Best Life’s Advice for Planning Ahead
At Best Life, we recognise the worry and fear associated with thinking about moving a loved one into a care home. All family members endeavour to keep their loved ones independent for as long as we possibly can, as we know that is all they truly want.
For this reason, we would always recommend planning ahead to save any anxiety if the time ever comes to place your loved one into a care facility. Having all of the necessary information available will allow you to make an informed decision, avoiding any last minute panic.
Checking out all your options gives you breathing space and time to consider all of the options available to you. You may decide that a care home isn't suitable, and that you would prefer to move your loved one in with you. It might lead to a decision to have care provided within the home or employ a live in carer.
Here is our checklist to help you plan ahead:
Do a company search if they are a limited company (most are) and look at their financial performance and whether directors have held previous posts at other care facilities.
Look online for reviews from clients and former clients: pay particular note on the type of care provided and associated costs.
Check for their CQC rating and what improvements were recommended and whether they were carried out.
If they report to be dementia specialists, ask them for proof of the training provided for staff, and how they care for people living with dementia that present with behavioural issues/ how they manage these issues.
Research who the owners are and find out how many care homes they own and where they are located.
Tour the homes with your loved ones whilst they can give you feedback. Let them know its just a visit to see where they would feel most comfortable if for any reason it is not possible to live at home for a short period.
If you don’t visit with your loved one, ask a friend or close family to accompany you. A second set of eyes and intuition are important!
Observe how clean and tidy areas are. If the facility has lingering bad odours, it may be a sign that the clients are not being cared for properly.