Choosing a Care Home for Your Loved One
Before any major life event, it’s important to carry out the necessary research so that you can make an informed decision – and choosing a care home for your loved one isn’t any different. If you have never used the services of a care home before and this is unfamiliar territory for you, this article will help you navigate through the steps that need to be considered so you can make the right decision for your loved one.
- Type of care
First and foremost, you must establish what type of care your family member or friend will require so you can filter your search for a care home accordingly. The different options include:
- Residential care
- Dementia Care
- Alzheimer’s care
- Respite or short stay care
- Elderly care
- Physical disability care
- Nursing care
If you are unsure, please contact a healthcare professional who can assess your loved one and advise you on the most suitable option.
2. Research Potential Homes
Above all else, it is essential to make sure the care homes you are researching provide the specialist care your loved one requires. Once this has been confirmed, there are several things to consider:
- Location: parking, local amenities and transport links
- General facilities: food, languages spoken, garden area, activities schedule
- Room facilities: en-suites, telephone points, Wi-Fi access
It’s also recommended to check the CQC rating of the care homes you are researching and have a look through their report so you have a better overview of the home from a professional perspective.
Customer reviews are also a good way of gaining an insight into what life is like for those living at your chosen care homes.
And finally, it’s worth checking to see if your family or friends have any recommendations based on their own experiences.
3. Consider costings and funding
Before creating your shortlist of care homes, it’s hugely important that the options you have been researching fit within your budgetary requirements. Request a price list directly from the care home and look into whether there is any financial help on offer if required.
Click here to find out more about the funding options available.
4. Create a shortlist
Once you have found a list of potential care homes that fit your requirements, it’s time to whittle your choices down to a select few. There’s no hard and fast rule for this, but try to highlight your favourite 3-5 care homes so you can progress to arranging a visit.
5. Arrange a visit
Although it might be tempting to commit to a home you like the look of, you must pay a visit to your shortlisted care homes and see them first hand. That way, you can make sure they live up to the brochures and websites you have been reviewing.
In preparation for the visit, it’s useful to note down a few things you would like to ask while you are there, such as:
- What safety measures are in place to reduce the risk of falls?
- What is their visitor policy?
- Can residents bring their own furniture?
- Are there menu examples to look at?
- Can residents have assistance eating when required?
- Are dietary and cultural requirements catered for?
- Is there an activities coordinator?
- Are there lifts/handrails/raised seats fitted?
During your tour, it’s important to pay close attention to your first impressions; it should feel like a home away from home for your loved one, so consider how inviting the space and staff are. Take this opportunity to see what the other residents are doing and how well maintained the different rooms and outside spaces are.
Finally, check the availability at each care home so you know when they have the capacity to accommodate more residents.
For the highest standard of assisted living wherever you are in the UK, look no further than Bondcare. For details on each of our care homes, take a look at our ‘find a care home’ page or get in touch with our team today. You can also book a visit to any of our care homes across the country by giving us a call and we’ll take care of the rest.
