When you are searching for a care home for yourself or a loved one, the process can seem daunting. An online search will offer hundreds of options in your local area, and it is hard to know which one to choose. Here is our guide to finding the right care home, first time.
1. What type of care do you need?
Your health and social care professionals will be able to advise you on this. There are many types of care available depending on the person’s individual needs, including residential care, nursing care, dementia care, respite care, and palliative care.
When you know what type of care is required, you can refine your search so that only homes which offer this type of care are considered.
2. Which area(s) would you like the care home to be in?
Most people going into a care home would like to stay in the area they previously lived in, to maintain familiar links with friends, family and professionals. Alternatively, you may be looking for a facility in a different area to be closer to family and/or friends.
Include the postcode/area you wish to live in, and the type of care you require, into an online care home directory such as carehome.co.uk or Autumna. This will give you a list of possible homes in the location.
3. Create a shortlist
When you have found some possible care homes, look at their ratings both on the Care Quality Commission website and on the care home directory site carehome.co.uk. Read the reviews of the care home both by residents and their families. Check the date on the reviews to ensure they are up to date!
It may also be beneficial to look at the homes’ social media – many will have Facebook or Instagram profiles. This will let you see the types of activities and events which the homes participate in.
4. Arrange a visit
It is now time to arrange a visit to the homes on your shortlist. It is a good idea to make an appointment to do this, to ensure that the Manager or a senior member of staff is available to give you a tour and discuss your requirements. When you make an appointment, explain the type of care which is required and ask if the home has any vacancies. If it does not, you may wish to remove it from your shortlist.
5. The care home tour
When you visit, look at the following:
- The bedrooms – these can be very different, particularly if the home is an old building. Look at the facilities each has, such as en-suite bathrooms, and ask if it is possible to bring your own furniture if you wish to.
- Communal living spaces – how many are there? Are they attractive and carefully designed, and are residents using them?
- Additional facilities – Does the home have its own hairdressing salon, therapy room or library?
- Grounds – does the home have plenty of level outside space? Are they raised beds/borders for the residents to use
- Maintenance – is the home well-maintained?
6. Post-Visit
When your visit is over, you may be invited to stay for refreshments and a discussion with the Manager; alternatively, they may suggest that you go home to decide whether the home is the right place for you/your loved one.
You may be visiting several facilities, in which case, take a little time to think about the homes you have seen and decide which is the best option for you.
Whichever care home you choose, moving from your own home to a care home is a significant life change and can be stressful. Care home staff will endeavour to make the transition as easy as possible for you, so when you have made your decision don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you like – the staff at the home have probably heard them before! See our Frequently Asked Questions here and read our Admissions and Enquiries information here.