Advice for families
What happens when I enquire about care?
You may be looking for care after a hospital stay, because your loved one’s needs have changed, or because their current placement is no longer working.
Whatever the reason, you don’t need to have everything organised before you contact us.
Here’s what you can expect.
1. Talk to us
The first step is to have an initial conversation.
You, your loved one, or a professional can contact our Referrals Team. We’ll listen to what’s happening, ask about the support currently needed, and answer any initial questions.
2. Tell us about your loved one
With the appropriate permissions, we’ll gather information from the people and professionals involved in your loved one’s care.
This may include existing care plans, assessments, clinical information, risk assessments, and details of current support.
3. We get to know the person
Our assessment is about more than diagnoses and care needs.
We want to understand who the person is – their history, personality, communication, routines, relationships, interests, preferences, goals, and what helps them have a good day.
4. Assess their care and support needs
Our pre-admission assessment considers different areas of the person’s health, care, and everyday support, including how their needs interact.
We also consider the staffing, environment, clinical input, equipment, and approaches they may need.
5. Find the right home and community
We don’t simply look for an available room.
We consider which home and unit can meet the person’s needs, whether the environment is right for them, and whether their needs are compatible with the people already living there.
This community-fit assessment helps us make a more considered placement decision.
6. Visit the home
Where possible, we’ll arrange for the person and their family to visit the home, meet the team, ask questions, and get a feel for everyday life.
If visiting in person isn’t possible, we can discuss what alternatives may be appropriate.
7. Agree funding and plan the move
Once the placement has been agreed and funding arrangements are in place, we’ll work with everyone involved to plan the transition.
We’ll prepare the home and team, share important information, and work around the person’s routines and needs to help make the move as smooth as possible.
Looking for care for a family member?
Our Referrals Team is here to listen, answer your questions, and help you understand the next steps.
