Information for families and friends

Very often families and friends are closely involved in helping someone move into residential care. Some carers may be trying to make arrangements from a distance away, perhaps helping a parent who lives in Hampshire, some may be living with the person who needs residential care.

It may be difficult for you to come to the decision that residential care is what your relative or friend needs. If you want to talk things through, you can ask for an assessment of what care is needed. There might be an alternative that would be better.

It is important to recognise that residential care can often last a long time so you need to consider the implications of any move including its financial consequences at the beginning so as to try to avoid a move at a later date.

Adult Services can help some people with the cost of care home fees. This is dependent on an assessment of their needs and financial circumstances.

Families and friends are ‘not liable in law' for the care fees but they can choose to make a contribution to the cost of care. They should be aware that it may become a long term commitment and that top ups may be necessary.

People paying for their own care can choose a care home in any part of the country they like which provides the kinds of care they need. However, for anyone who is getting or applying for financial help from Adult Services it is essential to discuss a potential move with someone at their nearest Adult Services office at an early stage and before any action is taken. If someone expecting funding moves to a home outside the county of their own accord without Adult Services being involved, it is likely to affect that funding.