Choosing a care home can be a challenging decision and comes with many expectations about care homes in general. But it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By knowing what to expect and how to find the right one near you, you can make the process smoother and easier.
In this blog, we’ll cover some important considerations for choosing a care home, including what to expect from a care home, as well as debunking some myths.
What is the difference between a care home and a nursing home?
A care home provides residential care, offering personal care services such as help with washing, dressing, and meal preparation. On the other hand, nursing homes provide all the services of a care home but with the additional provision of Registered Nurses on duty at all times to deliver and lead the care provided. Nursing homes are suitable for those with ongoing health and medical needs or those recovering from surgeries or severe illness.
What makes a good care home?
The expectations of good care homes is that they should provide high-quality, person-centred care that meets the needs of every individual. The environment should be warm, welcoming, and safe, and the care home staff should be compassionate, professional, and well-trained.
Choosing a good care home is vital to the quality of life for your loved one.
What are the goals of a care home?
The main goals to expect from a care home are to:
- Provide a safe and comfortable environment.
- Offer personalised care tailored to individual needs.
- Enhance residents’ quality of life.
- Encourage social interaction and participation in activities.
- Support residents in maintaining their independence and dignity.
What are the 5 main care standards?
Below are the ‘CQC 5’ – these are the five questions they ask when assessing the overall quality of care homes.
- Are they safe? Keeping residents safe from harm and abuse.
- Are they effective? Providing care that achieves good outcomes and responding to residents’ changing needs.
- Are they caring? Valuing residents as people and treating them with consideration.
- Are they responsive to people’s needs? Treating residents as individuals with unique needs.
- Are they well-led? Staff should be organised and compassionate.
What to look for when choosing a care home
At first, the idea of placing a loved one in a care home can be daunting. It is natural to have concerns about the level of care, the quality of life and the cost. However, with careful planning and research, you can find a care home that meets your loved one’s needs and provides a positive experience.
When choosing a care home, consider:
- The quality of care: Is it tailored to individual needs? Are the staff compassionate and professional?
- The physical environment: Is it clean, comfortable, and safe?
- Activities: Are there opportunities for social interaction and participation in hobbies?
- The quality of meals: Is the food nutritious and appealing?
- Location: Is it convenient for family visits?
- Cost: Is it within your price range?
How would you choose a care home for a relative?
When choosing a care home for a relative, consider their unique needs, preferences, and medical requirements. Talk to them about what they expect from a care home and visit multiple homes to get a sense of the environment and care offered.
Related: How to Choose a Care Home That’s Right For You
Questions to ask when visiting and considering a care home
When it comes to choosing a care home for a loved one, expectations and reality can be very different. It is important to understand what to expect when choosing a care home and how to prepare for the reality of it.
How do I prepare for a care home?
Before moving into a care home, discuss with your loved one what belongings they want to bring, such as personal items and furniture, to make their new space feel like home. Arrange a meeting with the care home staff to discuss their care plan and any special requirements they may have.
Related: Advice and Preparation for Moving into a Care Home
What is the process for admission?
During your visit, inquire about the admission process, including assessment of care needs, required documentation, and any waiting periods.
If you would like more detailed information about the admission process at Stanfield, please visit our website to learn more about our care home admissions policy. We have a dedicated page outlining the steps involved in joining our community, and our friendly staff are always available to answer any questions you may have.
What is the staff-to-resident ratio?
Another thing to consider when looking at care homes is staff-to-resident ratio. Ask about this to determine how it can affect the quality of care provided. Ensure there is enough staff to meet the needs of everyone.
How is the care plan developed and reviewed?
Inquire about the process for creating and reviewing care plans, and how the people they care for and their families are involved in the process.
5 common care home expectations vs reality
So far we’ve covered what care homes do and what to look for when choosing a care home. Here, we’ll discuss the common care home expectations people have versus the reality of them.
1. Expectation: Care homes are just for elderly people
Reality: Care homes cater to a diverse range of needs.
While care homes primarily serve older adults, they can also cater to individuals with varying health conditions, disabilities, or rehabilitation needs, irrespective of age.
A well-equipped care home can offer tailored support to meet each individual’s specific requirements.
2. Expectation: All care homes provide medical support
Reality: The level of medical support varies.
When choosing a care home, it’s crucial to understand the difference between a care home and a nursing home, as described above. Care homes offer assistance with daily activities like washing, dressing, and meal preparation, while nursing homes provide 24/7 medical care from registered nurses.
Be sure to select a care home that suits your loved one’s unique medical needs.
3. Expectation: Care homes are all the same
Reality: Care homes vary greatly in their offerings.
When searching for care homes near you, you’ll find a diverse range with different facilities, care approaches, and levels of service. Some care homes may focus on providing a cosy, homely care home environment, while others might offer extensive amenities and activities.
It’s essential to visit multiple homes to find the one that aligns with your loved one’s preferences and needs.
4. Expectation: Moving into a care home is a smooth transition
Reality: Preparing for a care home requires planning.
Although care homes strive to make the transition as seamless as possible, it’s natural for your loved one to feel apprehensive. Preparing for a care home involves discussing their preferences, deciding on which personal items to bring, and arranging a meeting with the care home staff to discuss their care plan and any special requirements.
5. Expectation: Care homes are expensive
Reality: Prices vary and support is available.
The average price of a care home in the UK can vary depending on factors such as location, level of care needed. Costs can range from £600 to £1,200 per week. It’s essential to explore financial support options, including local authority funding or NHS Continuing Healthcare.
Choosing Stanfield Nursing Home in Worcestershire
When you’re looking for “care homes near me” in Worcestershire, consider Stanfield Nursing Home. We pride ourselves on offering high-quality, personalised care in a warm and welcoming environment. Our dedicated staff are passionate about ensuring the comfort and happiness of every person we care for.
At Stanfield Nursing Home, we understand that choosing a care home for your loved one is a significant decision, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
If you want to learn more about the high-quality care at Stanfield Nursing Home, please visit our website today. Alternatively, you can call 01905 420 459 to speak to a member of our helpful and friendly team. You can also check out our social media for daily updates.
If you have found this useful, you may wish to read our guide to Finding Specialist Dementia Care in Worcestershire.
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