Help & Advice

Making the right choice of care home

This is the most difficult decision that you will ever have to make for your loved one. Often the decision comes at a time when you are adjusting to the impact of acute changes in the needs of your relative. They can no longer be cared for at home and now require twenty four hour care.

You want a home that can offer them dignity, independence, choice, and tailored personalised care in the most comfortable homely environment.

How can I tell if the home is a quality home?

Look at the CQC Inspection Reports. How does the home measure against the standards of the care assessed?

Look at the Quality Inspection reports which independently look into the quality of life and experiences of life of the clients in the care home.

What to look for when you view:

A welcoming and friendly atmosphere.

A Residents Committee providing a conduit to air views and desires.

Care standards clearly displayed demonstrating the homes commitment to quality

A pleasant, well furnished and suitable bedroom for your loved one. Can it be personalised to make it their own?

Plenty of comfortable and spacious communal facilities.

The possibility of having their own telephone in their room.

Easy access for clients who may need wheelchairs.

Confidence in the Manager.

A program of activities well thought out to enhance the residents' life.

An assessment of the care needs so that an individual package of care can be tailored to meet the needs of your loved one which incorporates their full needs and wishes ensuring that they retain personal choice and dignity.

Clear documentation on the home's contractual terms and conditions of residency, stating the fees and any additional cost that there may be.

Information for the prospective resident and relative on the services that the home will be providing.

Once you decide that you would like to consider the home, you may wish a day visit for your relative to see the home, meet the other residents and staff, and sample the food and activities.