Making the decision to move to a care home is by no means an easy one, especially when you’re faced with so many options. However, choosing the right care home for you can often come with many more benefits than you initially anticipate; for example, rather than just supporting your physical health, care homes can also provide opportunities for social interaction and engagement.
But where, exactly, do you start after deciding that the transition to a care home is best for you?
Level of care
To ensure that your specific needs are met in the best way, it’s important to find out the level of care that different care homes offer. While some offer 24/7 care for those who struggle to live independently, others can provide ad hoc care to those who only need a little assistance with daily routines.
Everyone is different, so it’s important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing a care home.
Remember that on-site care is not your only option. You can also opt into homecare, which allows you to remain in the comfort of your own surroundings; alternatively, if you’re in need of specialist care, you might be better suited to a rehabilitation centre.
Find out as much as you can
It’s important that, before making your decision, you take the time to find out as much about the care home as you can. If possible, try to obtain a recent inspection report, and take some time to get to know the staff. Make sure you visit the home more than once, and explore all avenues – from the daily food menus to the temperature of the rooms.
Trust your first impressions
There’s a lot to be said for the initial ‘feel’ that you have upon entering a new environment. If the care home feels welcoming and inviting, then you’re more than likely off to a good start. Trust your gut feeling, but don’t forget to investigate other areas; look closely at how well maintained the building is overall, and notice how the other residents appear – are they happy and engaged?
Find out if there are vacancies
This seems like an obvious one, but it can be easy to get lost in thought when you’re exploring a new care home. Remember to ask if there are any vacancies, and if not, check if there will be availability relatively soon.
Does the care home arrange activities?
There’s much more to consider about a care home than the level of care they provide. You’ll want to ensure that regular activities are arranged, along with ample opportunities for social interaction. If these are offered regularly, then it’s a good indicator that the care home realises the importance of looking after your mental and emotional health.
Are your friends and family able to visit?
Perhaps one of the hardest aspects of moving into a care home is realising that you’ll be further away from friends and family. This shouldn’t have to be an issue, though; a good care home will provide their people with more than enough opportunities to spend time with their family, offering flexible visiting hours and access to the internet.
At CHD Living, we encourage our people to spend as much time as possible with their families and friends, in addition to offering different levels of care to suit individual needs. To find out more, click here.