Choosing a care home is an important and personal decision. One that involves finding a place that fulfils your needs now and for the foreseeable future. With a range of care home options to choose from, it can be challenging to know where to begin. But also, what other options are out there that may be more fitting to your needs.
How to Find Care Homes near You
There are three ways to find and research care homes near you.
- You can use a telephone directory.
- Browse the internet by searching ‘care homes near me,’ and subsequently, a list of care homes such as Eastleighcarehomes.co.uk/locations/somerset-care-homes/ will pop up in the search engine.
- Ask relatives and friends for recommendations.
Or use a combination of all three. On your search, please take a look at the information on each of the care home’s websites. Moreover, to gain a broader perspective about each home, read reviews online too.
What to Look For in a Care Home
It’s essential to spend time at your care home choices to get a good indication of what it’s like to stay there. You can book a tour of each home, or some care homes allow a trial period to try it out.
Furthermore, make a list of questions you would like to ask at each care home to find out which one meets your needs. Here are a few areas you could ask about:
- The staff’s training and experience
- Mealtimes and food choices
- Social activities, events and day trips
- Transport services for residents
- Health care and medical professionals scheduled visits
While surveying the home, also be attentive of:
- The cleanliness
- The facilities on offer
- How the staff treat the residents
- How comfortable and happy the occupants are
Assisted Living
Alternatively, you may want to consider sheltered housing. For instance, assisted living programs provide residents with their own homes, 24/7 support on-site, and care packages tailored to their needs. This option helps residents to maintain their independence and freedom.
Support At Home
Otherwise, you may want to consider adapting your existing home. For instance, you could install stairlifts and widen the door frames to improve mobility around your home. Or you could move your essential facilities, such as the toilet and bedroom to the ground floor. You can also hire support, such as a cleaner, carer, gardener, or personal shopper.
With a range of care homes, assisted living facilities, and home adaptations to choose from, the comforting thing to know is there is care available to suit your needs whatever you decide. If, however, you’re still stuck between your options, it’s wise to ask a friend or family member to help you, as they may think of questions, scenarios, or necessities you require that you hadn’t thought of. Plus, a little bit of support will go a long way in helping you to make your final decision.
