Care Guide

At Yorkare Homes, we provide exceptional Residential and Dementia Care, ensuring a supportive, comfortable, and enriching environment for individuals with varying needs.

In addition to long-term care, we offer a range of specialist services tailored to different circumstances:

• Day Care – A flexible option for those who need support during the day while still living at home.
• Respite Care – Short-term stays, ranging from a week or more, ideal for giving home carers a break, aiding recovery after a hospital stay, or simply enjoying a relaxing retreat.
• Premium Suites – Specially designed accommodations for couples or siblings, featuring private kitchenettes, bathrooms, and lounge areas for added independence and comfort.
• Specialist Care – We also offer expert post-operative and palliative/end-of-life care, ensuring compassionate and dignified support during critical times.

Yes, Yorkare Homes provide dedicated Dementia care through our dementia-specific units within our homes, known as the Haven.

Our Haven strategy is designed to deliver the highest standard of dementia care, which focuses on:

• A supportive and stimulating environment designed specifically for residents with dementia.
• Highly trained staff who receive comprehensive dementia care training to deliver compassionate, expert support.
• Person-centered care that upholds dignity, comfort, and overall well-being.

Our mission is to foster a safe, nurturing community where individuals with dementia can truly thrive.

Selecting the best care home requires careful consideration to ensure it meets both your care requirements and personal lifestyle preferences. Here are some key steps to help guide your decision:

1. Research and Review

Visit the care home’s website to understand its services, facilities, and approach to care.

Check the Care Quality Commission (CQC) reports (www.cqc.org.uk) to ensure the home meets the Essential Standards of Quality and Safety.

2. Plan Your Visit

You can visit a home unannounced or schedule an appointment.

Booking an appointment allows you to speak directly with the Home Manager, which is particularly useful for discussing fees and funding.

3. Key Questions to Ask

To ensure the home aligns with your expectations, consider asking about:

• Staffing – What are the staff-to-resident ratios? What training does staff receive?
• Activities & Lifestyle – What daily activities and social events are available?
• Communication – How does the home keep residents and families informed? Are there regular resident meetings or family forums?

If you’re considering a Yorkare Homes residence, many of these questions are answered on our website and within each home’s dedicated page. We encourage you to visit, explore, and see first-hand how we provide high-quality care tailored to individual needs.

Understanding how to fund your care is essential to making the right decisions. If you have limited capital, your Local Authority will conduct a financial assessment to determine your eligibility for assistance.

1. Local Authority Funding Thresholds (England)

Over £23,250 – You will need to pay for your care privately.

Between £14,250 – £23,250 – The Local Authority may contribute to your care costs. However, for every £250 you have above £14,250, they will deduct £1 per week from their contribution.

Below £14,250 – The Local Authority will cover residential or nursing home costs up to a certain limit, which varies by region.

If your preferred care home charges more than the Local Authority’s standard rate, a third party (relative or friend) must pay the difference, known as Top-Up Fees. Residents cannot legally pay this themselves.

2. Continuing Health Funding (NHS-Funded Care)

For individuals requiring ongoing specialist medical treatment, the NHS may cover the full cost of care under Continuing Health Funding.

Speak to your GP or Care Home Manager to check eligibility.

The care home may request an assessment if a resident’s needs increase.

If funding is denied, an appeal process is available.

3. Private Funding & Income Considerations

If you are self-funding, you may keep your pensions and some benefits.

If you are Local Authority-funded, you must contribute most of your income, including pensions and benefits, towards your care. However, you will keep:

A Personal Allowance of £21.90 per week for personal expenses.

The Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) if applicable.

Up to £5.25 per week of any Savings Credit (if over 65).

4. Property & Financial Assessments

The Local Authority assesses all assets, including pensions and property.

If you own a home but live alone, it will be included in the assessment.

If a dependent relative (e.g., spouse or disabled family member) lives in the property, it may be excluded from the assessment. Seek advice from your Local Authority for specific rules.

The 12-Week Property Disregard – If you permanently move into a care home, the Local Authority will ignore your property’s value for the first 12 weeks. After this, it will be counted in your financial assessment.

For further details, consult your Local Authority or speak with your Care Home Manager, who can guide you through the assessment process.

At Yorkare Homes, we believe in maintaining open and transparent communication with residents’ families and friends. We keep you informed through:

• Monthly Newsletters – Updates on resident activities and home events. Available as a hard copy in the home or via email upon request.
• Quarterly Family Forums – Meetings held every three months to discuss updates, and any changes in the home, and provide a platform for families to ask questions and share feedback with the management team.
• One-on-One Meetings – Families and friends can request to speak with a member of the management team at any time for personal discussions or concerns.

Our goal is to ensure families feel involved, informed, and reassured about their loved one’s care and well-being.

At Yorkare Homes, we maintain higher-than-mandatory staffing levels to ensure exceptional care and resident satisfaction. This commitment extends beyond the care team to include management, administration, activities, housekeeping, kitchen, and laundry teams—all working together to create a supportive and well-run environment.

Training & Development

All care and ancillary staff receive comprehensive mandatory training, covering:

Moving & Handling – Safe assistance techniques for residents.

Infection Control & COSHH – Ensuring a clean, hygienic, and safe environment.

Fire Safety & Health and Safety – Protecting residents, staff, and visitors.

Safeguarding Adults – Recognising and preventing neglect or abuse.

Dementia Care – Specialist training to support residents with dementia compassionately and effectively.

By investing in our staff’s ongoing training and development, we ensure the highest standards of care and well-being for all residents.

At Yorkare Homes, we believe in offering residents a varied, engaging, and fulfilling lifestyle. Our dedicated Activity Coordinators organise a wide range of activities and encourage residents to participate in both in-home events and trips out.

Daily Activities

We provide morning, and afternoon activities, designed for both groups and one-on-one engagement. These include:

• Reminiscence activities – Encouraging storytelling and memory-sharing.
• Physical exercises – Gentle movement and fitness activities to support well-being.
• Creative hobbies – Arts, crafts, music, and gardening.
• Social events – Movie nights, themed parties, and guest entertainment.

Trips & Outings

We organise regular excursions beyond the care home, including:

• Visits to local restaurants and shopping areas.
• Trips focused on gardening, history, and cultural interests.
• Excursions designed to stimulate new experiences and social interactions.

Families and friends can stay updated on upcoming events and past activities through our website and monthly newsletters, ensuring they remain connected to their loved ones’ experiences

If you decide that a Yorkare Home is the right place for you and your funding is arranged (whether for respite care or permanent residence), the next steps are:

1. Pre-Assessment

• A member of the management team will visit you to complete a detailed pre-assessment.
• This helps us understand your care needs, preferences, and lifestyle to ensure we can provide the best support.
• Once completed, the information is shared with the care team so they can provide personalized care from day one.

2. Trial Stay Option

• If you’d like to experience life at the home before making a permanent move, we can arrange a trial day or short stay to ensure you feel comfortable.

3. Moving In

• If everyone is happy with the arrangements, we will finalize your move-in date.
• The process can be completed quickly, subject to availability and individual needs.

We strive to make the transition as smooth as possible, ensuring you feel welcomed, supported, and at home from the very beginning.

LGBTQ+ Inclusivity at Yorkare Homes

Yes, Yorkare Homes is proudly LGBT+ friendly. We are committed to creating an environment where every resident feels safe, valued, and free to be themselves, without fear of discrimination.

How We Support Our LGBT+ Residents

• LGBTQ+ Awareness Training – Our care team receives dedicated training to ensure inclusivity and understanding.
• Relationship Champions – Specially trained staff members are available to offer support, foster friendships, and provide a safe space for residents to express their feelings.
• Community & Well-Being – We encourage social connections among like-minded individuals and actively look out for any residents who may feel lonely or isolated.

At Yorkare Homes, everyone is welcome and respected, ensuring a truly inclusive and supportive care environment.

This information can be found on our Privacy Notice by clicking here

At Yorkare Homes, we are proud members of NASHICS and NAPA, two organizations that support high-quality care through safety and engaging activities.

NASHICS (National Association for Safety and Health in Care Services)

• Focuses on promoting safety and health within care services.
• Provides forums and professional guidance to ensure the highest standards in resident well-being.
• Helps us create an environment that is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable for all residents.

NAPA (National Association for the Provision of Activities for the Elderly)

• Supports meaningful activities to enhance residents’ quality of life.
• Provides resources, advice, and forums to ensure that activity is at the heart of daily living.
• Encourages a varied and engaging lifestyle for residents, which you can see in our news updates.

Our commitment to safety, well-being, and active lifestyles is reflected in these memberships, ensuring we provide the best possible care experience.

If you’re interested in joining our team, follow these steps to apply:

1. Online Application

• Visit the Careers Page on our website.
• Select the Care Home or role you’re interested in.
• Browse the available job opportunities and click on a job title for the full description.
• Apply online by submitting your application through the website.

2. Paper Application

• Visit the Care Home in person to collect an application form from reception.
• Alternatively, call the home and request a form to be posted to you.

3. Future Opportunities

• If there isn’t a current opening that matches your interests, you can submit an application to be kept on file for future vacancies.

We look forward to welcoming passionate and dedicated individuals to our team!

The safety and well-being of our residents is our top priority. If your family member is at risk of falling, we take proactive measures to minimise risks such as:

1. Falls Risk Assessment – Every resident undergoes an individual assessment to determine their level of risk.
2. Increased Observations and/or Sensor Equipment – Depending on the assessment outcome additional welfare checks may be scheduled or a motion sensor may be required. Motion sensors are used to detect movement and alert staff. (Please note: These do not eliminate all falls but alert staff so they are able to attend and support as soon as possible)
3. Environmental Adjustments – Ensuring clear pathways, appropriate lighting, and supportive furniture are available to reduce hazards.
4. Mobility Support – Referrals to appropriate healthcare professionals can be made to support mobility needs, increase independence, strength and balance.

We continuously review each resident’s needs and care plan, adjusting as required to maintain safety and quality of life.

Yes! We encourage residents to personalise their rooms, this helps residents feel more at home and maintain a sense of familiarity and comfort in their new environment.

Guidelines for personal items:

• Where possible, we ask for flame-resistant items and materials.
• Any electrical devices brought into the home will need to be checked by our team before use to ensure they meet safety standards.