This is an ongoing blog and we will have more tips for you very soon about finding the perfect care home for yourself or a loved one.
After 25 years in the business and a 3 star rating from the Care Quality Commission you can rely on us to give you only the very best advice!
First Five Tips....
Drop In & See For Yourself
Just like anyone who is considering a move, it’s important to see where you’re going to live and visit a few homes to help you choose. Most homes shouldn’t have a problem if you simply drop in, as this is a good way to get a real view of how the home operates and so what it might be like to live there. Don’t be shy and do your research thoroughly.
Location, Location, Location
This is as true of finding a residential home as it is of any other type of dwelling. Consider exactly where you want to live, for example, do you want to be nearer family? Do you want to live in a more rural location or perhaps nearer the shops and bus routes? If someone is suffering from early dementia it might be better for them to stay somewhere familiar. Think carefully about what you want and what you need.
Needs Must
Choosing a home is as much about the level and type of care required as it is about the first two points above. Choosing a lovely nursing home in a great location won’t work if you need funding, as the local authority will only pay for nursing care for those that have a medical need for it. Likewise is true of the opposite scenario and some homes do not accept people with dementia. Your doctor is a good place to start for needs assessment advice as is the local social services.
Get Help & Advice
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, this does not mean that you are giving up your right to choose in anyway whatsoever. You and your family/friends will always have the final say! There are organisations such as Age Concern and Help The Aged that can help with advising you on how to find a home, your doctor, social services and even local residential homes will all help you find out as much information as you need before making that all important decision.
Talk Between Yourselves
Unfortunately, not everyone has family that can help them, but we do all have friends! It’s important to have another set of eyes and ears helping you when visiting homes or speaking to people who offer advice on finding homes. They’ll think of things that you might not and see things that you may miss, but together as a team it makes the whole process easier and less stressful. After all, what are friends and family for if not to help with life’s big decisions?
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