Finding a Care Home

Moving into a care home can be one of the most significant changes in your life. It can be difficult and emotional.

There are so many options for care homes to choose from that it can be overwhelming to find the right one. It is an important decision that takes a lot of thought.

Is it necessary to move into a care facility?

You might consider moving into a home for those who are unable to live independently or have difficulty coping with everyday life. There are other options, however.

You could, for example, make home improvements to make your life easier. A carer could be hired to visit your home daily to help with personal care and daily tasks.

It is common for relatives to ask how to move an elderly person into a home care facility. We recommend having these conversations early on to prevent pressure or feeling trapped.

It is important to show patience, empathy, and understanding. This will help you have more productive conversations.

Care homes offer many benefits

It can be difficult to accept at first but there are many advantages to living in a care home. One benefit is that you can spend more time focusing on your health and not have to worry about managing it all alone.

Care homes can be a great place to socialize, meet new people and have fun, especially if you are lonely or live alone. Even though it is difficult to admit, entering a care home can relieve the pressure on family members and friends, and provide them with the assurance that you are safe, well-cared-for, at all times. For those who are not sure, and don’t want to fully commit, care homes also offer a day care option. This is definitely worth exploring if you are in two minds. If you would prefer to stay a little longer to experience the whole facilities, respite offers a very good insight to how the home is run, your accommodation, the staff and also fellow residents.

Choosing a care home

Your top priorities will be the first thing that you do when searching for a care home. This could look like this:

* Where are the care homes in your area? Are you able to walking or driving distance from your family and friends?

* Price What’s your budget? What is your budget for care home costs?

* Care Type: What kind of care do your need? For example, nursing care. Are you in need of special equipment, staff, or facilities because of a medical condition?

Needs assessment

Before you can narrow down your choices, it is a good idea to conduct a needs assessment. Your local authority will conduct a care needs assessment to determine the type of care that you require.

You might need help with daily tasks and personal care, for example. A residential care home may be the right fit. You might also benefit from a nursing home or home with nurses who are trained in specific conditions.

The local authority will also examine your financial situation in order to determine if you are able to cover care costs by yourself or if you require funding support.

Asking for information

The hunt starts once you have established your priorities. To find the best care homes in your area, you can search the directory and then make a list. Then request brochures from each care home.

It is a great way to find out more information about care homes and check the Care Quality Commission rating. Ask your friends and family for recommendations. Make a list of the best options based on your priorities.

Visit the care home

Once you have narrowed down your list, it is time to visit the home and talk to residents, staff, and the manager. You can get a feel for the life at the care home and help you choose your favorite.

It can be hard to decide what you want. Here are some questions that we recommend asking yourself or your care home manager.

* Is the home a comfortable place to live?

* Are the grounds and facilities clean and well-maintained

* Is the staff friendly, knowledgeable and welcoming?

* Is there anyone who can help me at all hours?

* Is it possible to travel to your home via public transport and roads? Is there parking?

* Are there any shops or amenities near you?

* Does the home have good accessibility, such as wheelchair access or lifts for people with disabilities?

* Is the home able to access other services, such as healthcare professionals?

* Can residents maintain independence and make their own decisions about their lives at home?

* Is there any entertainment for residents?

* Are residents happy?

* How is the food? Is there enough variety to meet your dietary needs?

* Is it possible to have visitors at all times? Do they have facilities to stay?

* Can children and pets be invited to visit?

* What are the fees for care homes? What fees are paid?

* What security and safety measures are in place at your home? Do you have call systems?

* Is there an open waiting list for the care facility? What is the wait time?

Before you decide on the care home that you want to move to make sure you get a copy of their contract. To ensure that there are no hidden fees or terms, make sure you read all the fine print. If in doubt, ask a trusted friend or loved one to assist you.

What makes a good care home?

The top factors in a great home (The Care Seekers survey) were resident morale and satisfaction. They were closely monitored by management and staff.

Gardens, Wi-Fi, and activity rooms were the most desired facilities.

Care seekers ranked Sunday roast as one of their top activities. This was followed by day trips to beaches, eateries, visits from kids, and some gardening.

The Care Seekers survey revealed many common needs and desires. However, everyone is different. We recommend that you take the time to visualize your ideal care home and what you want to be included. If you would like further advice, our team is on hand.

If you would like further information or advise, speak to our team, who would be happy to advise.