CHOOSING A CARE HOME IN SOMERSET

Choosing a Care Home in Somerset

Somerset care homes are plentiful, understanding their differences is important.

There are many different types of care homes in Somerset, ranging from homes which provide specialist nursing or dementia care to others which simply provide a safe and comfortable residential home for people who may need a little assistance with daily life. Some homes provide both residential and nursing care, offering residents a 'future-proofed' experience. Which one you choose will probably depend on the level of care required now or in future years.

Ownership of Somerset care homes

Ownership of Somerset care homes ranges from large corporations, local authorities, charities and not-for-profit enterprises to the entirely private. All Somerset care homes are registered with and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Of course, ownership is not necessarily a good indicator of the quality of care that residents receive, however, the privately-owned Somerset care homes may be able to offer a more home-from-home environment and a level of personalised care that is substantially better than that which is required by the sector’s regulations.

Choosing a Somerset care home that meets your needs

Choosing the right Somerset care home for your loved one’s needs can be a very emotional process. One of the most commonly asked questions people have is "what is the difference between a care home and a nursing home?" Both nursing homes and residential care homes provide care and support 24 hours a day; the main difference is that a nursing home is able to provide a higher level of care because it has specialist equipment and qualified nurses on site around the clock. Staff at residential care settings are trained to provide day-to-day care and support that residents need (including the straightforward administration of medication) but they are generally not qualified to provide the true medical care that is required for many life-long conditions. As mentioned above, some Somerset care homes are dual-registered, offering both residential and nursing care; providing peace of mind as, should your loved one require more nursing support in later years, they won’t have to move to a different care home.

Often, when loved ones move into a care home, they gain a renewed purpose in life; they have the opportunity to meet new people and start new friendships. An important factor to consider when choosing a Somerset care home are the social activities. Activity helps to sustain both physical and mental health. It is important that individuals living in care homes are able to maintain their interests and have many opportunities to develop new ones. And, if that Somerset care home provides restaurant quality catering and is beautifully situated then you probably need look no further. Of course, seek the opinions of others too, arrange to visit the care home, meet the manager and their team, who should provide reassuring answers to all your questions.

Next steps

We recognise that deciding to move a loved one into a care home can be one of the biggest and most difficult decisions you’ll make in life. But, once you’ve made that decision, you’ll want to find the best possible home for them. If you would like to explore residential or nursing care in more detail and talk through your loved ones needs, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 01963 32746. We won’t pitch you a care home ‘sale’ but will let Elliscombe House speak for itself.