When it comes to your elderly loved ones, be that a close friend or relative, choosing a care home involves a great deal of thought. How do you know your loved one will be in safe hands, and will get to make the most of every day of their life?
Asking the right questions when visiting a care home for the first time is key. This can assure you of your parent, friend, relative, or neighbour’s comfort, dignity and enjoyment. So, what are the important things to consider?
To help guide you through the decision-making process, here are 12 questions to ask of any care home you’re considering.
What are the staff like?
As the care home staff will be the main points of contact for any resident, it’s so important to know what they’re like. Is there a high staff-to-resident ratio? Do carers, nurses, and other workers engage with the residents?
What experience and qualifications do each member of the team bring to the table, and do they seem dedicated to and enthusiastic about their job? Are they devoted to promoting independence and dignity?
Is there access to medical care?
What sort of medical care can the home provide in-house? How does it work if access to a doctor is needed? What about other medical practitioners, such as nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, specialists, and so on?
How are specific health conditions managed within the home – such as mobility restrictions or dementia? Are the staff dealing with such needs appropriately qualified and experienced?
What are the rooms like?
How much personal space would you or your loved one have at their disposal, should you decide to go ahead? What’s provided by the care home in terms of fittings and furnishings? Is there sufficient space and storage for any personal belongings you or they would like to bring?
Does the room have a private or a shared bathroom, and is clean linen supplied?
Are there shared areas for socialising?
Getting together with other residents can be so important in terms of mental health. Where is available to do this, and what are the spaces like? Do people have the option of dining and watching TV alongside other residents, for example, rather than being confined to their own rooms?
Is there any outdoor space?
If you, your loved one, or a visitor wants to grab a breath of fresh air, is there anywhere they can do that? If there are gardens, are these attractive and well-maintained, and therefore an appealing place to spend some time?
What’s on the menu?
Does the food smell, look and taste good? If you or your loved one has any special dietary requirements, can these be catered to? Is there much choice when it comes to daily menus, and are any snacks provided between meals?
Do individual rooms have any catering facilities, such as a kettle, a mini fridge, or a microwave? If a resident wanted to bring their own equipment, would this be permitted?
Are any activities offered?
Does the care home offer any regular, special, or seasonal activities and events for the residents? Would these interest you or your loved one?
What are the visiting hours?
Receiving visitors is such an important part of care home life. It can ensure the resident continues to feel connected to their family, friends, and community. What are the visiting hours, and more importantly – do they mean that everyone can visit when they can or would like to?
Is it a safe and accessible environment?
Does the care home offer all the safety equipment and features you might expect? Are there lifts for residents (or visitors) who cannot safely manage the stairs? What happens if a lift is out of service – is there another one available?
It’s also wise to look out for other safety and accessibility features such as ramps, grab rails, walk-in wet rooms, raised furniture, and disabled parking.
What does it feel like?
This is a question to ask yourself when being shown around a care home. How does being there make you feel? Would you feel confident that you or your loved one would be happy there, and be cared for?
Sometimes it’s best to go with your gut. If the home has a genuine family feel about it, then maybe that’s your subconscious making your mind up for you.
Does it have a good reputation?
Ask around to see if you can find out what local people think of the care home. The chances are that sooner or later you’ll come across someone who’s had some direct or indirect experience of the place. What did they think of it? Would they recommend it? You can also discover more about the care home on their social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram, or by looking at their Google reviews.
What are the costs?
And finally, the bottom line. What fees does the care home charge, and do these seem reasonable? To avoid any unpleasant surprises, always check exactly what is and is not included within any rates quoted.
It’s also worth asking what might cost extra – such as hairdressing and newspapers. You might also like to enquire about any payment plans and annual increases.
If you’re seeking a reputable care home in the Gerrards Cross area with a real family feel, get in touch with Swarthmore Care Home today.