Finding the Right Home to Provide Elderly Care
The need for long term elderly care continues to rise. The population is one that is exponentially ageing. As a direct result, there has been a rise in the number of care homes across the UK. These extra homes are needed in order to meet the rising demand for residential long term care. Moving into a long term care home is a major decision and one that can’t be taken lately. For most, it is a major life adjustment and change. The decision to enter a home, as well as which home, should be a decision that is made with serious thought and consideration.
If it does in fact come to pass that you need to entire a care home, there are several things to consider about where you choose to receive your care. It is crucial that you find a home that has everything you need and a place that you will be happy living but you also need to offset those needs and wants with a home that you can comfortably afford. Below, you will find a practical guide on how to choose the right care home for you and your particular needs.
Care homes can be managed and run by a variety of different sources including private firms, voluntary organisations and local authorities. Some of these homes offer just accommodations and personal care assistance while others also offer nursing care. Further still, there are some that offer specializations meaning that they might have expertise in a disease or condition like Alzheimer’s. Lastly, there are also assisted living homes or sheltered housing options available as well. You specific needs will determine exactly what kind of care home you should consider.
Care facilities that are licensed to provide nursing care and treatments and therapies are known as nursing homes; while those that provide general assisted living are known as residential care homes. There are different care facilities designed to cater to people with different needs. For instance, there are long term care homes specifically for people with learning difficulties, and care homes only open to elderly people.
For example, sheltered accommodations offer a self-contained living environment while residential care homes and nursing care homes do not. All nursing care homes are suitable for use by disabled residents but not all residential care homes or sheltered accommodations can take in those who have disabilities. Nursing care homes are also the only option that has any nursing or medical care provided. With a nursing care home that kind of service is available 24/7 yet it isn’t available at all with the other two options. Level of care also increases as you move from tier to tier. Starting with a sheltered accommodation, the level of care is low but as you move to a residential care home, the level of care increases to moderate. Once you get to a nursing care home, you can expect the level of care to be quite high. Again, the kind of care you need and the level of care needed will be an important factor when considering which setting to choose.
Regardless of which setting is chosen, moving into a care home is an important and life changing decision. Some important factors to consider while choosing a care home are – does the facility have a democratic process of decision making that respects the will of the guests?; does it encourage and respect the independence of guests? Independence is the cornerstone of wellbeing. The aim of any care facility must be to encourage residents to retain as much independence and dignity as is possible.
Well maintained, clean and hygienic premises are also important things to look for when touring care homes. It shows that the management is efficient and capable. A clean facility also further reiterates that the residents and their respective needs are deemed important. Location of the care home is another important factor to consider. A residential care home that is situated close to friends and family can be a deciding factor for most people. Lastly, care staff should factor in to your decision. Care facilities must employ staff that are qualified, friendly and who fully respect the residents.
Care homes, and all other facilities related to adult health care in England are regulated by the Care Quality Commission. The CQC is a body that ensures that government standards are being met on all levels by inspecting registered facilities and publishing reports. Any complaint made to the CQC about the running of a care facility is investigated fully. Furthermore, all adult social care services must be registered with the CQC. It is therefore important to make sure that this is the case before choosing a long term care home. As per CQC standards, care home residents have certain rights. Some of these rights are the right to be treated with respect and dignity; the right to privacy; the right to choose what to eat and to eat in privacy; the right to choose when you get up and go to bed; and the right to complain if you are not happy with the service you have received.