What To Consider When Touring A Care Home: A Checklist For Families
When choosing a care home for a loved one, it’s important to do your research and visit multiple options to find the best fit. This means exploring different care home options and comparing them based on important factors to you and your loved one.
Where To Start?
It’s a good idea to start by listing care homes in your area and researching them online to get a sense of their services and amenities. You may go out of your area and look at an area your loved one would prefer, such as looking for a nursing home in Sidmouth, Eastbourne, or somewhere else entirely.
You can also reach out to the care homes to ask questions and request more information. Once you have narrowed down your list, you must visit the care homes in person to get a firsthand look at the facilities and meet the staff. This will allow you to assess the overall atmosphere and determine if the care home is a good fit for your loved one.
Touring care homes can be overwhelming, so having a checklist of important factors is helpful. Here are some things to keep in mind when touring a care home.
Location
The location of the care home is an important factor to consider, especially if you plan to visit often. Consider the distance from your home, as well as the accessibility of the care home.
Is it easily accessible by car or public transportation? Is it close to amenities like hospitals and pharmacies in case of emergencies?
Staff
The staff members at the care home will be responsible for the daily care of your loved one, so it’s important to ensure they are qualified and capable of providing high-quality care.
During the tour, observe the interactions between the staff and residents and ask about their training and qualifications.
Activities and Meals
Residents of a care home need to have the opportunity to engage in meaningful and stimulating activities. During the tour, ask about the types of activities the care home offers and how they cater to the interests and needs of the residents.
The quality of the meals at the care home is also important for the physical and emotional well-being of the residents. Ask about the types of meals served, the frequency of meals, and whether there is flexibility in the menu to accommodate special dietary needs.
Visitation
Family and friends need to be able to visit their loved ones in the care home, so be sure to ask about visiting hours and policies.
Are there designated times for visits, or is the care home more flexible? Are there any restrictions on the number of visitors at a time?
Cost
The cost of care in a care home can vary widely, so it’s important to ask about pricing options and what is included in the cost.
Be sure to clearly understand what services and amenities are included in the price and any additional fees that may apply.
Finding the right care home can be a challenging and emotional process. By researching and visiting multiple options, you can make an informed decision that will ensure your loved one receives the highest quality care and support.