When a suitable care home is found, it is good practice to check that the contract terms and fees are acceptable to you, and also to the local council if it is assisting you with the cost.

However, if you are funding your own care, you should be given a written copy of the contract. If the local council is helping with the cost, it will be responsible for making the contract but you should receive a written statement of the terms and conditions and will be required to sign it.

The contract/terms and conditions should include the following points:

Additional queries you may wish to consider are listed below:

• Is there a "top-up" involved with the weekly cost of care? (A full explanation of the 'top-up' process is explained in our specialist section here).
• What notice will be given is there is a rise in the weekly fee?
• Will staff help me to access my money when required?
• What safeguards are in place to ensure my money is safe?
• If my care or nursing needs change, what arrangements are in place to enable a Continuing Health Care assessment – Please note: If this criteria is met, then the cost of care is the responsibility of the NHS.
• If you are assessed as having nursing needs, thus require a care home with nursing, then a flat rate of,
  £108.70 (2010/11 rates) will be awarded each week.

For more detailed financial queries you may have,
please refer to our specialist section here or contact us to speak to an advisor.