The care categories are indicative levels of dependency, i.e. they are there to give an idea of the general level of dependency of each resident. The individual hours are the most important, but the following describes the categories in more detail;
DepenSys care categories
Category Level Hours per day Description Notes
N1/R1 1 < 1.9 very low needs
N2/R2 2 1.9 - 2.8 low needs
N3/R3 3 2.9 - 4.0 medium level needs
N4/R4 4 4.1 - 5.1 medium to high level needs
N5/R5 5 5.2 - 6.4 high level needs Consider referral for NHS CC
N6/R6 6 6.5 + very high needs Refer for NHS CC
Note that the level and number of hours is independent of whether nursing or residential care is required. The appropriate professional staff must decide whether nursing or residential care is appropriate, but the hours needed to provide care are determined by the system based on the identified needs. The descriptions can also help look at appropriate 'bandings' to compare with local authority rates; 1 and 2 = low, 3 and 4 = medium, 5 and 6 = high. However, the actual hours should be used when reviewing care needs, e.g. to negotiate fees, as needs within a 'band' can vary considerably. DepenSys can also help identify clearly where needs have increased and therefore identify the need for a review of fees.