Question 1

How do we arrange a care needs assessment in Derby?

Accepted Answer

Ask the adult social care team at Derby City Council for a care needs assessment for the person who needs support. Anyone who appears to need care and support qualifies whatever their income or savings, and there is no charge. A relative or friend can request it on their behalf with the person's agreement, and unpaid carers may ask for a separate carer's assessment. Keep a note of when you made contact, as that helps if progress slows.

Question 2

Can Derby City Council help pay for care at home?

Accepted Answer

It can, where a needs assessment shows support is required and a financial assessment places the household below the relevant capital threshold. Those thresholds are set nationally by government rather than locally, and help is scaled to capital and income. Where funding is agreed, many families ask for it as a direct payment so they can choose their own agency. Anyone above the upper threshold funds their own care but is still entitled to information and advice.

Question 3

Which home care agencies in Derby are listed here?

Accepted Answer

One hundred and twenty three agencies registered with the Care Quality Commission to provide personal care in people's own homes in Derby appear on this page. They include small independent providers as well as branches of regional and national operators. Each entry links to a profile giving registration details, the areas served and the most recent inspection outcome. Comparing several profiles at once is the fastest way to see who genuinely covers your address.

Question 4

How does home care compare with moving into a care home?

Accepted Answer

Home care delivers support in scheduled visits, leaving the person independent between calls and in familiar surroundings. A residential care home provides accommodation, meals and personal care with staff on site at all hours, while a nursing home also employs registered nurses for clinical needs. The usual dividing line is risk during the night and the total hours of help required each day. Once a package runs to several long calls daily, comparing the weekly cost of both routes is worth doing.

Question 5

How soon should we begin looking for an agency?

Accepted Answer

Before the present arrangement starts to fail, because capacity at popular times such as early morning and bedtime is often limited. Leave room for the assessment, for speaking to two or three agencies and for a settling in period once visits start. Care arranged immediately after a hospital discharge gives almost no time to compare providers. A few weeks of preparation usually produces a far steadier arrangement.

Question 6

What should we ask an agency before care begins?

Accepted Answer

Ask how many different carers would attend over a fortnight and whether you are told when a regular carer is away. Ask what training staff have for the particular condition involved, who answers the telephone outside office hours, and what happens if a visit is missed. Request the rate card in writing, including weekend, bank holiday and mileage charges. Ask too how the care plan is reviewed and how quickly the package can be increased if needs change.

Home Care in Derby

124 home care in Derby (showing 101–124)