Fax: 0121 552 8112
Email: mail@wellbeingresidential.co.uk
Guidance on Elderly Care
Many people wonder where to start when thinking about care homes. This section offers useful advice and information to help you decide what care you are looking for.
When to start thinking about care homes
Many people have to make a decision about a care home in a crisis, perhaps after a fall or illness, or the death of a carer. Looking back they often wish they'd had longer to look around. So if you think you or a relative might need a care home in the future, it's a good idea to do some planning now, so that you'll know what to do should the need arise.
Where do I start?
To decide which homes to visit, it may be useful to speak to:
• Friends and relatives, for their recommendations
• Your GP
• Your local Social Services department, which should be able to provide a list of registered homes in your area
• The Elderly Accommodation Counsel (0207 820 1343) for lists of homes in most areas
• The Registered Nursing Home Association (0121 454 2511) for a list of registered nursing homes
Choosing care for a relative can be a difficult and emotional decision. The Relatives' and Residents' Association can offer advice and support (020 7359 8136).
You may also find it useful to look at inspection reports for individual homes which are produced independently by:
• The Care Quality Commission (for care homes in England) - www.cqc.org.uk
• The Care Standards Inspectorate for Wales (for care homes in Wales) - www.csiw.wales.gov.uk
• The Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care (for care homes in Scotland) - www.carecommission.com
In many ways, choosing a care home is like choosing any other place to live - within a few seconds you know whether it 'feels right'.
Understanding the different types of care home
All Care Homes are registered with their independent Inspectorate for the type of care they have been approved to provide:
•Care Homes in England: The Care Quality Commission
•Care Homes in Wales: The Care Standards Inspectorate for Wales
•Care Homes in Scotland: The Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care
Each Care Home can only provide the type of care that it is registered for. This falls into two general categories:
Care Homes
These homes provide residential or personal care for their residents. People can live in them for either a short or long term. These homes provide:
• Accommodation
• Meals
• Laundry
• Nursing Care as well as Personal Care including help with washing, dressing, eating, mobility etc
Care Homes with Nursing
These homes also provide residential or personal care for their residents but also employ Registered Nurses who can provide care for more complex health needs. People can live in these homes for either a short or long term.
These homes provide:
• Accommodation
• Meals
• Laundry
• Personal Care including help with washing, dressing, eating, mobility etc
Understanding the different types of care
In addition to either providing Nursing or Personal care, Care Homes can also be registered to provide other more specialist types of care:
Dementia Care Services
Dementia-related conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease, are very common in older people. Care is usually available within a residential or nursing setting depending on the level of care required.
Respite Care and Short Breaks
Short term, or respite care can be provided in most care homes where residents stay for perhaps a week or two. Many care homes will only offer it if there is a room vacant, whilst others will have rooms set aside which can be booked well in advance. Respite Care enables carers to have a break or can cover periods of time when a carer is unavailable.
Convalescent Care / Post op Care
This is short term care for people recovering from illness or an operation. Care Homes with Nursing are able to offer both convalescent and post-operative care, whilst residential homes usually just provide convalescent care.
Close Care / Assisted Living
Close Care, often known as 'Assisted living' is where you can live independently in an apartment within the grounds of one of our care homes. Close Care is a good choice for couples who need different levels of care, or may need to move into the care home at a later date.
Day Care For Non-Residents
Some care homes provide day care for residents living in the surrounding areas.
Palliative Care
This is compassionate care for those with a chronic or terminal illness which is no longer responding to treatment. Palliative care particularly focuses on the active control of pain and symptoms to improve quality of life.
Which type of home is best for me?
It is important to know the level and type of care that you need to ensure your chosen home can provide the services you require. It is also important to think about how your care needs may change over time to ensure the home is also suitable in the future.
Your GP will be able to help you understand the level of care you need. Your local Social Services department can also assess your needs and suggest the level of care you require.
How do I find the right care home?
To start to find the right Care Home in your area, it may be useful to speak to the following groups of people:
Friends and relatives, for their recommendations
Your local Social Services department, who will have a list of registered homes in your area
Your relevant Inspectorate:
Care Homes in England: The Care Quality Commission
Care Homes in Wales: The Care Standards Inspectorate for Wales
Care Homes in Scotland: The Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care
Your GP
Local Age Concern office
The Elderly Accommodation Counsel
What useful information is available?
You can see the inspection reports for individual homes that have been produced by your relevant Inspectorate:
Care Homes in England: The Care Quality Commission
Care Homes in Wales: The Care Standards Inspectorate for Wales
Care Homes in Scotland: The Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care
What do I do next?
If you will be paying for the care home's fees yourself, you can start to contact homes directly. We recommend you visit as many homes as possible to see for yourself the different types of homes available.
Once you have found a home you like, the home will make an assessment of your needs, so that they can be sure they can offer you the right kind of care.
If your Local Authority will be paying for all or part of the fees, you can also start to contact homes directly. Your local Social Services department will carry out an assessment of your needs to agree the type of care you need. Once you have found a home you like, the home will also make an assessment of your needs, so that they can be sure they can offer you the right kind of care.
If you will be asking the local authority to help with all or part of the fees, you should speak first to your GP and your local Social Services department. They will carry out an assessment of your needs, and produce a report called a care plan that outlines the care, including any nursing care, they think you need.
Can I choose the home I want?
Many people think that care homes in the independent sector are only for the wealthy. You may be surprised to know that the majority of care homes in the UK are owned by the independent sector, and that 70 per cent of residents have their fees paid partly or wholly by their local authority.
If you are paying all the fees yourself, you can choose whichever home you find suitable for your needs in your price range. If your local authority is assisting with funding, it doesn't mean you have to choose one of their homes. You can request any home that accepts residents funded by the local authority. However, the local authority will want to be sure that the home is suitable for your needs and doesn't cost more than it would usually pay for that type of care. If you want a more expensive home than the authority is willing to pay for, you are allowed to 'top up' their contribution from another source.
How many homes should I visit?
Ideally you should visit as many homes as possible so that you can make comparisons and find the right home for you.
When should I visit a care home?
To ensure you have the opportunity to meet the Manager of the care home, it is advisable to call to make an appointment. We would also encourage you to visit at any time to get a true feel of the home.
Who should I meet when visiting the home?
When visiting a home, try to ensure you meet the General Manager as well as the Head of Department for the type of care you are interested in. You should also try to meet the Activities Coordinator as well as some of the caring and nursing staff.
Speak to other residents and relatives or visitors to gain their view of the home also.
What do you need to look for when visiting a home?
It is sometimes difficult to remember all the things you want to ask when visiting a care home so the list below can be used as a guide to prompt you. You should ask about areas that you feel are most vital for your wellbeing.
The questions below are designed to help you as you look around a potential new home:
THE LOCATION:
• Is the home in the right location for you?
• Can relatives and friends easily visit?
• Is the home easily accessible by public transport?
• Is there a car park for you to use?
• Does the setting of the home suit you e.g. close to shops / rural location?
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
• What are your first impressions of the home as you arrive?
• Is the outside area well kept and tidy with flowers, hanging baskets or pots?
• Is the home and reception area welcoming when you first enter?
• Is the home odour free?
• Is the home clean and well maintained?
• Are staff friendly and welcoming?
THE ATMOSPHERE
• Does the atmosphere feel right?
• Do the staff acknowledge you?
• Are you offered refreshments?
• Are you offered a trial stay e.g. to visit for lunch or to spend an afternoon at the home?
• Is there evidence of independence being maintained where possible?
• Is everyone's dignity and privacy being respected?
• Are relatives and friends encouraged to visit?
• Are visitors welcome at anytime?
• Does the home feel homely?
• Are you encouraged to talk with residents/visiting relatives/staff?
• Are suitable pets welcomed?
THE BEDROOM
• Does the home offer the type of bedroom you want?
• Does the home offer single or shared rooms?
• Are you able to look at an available bedroom?
• Is the bedroom clean and bright?
• Are bedrooms redecorated before new residents arrive?
• Does the bedroom have en suite facilities?
• Is there a nearby toilet and bathroom?
• What furniture is provided by the home?
• Are residents encouraged to bring some of their own possessions?
• Is there a telephone and television in the bedroom or the possibility of having a telephone or television installed?
• Does each room have a nurse call system?
• Can residents change rooms if they want to?
THE FACILITIES
• Does the home have suitable facilities for your needs?
• Is there a variety of Living Spaces e.g. - lounges, quiet rooms, dining room(s), hairdressing salon, outside sitting areas?
• Does the home have a number of bathrooms with showers or specialist baths?
• Is there a lift to any upper floors?
• Are the corridors and doorways wide?
• Does the home provide easy access for people in wheelchairs?
• Are there handrails around the home?
• Are there accessible gardens and outlooks from the lounges and bedrooms?
THE CARE
• Does the home provide the right type of care for your needs?
• Can the home cope with any future changes in needs?
• Are residents registered with the local GP Surgery / dentist / optician? How often do they visit?
• Are residents and relatives encouraged to contribute to care plans?
• Are care plans reviewed regularly?
• Are you encouraged to contribute to any decisions made about the care of a resident?
THE STAFF
• Does each resident have one member of staff (key worker) who are responsible for aspects of their care from the moment they move into the home?
• What training do the staff receive?
• What qualifications do the staff have?
• What is the staffing ratio on each shift?
• Does the Manager / Head of Department give you confidence?
• Can the staff be seen around the home?
• Are staff with the residents in the lounge areas?
• Do staff interact well with residents e.g. show respect, knowledge of the residents?
• Do the residents seem occupied, interested, and happy?
EQUIPMENT
• Does the home have important equipment such as:
• Hoists?
• Walking aids?
• Wheelchairs?
• Electrically operated beds?
• Pressure relieving mattresses?
• Pressure cushions?
• Furniture suitable for older people?
DINING SERVICES
• Is there a current menu on display?
• Is there a choice of menu at all meal times?
• Can residents choose the time they have their meals?
• Can meals be taken in a resident's room?
• Are there snacks and drinks available at all times?
• Is food freshly prepared in the kitchen?
• Does the chef speak to the residents regularly to discuss their preferences?
• Is there a licensed bar?
• Are special diets catered for?
• Can family and friends join the resident for a meal?
• How are residents who need help with eating assisted?
ACTIVITIES
• Is there a regular activities programme?
• Did you see a current copy of the planned activities?
• Does the home have dedicated Activities staff?
• Are residents consulted on the activities programme?
• How do staff find out about residents' hobbies and interests?
• Are there individual activities for people who are not able to join in group activities?
• Are there any outings for residents?
• Does the home have a mini bus?
• Are external groups and entertainers invited to the home on a regular basis?
• How are residents' religious needs met?
• Are special events such as anniversaries and birthdays celebrated by the home?
• Are there regular exercise opportunities for residents?
• Are relatives and friends encouraged to participate in activities?
• Does the home display details and photographs of recent activities?
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
• Does the home have written policies and procedures?
• Is the home's statement of purpose available?
• Is there a welcome booklet for new residents?
• Does the home have a philosophy of care?
• Are quality audits carried out in the home?
• Is there a resident group that meets regularly?
• Is there a regular relatives meeting?
• Did you see an example of a contract between the home and the resident?
• Is it clear what is included in the fee and what items are extras?
• Does the home make available their latest inspection report?
Can I choose the home I want?
Regardless of how you are paying for care, you can choose the care home you prefer. The vast majority of care homes are run by independent companies and often people think that these homes are only available to those who can afford them. The majority of residents within these types of homes have either all or a proportion of their fee paid for by their local authority.
If you are paying for yourself, you can choose your preferred home that provides the type of care you need within your price range.
If your local authority is contributing to your fee, you can choose a home that provides the type of care you need that accepts residents funded by the local authority. You don't have to go to the home chosen or run by the local authority.
If your chosen home costs more than the local authority usually pays for that type of care, you can top up their contribution from another source.
Latest News
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July 2010: Latest Updates
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February 2010: Latest Updates
December 2009: Latest Updates
Wellbeing Residential Group
60 Percy Business Park
Rounds Green Road
Oldbury
Birmingham
B69 2RE
T: 0121 552 8111
F: 0121 552 8112
mail@wellbeingresidential.co.uk
