A care home is a place where you can live and have your care needs met by trained staff in homely surroundings. They are for people who need help to look after themselves when this can't be provided in their own home.
Care homes offer round-the-clock care. They don't provide nursing staff, but we can ask a community nurse to visit you if needed.
Nursing care homes do have trained nurses and specialist equipment if you need it.
You can go into a care home full-time or temporarily, for example for a short break or respite care.
Some care homes are run by us. Others are run by voluntary organisations or by private companies.
For more information about care homes in general, you can visit Care Information Scotland's website.
How to apply for help to move to a care home
You, or someone acting on your behalf, can contact your local Social Work office to arrange for us to assess your needs.
Moving into a care home may not be the best option for you. We will discuss what equipment and services are available to help you to carry on living in your own home.
Specialist housing such as housing with care could be a suitable option.
A care home may be the best choice if you:
- Can no longer cope in your own home, even with support and help
- Need 24 hour care
If we think a care home is the best option for you, we will give you a list of care homes that will meet your needs. You can choose the one that suits you best.
Charges and fees
You may need to pay for your care home. Whether you do or not will depend on several factors.
When we arrange a place in a home for you, we will assess your income and savings. We will use this to work out how much you should pay towards the cost of your care.
Care home fees can vary widely. You should speak to the care home or read information about them to help you decide if you want to apply to move there.
If we assess you and we think that you do not need a place in a care home, you can still choose to move into a care home. If you do this, you will not be able to benefit from free personal and nursing care payments. You will have to pay the full cost of your place and your personal care.
We can offer you advice and information to help you do this.
How to choose a care home
Your Community Care worker will give you a list of care homes that will meet your needs.
There are 5 council-run care homes in the Falkirk Council area:
How to find out about care home inspections
All care homes must be registered and inspected by the Care Inspectorate. Each care home should also have a paper copy of a Care Inspectorate report.
Some homes look after specific care needs, such as dementia or respite care. Care homes should have their own brochure describing their service and you can ask for a copy at any time.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I go out with my family and friends if I move into a Council-run care home?
- Can I keep a pet at a Council-run care home?
- Do I receive any money when I am living in residential care?
- What are the visiting times at the Council's care homes?
- What happens with my medication if I move into Council-run care home?
- Will I get to keep my own GP or dentist if I move into a Council-run care home?
Can I go out with my family and friends if I move into a Council-run care home?
Yes, of course you can still go out with friends and family if you are staying at one of our residential care homes. It is very important to maintain links with the local community and to 'keep-up' with family and friends. Should there be any reason why you would not be encouraged to go out, for example poor health, then this shall be fully explained to you beforehand.
Can I keep a pet at a Council-run care home?
The opportunity to care for a pet can be a valuable and worthwhile experience. Consideration must be given to the suitability of a particular pet and the other care home residents. For this reason, the Unit Manager has final responsibility for deciding whether a pet can be brought into the care home.
Do I receive any money when I am living in residential care?
If you receive help with the cost of care, then Social Work will leave you with a personal expenses allowance. This allowance allows you to purchase small personal items.
What are the visiting times at the Council's care homes?
There are no set visiting hours (except at a resident's individual request). People should be able to visit you at any reasonable time.
What happens with my medication if I move into Council-run care home?
If you can’t organise your medication yourself, the home’s staff will do it for you, with you or your representative's written agreement. They will do this in a way that best suits you and recognises your dignity and privacy.
Will I get to keep my own GP or dentist if I move into a Council-run care home?
During your stay in the home, you continue to be registered with your GP and dentist. If this is not possible, for example if your GP is too far away, the home will help you to register as quickly as possible with a new GP and dentist of your choice.