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Care

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Dignity in Care - Welsh language toolkit

Focusing on the importance of language in maintaining dignity in care, particularly in the care of the older person and those with dementia.

In Safe Hands - The role of Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW)

This document replaces the earlier guidance on the role of the Inspectorate, set out in the 2003 update.

Residential care

Residential care
Local councils are required to arrange the provision of residential care to individuals who meet their eligibility criteria.

Carers

Carers
A carer is anyone, of any age, who provides unpaid care and support to a relative, friend or neighbour who needs care and support.
Woman taking tablets
Community care services are provided to a wide range of adults by the 22 local authorities and many private and independent organisations.

Responsibility for social services is shared between central and local government. Within a framework of legislation and regulations, the 22 local authorities have the statutory responsibility for the planning, assessment, commissioning and delivery of social services across Wales.

Social services authorities are required to assess people who might require community care services and to decide what, if any, services meet their needs. The services range from advice and counselling to care and support in their own homes, in residential or nursing care homes or elsewhere.

Informal carers provide about 70–80% of all the care provided, and small changes in their contribution and commitment could have far-reaching implications for the demand on formal care services. Recent changes in legislation have enhanced support for carers, and supporting them to continue in their caring role is a key new responsibility for social services.

Residential care

Your local council is required to provide residential care for those individuals assessed as requiring such care and who meet the council's local eligibility criteria. Depending on an individual's needs, this can be in a residential home (that would provide personal care) or a nursing home (that would provide nursing care or nursing care and personal care). Homes can be provided by the local authority itself or through independent providers.

Local councils are also required to charge for the accommodation and personal care they arrange, whether directly provided or arranged with an independent home. The aim is to recover as much of the cost as possible. It is the responsibility of each local council to determine the level of fees it will charge. The fees are based upon a variety of factors, for example:

  • the dependency needs of residents;
  • location and facilities of the home; and
  • the operating costs of the home.

Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW)

Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW) was launched in April 2007 and encourages the improvement of social care and social services. It does this by regulating, inspecting and reviewing, and by providing professional advice to Ministers and policy makers. It aims to raise standards, improve quality, promote best practice and inform people about social care.

Visit the CSSIW website (external link).