Choosing a care home is about finding the right type of care, in the right place, with the facilities you need. This guide will outline the key things to consider when choosing a care home, to give you the peace of mind that you, or your loved one, will be cared for in the best way possible. Understand the type of care you need It is important to understand the type of care that you need before choosing a care home. Do you need nursing or dementia care, or specialist care for Parkinson’s or Huntington’s disease? Do you need residential care if you are finding it difficult to live on your own at home, or temporary care to recover from an illness or operation? Thinking about the type of care that you need will make it easier to select the right home for you. Most care homes provide a number of different types of care, which may be important to consider if you have changing or complex care needs.
Consider the location of the care home The location of the care home is another important factor to consider. It may be important that your care home is in an area close to your family and friends. Or, it might be important that your care home is convenient for shops and public transport. Try to find a care home that is in the right place for you.
Find out the additional care services provided Many care homes provide additional care services including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, chiropody and complementary therapies, such as massage and reflexology. Care homes may also arrange for dentists, opticians and hairdressers to visit residents. If these services are important to you, make sure you that your care home provides them.
Decide which activities and leisure facilities you need Consider the types of activities and leisure facilities that you would like to be offered in your care home. Many care homes run excellent regular activity programs for residents, such as exercise, day trips, support groups and group activities. Your care home might also provide a library facility and access to cooking and gardening activities.
Check ratings and reviews Care homes are regulated by the Care Quality Commission, so check the most recent inspection report of your prospective care home to find out if there are any areas of concern.
Visit prospective care homes It is important to visit a number of care home before choosing which one is for you. When visiting each care home, it is important to meet the staff and residents and ask all the questions you need. Make a checklist of the things that are important to you in a care home. Take a tour to check what the bedrooms and communal areas are like, visit the gardens, and assess the general atmosphere of the care home. Find out what the meals are like and what services and activities are provided. Is the care home in a quiet location, and does the area feel safe and secure?
Following these steps to choosing a care home will help ensure that you, or your loved one, are being given the right care in the right place.