinvest in our home, staff, and volunteers to make sure our residents are comfortable, safe, and happy.

At Westfield House our aim is to provide a safe, dignified and homely environment which promotes well-being in our residents. We follow the principles of person-centred care, seeing each resident as an individual with unique qualities, interests, preferences and needs, rather than simply focussing on their illness or abilities they may have lost.

To find out more and arrange a personalised visit, contact Kerry Cattell on 01509 266 605 kerrycattell@abbeyfieldloughborough.co.uk