Social Services Elderly Care Packages Explained
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A social services care package for the elderly lists the care, services (and sometimes equipment) required to meet somebody’s needs. This care package will be created as part of a care plan.
Here, we’ve explained exactly what a social services care package is, who can get a care package, what can be included and who offers care packages in the UK.
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In this article on care packages for the elderly:
- What is a care package?
- What can be included?
- Who can get a care package?
- Care packages for care at home
- Care packages in the hospital
- Who offers care packages in the UK?
What is a Care Package?
A care package is a mixture of services that are put together to meet somebody’s needs after they’ve received a care needs assessment by a social care professional. This will be as a part of a care plan.
A care package for the elderly will explain exactly what an individual needs in the way of care, services and any other equipment in their daily life.
Appealing or complaining about your care package
The Care Act of 2014 says that a care package should never be put together based on affordability or the constraints of the individual team responsible for a person’s care.
Knowing this is especially important when you consider that pressure on social care and social services is currently increasing. Meanwhile, the workforce capable of providing an excellent level of care is shrinking.
Getting a care package right may end up taking several attempts. If it still isn’t working further down the line and you disagree with social services as to what you believe you or your loved one need then you can appeal this.
While some local authorities will do an amazing job at putting together care packages, you’ll find that many others don’t. If you have any serious concerns surrounding a care package for yourself or a loved one then we’d recommend speaking to a solicitor. They may talk to you about how the Court of Protection can help.
We’re here to help you find the right care home for you or your loved one. You can request a free list of care homes from our care experts, who will then share homes matching your budget, location and type of care needed. You can also search for a care home through our easy-to-use directory.
What Can Be Included in a Social Care Package
Some of the services and equipment that are most commonly included in a care package are:
- Help with cleaning and shopping
- Disability equipment and home adaptations
- Regular assistance with personal care (such as support with getting in and out of bed and using the bathroom) and cooking
- Day centres and adult day care to give the care seeker different social interactions and experiences while the caregiver gets a well-deserved break
- Going into a nursing home or another type of care home
- Home care after spending time in the hospital
- A personal assistant to help with everything mentioned in this list
Who Can Get a Care Package?
Who is eligible to receive a care package depends on the company or organisation providing it.
For example, you can ask a GP, social worker or health professional to arrange an initial screening process for NHS continuing healthcare. This type of NHS care package will determine whether you or your loved one is eligible for a full assessment. You can also ask for a fast-track assessment if your health or the health of someone you care for is declining.
An organisation called Beacon offer free and independent advice concerning this type of healthcare.
You should ask your local council’s social services department for a needs assessment. From here, they’ll identify where you might need some extra support and will put together a care plan which will include an elderly social services care package.
Care Packages For Care At Home
If you or a loved one require elderly care at home, you can find home care near you using our website.
You can also contact the adult social services department of your local council by phone or online to start this process. Any services offered will be based on an assessment carried out by this department. Ask them for a care needs assessment and provide an overview of any challenges you or your loved one will require support with.
If your loved one has been discharged from the hospital then hospital staff should make sure your loved one can get home, has been given a copy of their care plan/care package and has been provided with any medicine or specialist equipment they may need.
Home care specific services that may be written into your or your loved one’s personal care plan include:
- Getting in and out of bed in the morning
- Getting dressed and undressed
- Personal hygiene and using the toilet
- Eating and drinking (including meal preparation)
- Nursing care from a registered nurse (and any other health-related tasks as agreed in a care package)
- Shopping
- Other admin tasks like collecting pensions, managing money and paying bills
- Companionship care and being taken to meet friends
A package of care at home may revolve around temporary care (usually lasting for a maximum of six weeks) or ongoing care (which is expected to last a longer period).
The home care agencies we’re partnered with also offer a range of specialist services for older adults. These include:
- Dementia support (early-stage and late-stage)
- Administering intravenous drugs
- PEG feeding
- Stoma care
- Wound dressing
- Catheter care
- Physical disability support
Each of our home care listings includes which services are and aren't offered, along with the types of home care provided.
Care Packages In the Hospital
If you or a loved one are in the hospital then your healthcare team will automatically be considered if an elderly care package is required. They’ll discuss this with you, along with offering any necessary advice.
If you or a loved one may benefit from a social services elderly care package or an NHS care package then this will be arranged before leaving the hospital.
Who Offers Social Care Packages in the UK?
Age UK can help with the process of deciding what care you need, whether this be within a care home, 24-hour home care or having adaptations and alterations made to your home. The NHS also offer care packages for the elderly through NHS continuing healthcare.
Care package for the elderly through the NHS
NHS continuing healthcare is a type of care package for the elderly that you may be entitled to if you have a serious disability or illness.
This will cover the full cost of your care and support (within your own home or a care home), including:
- Healthcare
- Any personal care such as help with getting washed or dressed
- Care home fees, along with any accommodation costs
You may qualify for NHS continuing healthcare if you’re classed as having a ‘primary health need’. This means that the majority of your care involves managing health needs, rather than any social care or personal care needs.
This qualification process involves an initial screening. If this goes well then you or your loved one will move on to the next stage - a detailed and full assessment of needs.
Though this assessment process can be complex, you or a loved one who you care for will have all health and social care needs funded by the NHS if eligible.
Lottie matches care seekers with the best care homes for their needs. You can request a free care home shortlist from our care experts, who will share homes matching your budget, location and type of care needed. You can also search for a care home through our easy-to-use directory.
