Do we take funded residents?

Yes, we do.  We are on the Hampshire County Council (HCC) Care Home Framework (CHF), which is a bit of jargon that HCC use to say they will place residents with us at an agreed fee to them.  We do also take funded residents from other local Authorities, including, but not limited to, Dorset County Council and Southampton City Council

2. Do I have to put my Mum/Dad in the Care Home that Hampshire County Council have recommended?

Short answer, no.  HCC are not always the best at explaining this.

Now the longer answer; Hampshire County Council will always try and place new residents in one of their own homes, as this is more cost effective for them, but this is not always the best option for you.  In Ringwood this would normally mean the Bickerley Green residential care home, however this does not have to be the case.  We think Bickerley Green is a great care home, but it’s not for everyone, and when you are choosing a care home for your Mum or Dad we strongly recommend you look at as many options as possible.  Choosing a care home, is a bit like choosing a hotel, some people may prefer a small, family-run country hotel, and some people may prefer a larger, corporate type, there are pros and cons to both, but at the end of the day it’s down to personal taste.  You know your Mum or Dad best, and you know what would work best for them, so trust your instincts and look at as many options as possible.  If you look at all the options and end up deciding that Oak Mount is the one for your loved-one, then tell HCC and, because we are on the Care Home Framework, your Mum or Dad will be able to come to us.  You have a legal right of choice, so make sure you get the option that will work best for your Mum or Dad.  If you decide on Oak Mount, then we can help you with Social Services.