Care homes, residential care and supported living services

We recognise that some people will not always be able to continue to live independently in their own homes.

In these pages you will find information about the range of residential and supported living options in the Borough as well as information about how to check the quality of these services. You will also find a link to advice about paying for residential care and details of protection we may be able to provide for your property whilst you are unable to live there.

As well as this information you will also find useful home and care information and advice for the elderly on the Stockton Information Directory and the Age UK website.

Residential Care Homes

Care Homes are staffed 24 hours a day and provide a safe, comfortable place to live. You will find a wide range of Care Homes in Stockton-on-Tees for adults who cannot live independently in their own homes for any reason.

When looking for a Care Home it is important you have as much information as possible to help you choose a Care Home that is right for you.

Full details of care homes and care services can be found in the online Stockton Information Directory where you can search by postcode and select categories depending on your needs. The information was accurate at the time of sourcing, however these are independent organisations and we are unable to comment on the quality of provision and their details may change over time.

Visit the Stockton Information Directory for a full range of Housing Support Services.

Supported Living

Also known as extra care or housing with care, there are many different models of supported living. These include sheltered housing, extra care housing, assisted living, close care, continuing care environments and care villages.

This type of accommodation allows you more independence than a care home but with additional care for extra piece of mind. This may include resident management staff, mobility facilities and community alarm services.

If supported housing is not required just yet and you want to remain in your own home, however you feel you would benefit from additional support, you will find information and advice on our Help at Home pages.

When looking for supported living, it is important you have as much information as possible to help you choose a provider that is right for you. To assist you, a list of sheltered housing for older people and care services can be found in the Stockton Information Directory where you can search by postcode and select categories depending on your needs. The information contained in the directory was accurate at the time of sourcing, however these are independent organisations and we are unable to comment on the quality of provision and their details may change over time.

Visit the Stockton Information Directory for a full range of Housing Support Services.

Checking the Quality of Care Services

The Care Quality Commission is the independent health and social care regulator for England. They check whether hospitals, care homes and care services meet national standards.

Contact the Care Quality Commission

National Helpline: 0300 0616161

Fax: 0300 0616171

Email: [email protected]

Visit the Care Quality Commission website for further information.

Healthwatch Stockton-on-Tees

Healthwatch Stockton-on-Tees is the local residents' champion for all the Health and Social Care services across the Borough. They are working with service users to get the most out of local health and social care services.

Visit the Healthwatch Stockton-on-Tees website for further information.

Paying for Care Services

Adult Social Care can sometimes help pay for the cost of your care in a care home, although you will always have to make a contribution.

The Client Financial Services Team will carry out a Financial Assessment of your circumstances to work out exactly what your contribution should be. This will be calculated according to strict legal guidelines.

Visit our Paying for Adult Care Services section for further information.

Protection of your property whilst in care

We provide a service for people who have no relatives or friends willing or able to look after their home and personal property during periods of admission to hospital or residential care.

Section 48 of the National Assistance Act 1948 places a duty on the Local Authority to protect your moveable property when:

• You are admitted to any hospital.

• You are admitted to a home provided under Part III of the Act.

• You are admitted to any other place under Section 47(3) of the Act.

If it appears that you are temporarily or permanently unable to deal with or protect your property and that no other arrangements have been or are being made to protect it.

As soon as the worker involved with your care is aware that your property needs protecting. They will make arrangements for the building to be secured, which means taking reasonable steps such as locking doors and shutting windows.

Permission from you as the owner or tenant will be sought to enter the property, unless you are unable to give it due to reasons of ill health. We will:

• Visit your home on a regular basis to carry out routine checks.

• Complete an inventory of the contents of large items, such as furniture. We will also make a record of perishables we dispose of.

• Remove small portable valuable items such as cash, cheque books, benefit books etc. from your home and keep them in safe storage until you are able to return home.

• Alert the police that you are not at home and that we hold a key for emergencies.

• Take particular attention to ensure that pets are properly looked after as we recognise their importance to you. Animals are taken to boarding facilities until you are able to return home.

Your Social Worker/Care Co-ordinator will be able to give you more information or you can contact the First Contact Team.

Contact First Contact

Telephone: 01642 527764

Fax: 01642 527756

Minicom: 01642 527769

Email: [email protected]