Going into the unfamiliar environment of a new prospective care home can be a daunting experience. Especially if this is your first visit, or even the first time you have been into a home altogether. There is an understandable level of pressure on families to choose a place that it fitting for them, often on a very tight timescale.
With this in mind, here are our recommendations for topics to think about when visiting a home. At the bottom you will find the link to a handy tick list, created by carehome.co.uk, that you can take with you too.
Initial Impressions
We have all heard people talk about trusting your gut and as silly as it sounds, this is an essential thing to consider in care. When thinking about your upcoming visit and when first stepping into the home, how does it make you feel? Is it well maintained, attractive r well decorated. Does it feel homely, could you imagine yourself coming here? Are the people approachable and friendly. Although it certainly isn’t everything, your first impressions are valid and may set the tone for what’s to come.
Top tip: Try to visit homes with a open mind, free of any preconceived ideas. A home that didn’t work for someone else may work for you or vice versa, it is a very personal decision.
Location and Safety
Another major area to think about is whether this home is in an appropriate location to you. Is it the busting city you are looking for or the quiet countryside? Does it have decent transport links or good amenities nearby. Often, especially for those living with Dementia, location leads to questions of safety. Are they able to get fresh air in a safe environment, how are they safeguarded when they do go out and about. Think about how you and your loved one like to spend your time. Is this well catered for?
Facilities and Care
Beyond any early ideas of a home, it is a often a good start to consider the facility itself and what provisions are available. Are they a variety of social spaces and are these accessible? What about the bathroom situation, is this something that works for you? Are the bedrooms or a size or layout that you like? Are you someone that prefers the quirky personality of a building that’s a renovate house or are you looking for a custom build? To go along with this, what are the practicalities of the staffing arrangements. How are the staff trained, what do they know in terms of healthcare, languages and disability? Do their beliefs align with yours? You will also want to consider your own preferences here. Are they able to cater to these and give provisions to engage in all of the rituals and routines that are important to you. Will this facility allow you to feel at home?
Food and Activities
Now, what about the more fun or frivolous aspects, the nicer layers of care that will enrich you life. Most care facilities will have planned activity schedules and home are lucky enough to have dedicated activity teams too. Do they offer enrichment that is interesting to you? Will you have a chance to inform what is undertaken? Another thing that can bring so much joy to life is food. Is this something that suits our tastes? What is the usual menu and are you able to have a say in this too? Don’t be afraid to ask questions and be fussy, most homes will be more than happy to make accommodations to suit you. If you don’t ask, you will never know.
Fees and Practicalities
The final layer to consider, having taken a long look into your own situation, are the fees and practical aspects. How much will this cost and are you able to cover it? What is the contract like, are there trial periods, additional fees or increase clauses that you need to know about? How about visitors or other rules? Are there set times or restrictions at all? It is always good practice to take the contact number of someone who may be able to answer these questions for you as you think of them. Admissions manager should they have one, or home managers or deputies are usually the best people to ask.
We hope that this breakdown has been somewhat helpful and offering you insight and calming your nerves. And wish you so much luck in finding the home that fits you best!