For the purposes of local government, Northern Ireland is split into 11 districts. Northern Ireland's local councils don't do the same things as those in the rest of the UK. Five Health and Social Care Trusts offer health and social care services that are all tied together. Trusts oversee and deliver a wide range of community care services to help people remain independent at home.
Community care services include:
- Personal assistants and home carers to assist with daily tasks such as getting out of bed, bathing, and meal preparation
- Delivery of meals on wheels
- Day care centres
- Respite care, which means temporary help when the usual carer isn't available
- The supply of aids, equipment, or adaptations to assist with daily living, such as stairlifts and additional hand rails
- Rooms in nursing homes and care homes.
Getting help
Care services will begin once a free community care assessment determines what kind of help is needed. No matter how much money they have or how well they are, all older people have the right to an assessment by social services, regardless of their financial situation or physical condition. Before establishing a contract with a care provider, a care needs assessment must be done.
Going ahead without one could mean missing out on the money.
What happens at the assessment?
A social worker (known as a care manager) or an occupational therapist (OT) conducts the assessment. Questions are posed on which activities can be completed totally independently, which are difficult, and which would like to be completed.
A family member or friend should ideally be present to take notes.
Anyone who provides free help should have their needs and opinions taken into account too. Following the assessment, a plan of care will be recommended, outlining support services as well as why they would be beneficial. The plan may also contain recommendations for moving to a residential care home or nursing home.
Who pays?
In-home care services are usually provided for free. Following the care assessment, a direct payment will be made to cover the services suggested. If you want to use a more expensive provider or increase the hours, you can top up the direct payments privately. You'll need to keep the receipts, though, and you can't use the money for things like food or utility costs. Some trusts might apply a means test for those under the age of 75; however, people beyond the age of 75 receive free home care.
A means test will be used to establish the ability to pay for a room in a care or nursing home. A means test is a financial evaluation in which the Health Trust determines how much money will be required to cover the cost of care. Currently, funding is unlikely if capital and income exceed £23,250. If a partner, child, or relative who is disabled or over the age of 60 continues to live in the main residence, the value of the main residence may be omitted from the means test.
Financial assistance is more likely to be provided if capital + income is less than £23,250. Inquire with the appropriate trust about how the means test is calculated.
When financial assistance is available, a personal budget to spend on the services described in the care plan is provided. The funds can be deposited into a bank account. This is known as a direct payment. If the cost of the home you choose exceeds the budget, you can make up the difference. Alternatively, the health trust can select, arrange, and manage care home payments, and in some cases, family members can receive funds and manage the providers directly.
How do I request an assessment?
Contact the adult social services department of the local health trust. Explain that help at home is needed and ask for an assessment. You can set up the assessment for someone else if they agree. Read more about the assessment here.
Finding a home care agency or care home in Northern Ireland
To find services follow our 2-step process:
Step 1: Look for the options.
To read reviews, view photos, and make a short list, use the Postcode search tool on the CareHomeUK or HomecareUK websites. Take down the name and postcode of any service you're thinking about using.
Step 2: Examine the quality
Search the website of the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) for your shortlist of providers by name. In Northern Ireland, the RQIA is in charge of monitoring and inspecting care services. Inspections are conducted on a regular basis, and reports are made public. Read our navigation guide to check registration details and read the most recent inspection results.