When you need to choose a care home for a loved one, the decision is often very difficult. It’s important to involve your loved one as much as possible, but you can sometimes get pushback on such a big change. On top of that, you can worry a lot about making the best choice. There are lots of places to choose from, and there’s always a concern that you could choose one that won’t provide adequate care. So how can you make sure you select the right care home? With plenty to think about, here are just a few things to keep in mind.
The Right Environment
Firstly, you need to check that the care home is going to provide the best environment for your loved one. This can involve several things, some of which you can find out in your initial research and some that are better to check by visiting and taking a tour. For example, you might want to know that residents get their own rooms and living spaces. You might ask about accessibility and how the residence is maintained. When you visit, consider if it’s safe, inviting, well-maintained, and comfortable. All of these things can help you make the right choice.
Specialist Care
Not all care homes are the same, and some of them specialise in providing a certain type of care. This can include options such as memory care or Multiple Sclerosis residential care, which offer a level of care that’s tailored to the specific needs of certain groups of people. This type of care isn’t always necessary, but it can be the best choice if your loved one is dealing with a particular illness, disability, or care need. It makes sense to have facilities and staff that are built around the need for a specific type of care in some cases.
Qualified and Caring Staff
While the environment is important, it’s also crucial that the staff in any care home meet your standards. You need to know that the people caring for your loved one are qualified, experienced, and caring. It’s vital that they treat residents well and that they’re knowledgeable about how to deliver the best care. You’ll also need to know who is actually on the staff. Is it a mix of carers and nurses? What other staff, permanent or frequent visitors, work there? Is there an activities coordinator, a hairdresser, a therapist or other useful people on the staff?
Meeting a Range of Needs
A care home that can meet a range of needs is important. Of course, they should be able to take care of basic needs such as food and personal hygiene. But there are also other needs that people have that need to be taken care of too. For example, social engagement is an essential need that should be provided for with activities and the freedom for residents to engage in their own social life.
You can take your time when choosing a care home. Getting the right one is a must, so don’t feel rushed to pick.
