Residential Care - What should I do if I want to move into a residential home?

If you are interested in moving into a residential home, there are two ways to do this: 

• you can make your own arrangements, if you have the finances to pay your own fees; or 

• you can apply through Cumbria County Council Adult Social Care, if you do not want to make your own arrangements or if you feel you need help to pay the home’s fees. 

If you have the finances to pay the fees, you may wish to make your own arrangements. However, this decision is one of the most important you will make in later life, both emotionally and financially. It is extremely important that you discuss this with your family or friends before coming to a decision. Paying for your own residential care for what could be many years to come will need considerable finances. 

If you are able to pay for your care in the short term, you may feel you will need help with paying fees in the future. In this case, you may want to consider discussing this with a social worker before making a long-term commitment. If you wish to make your own arrangements, you will need to discuss the cost directly with the home of your choice. 

If you do not wish to make your own arrangements, or feel you need help to pay the fees of a residential home, Cumbria County Council Adult Social Care may be able to help you.  Our aim is to help people remain in their own homes if this is possible. A social worker will visit you to discuss what care you need. It may be possible for you to stay at home with help such as Day Care, Meals, Home Care and respite care. Your social worker will want to discuss these options with you. For us to pay for your placement in a home, we have to ensure that you need such care. It is not sufficient for you to want to go into a residential home.