When it comes to major life decisions, picking out a care home for an elderly relative has to be one of the biggest.
On one hand, you’re hopeful that you’ll discover a hidden paradise where they can enjoy their hard-earned retirement in peace and style.
But you’ve also read the horror stories and watched the BBC exposes about nightmare care homes, so it’s no surprise you’re feeling more than a little daunted by the prospect of trying to find the perfect one.
With this in mind, we’ve identified three key questions to ask yourself before starting the search – bear them in mind and you’ll be able to handle the whole process with ease.
#1: what level of care do they need?
Specialist centres or self-contained living? Assisted living or 24-hour medical attention?
There are lots of different types of care homes on offer to suit everyone’s varying individual needs, and picking the right one involves understanding exactly what level of assistance your family member wants or needs.
Most homes or local authorities will undertake assessments to determine how much help any potential resident will require, but you can also ask their GP for input too. It’s your loved ones comfort at stake, though, so involve them as much as possible when making a final choice.
#2: where do they want to live?
Location is everything when it comes to picking a care home – get it wrong, and living costs and future lifestyle will be greatly impacted. Search for communities that are friendly yet affordable, such as assisted living in lincoln, or other similar cities.
It’s especially important because where you live is proven to have a significant bearing on how happy you feel. For example, Londoners were recently discovered to be the most anxious of all British people, whilst the Outer Hebrides claimed first prize as the happiest place to live.
One of the biggest factors to consider before making a move is distance – pick a home too far away and regular visits to check in on your relative will be difficult to organise.
#3: are standards high enough?
You want to guarantee your relative receives the best care possible, so it’s essential that any potential care home follows the highest of standards. What is their dining like? Do they offer Laundry Services? These are important questions. Check out their recent reviews from official governing bodies, such as the Quality Care Commission, for a clear picture of what’s on offer.
Keep an eye on ratings for cleanliness, like their record when it comes to compliance with medical waste regulations or meeting the Food Standards Agency’s criteria. Good or bad, they’ll give you a sense of the level of professionalism shown at the facility.
But before you sign any contracts, visit a few of your shortlisted homes – it’s the only way you’ll get a real feeling for the place and whether or not it suits you and your relative.
Picking a care home is a big decision, so don’t be afraid of being fussy or refusing to settle – stick to asking these three questions and you’ll eventually find somewhere that’s perfect.
Brought to you by our friend, Kevin F.
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