West Lothian Council delivers

Can I go out with my family and friends if I move into a Council-run care home?

Yes, of course you can still go out with friends and family if you are staying at one of our residential care homes. It is very important to maintain links with the local community and to 'keep-up' with family and friends. Should there be any reason why you would not be encouraged to go out, for example poor health, then this shall be fully explained to you beforehand.

Can I keep a pet at a Council-run care home?

The opportunity to care for a pet can be a valuable and worthwhile experience. Consideration must be given to the suitability of a particular pet as some exotic or potentially frightening animals may prove unsuitable. For this reason, the Unit Manager has final responsibility for deciding whether a pet can be admitted.

Do I receive any money when I am living in residential care?

If you receive help with the cost of care, then Social Work will leave you with a personal expenses allowance. This allowance allows you to purchase small personal items.

What are the visiting times at the Council's care homes?

There are no set visiting hours (except at a resident's individual request). People should be able to visit you at any reasonable time.

What happens if I choose accommodation at a more expensive care home than the Council is willing to pay?

You can still move to a care home that costs more than the council is willing to pay, as long as the fees are topped up by the resident or a third party such as a relative or friend.

What happens with my medication if I move into Council-run care home?

Taking medication can be an important part of getting back to health when you are unwell or maintaining your health and wellbeing. If, when you move into a home or at any time during your stay you are or become unable to organise your medication yourself, you can be sure that the staff of the home will do this for you, with you or your representative's documented agreement, in the way that best suits you and recognises your dignity and privacy.

What is a care home?

A care home is a place where people can live and be looked after by trained staff day and night.

What sort of care homes can I live in?

You may choose to live in a local authority home or a home owned and managed by the private or voluntary sector. If you chose to live in a care home that costs more than a council-run one, you will be liable for the shortfall in fees.

What will I have to pay to stay in a care home?

What you pay depends on, not only your income and capital, but also your eligibility for free personal care. If your capital assets amount to less than £12,000, the state will still pay for the full cost of your care. Some of your state pension, however, will still need to be put towards these costs. You can retain at least £18.80 a week as a personal allowance. If your capital assets are between £12,000 and £19,500, you will still be expected to contribute a proportion of your assets towards the costs of your care. If you have capital assets of more than £19,500, you will be expected to use them to fund the parts of your care not covered by social services. In other words, non-personal care, 'hotel' costs and any other costs over and above the £145 personal and £65 nursing care payments.

What's included in the price of staying at a Council-run care home?

Fees are established on an individual basis. In general, residents are expected to pay for their own clothes, toiletries, newspapers and hairdressers, in other words all personal items.

Will I get to keep my own G.P. or dentist if I move into a Council-run care home?

During your stay in the home, you continue to be registered with your usual G.P. and dentist. If this is not possible, for example if your G.P. is too far away, you will be helped to register as quickly as possible with a new G.P. and dentist of your choice.

Will my husband or wife have to pay anything if I am living in a care home?

When Social Work works out how much you can pay for your care, only your own resources are considered in the first instance. However, husband and wives have a mutual liability to financially maintain one another. Therefore, if your spouse can afford it, Social Work might ask him or her to make a contribution.

Will other members of my family have to contribute to the cost of me staying at a care home?

Other family members are not obliged to pay anything towards their parent's care in a care home, for example, sons or daughters are not liable for the cost of their parents care.