Care Homes [Infographic]

Georgia Davies https://www.browells.co.uk 4m 898 #carehomes

The views of this article are the perspective of the author and may not be reflective of Confessions of the Professions.

Homes For Care

At times it becomes difficult for old age people to live independently at home and they have to opt for care homes. For old age people choosing the correct care home has always been a big decision. And it’s also seen old age people has to go through lot of hard time as they fail to make the right choice. To find the care come that meets your need is important, but it’s more important that care home makes you feel right and comfortable.

One important thing over here is that, care home should be located close to area you stay, this can often be easy just by going to Google and searching for “care home near me”. Having a word with family members and friends can also help a lot. Local NGO’s also do lend support for it.

Second important thing to consider is facilities they provide? A care home should be equipped with good facilities that makes your stay comfortable. Try to look out for care homes that have well trained staff that is well trained to understand your needs and support you accordingly. A care home should also have medical support facilities in case of emergencies.

We have designed an infographic that help you identify a care homes nearby and many other handy tips are included in it.

Click to open / Right-click for save options

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Care Homes

Choosing a care home is a huge decision. Like buying a house, you want it to be the right fit for you or your loved ones. Care homes are often a last-minute choice because of a health crisis, but with this guide, you can prepare yourself and your family for the possibility of moving into a care home.

DECIDING ON CARE

The first step in finding a care home is assessing whether the person in question really needs one and why. This will help determine the options that are open to you. It may have been suggested due to health reasons, but make sure you consider all the options, including:

• Adapting the home to make things easier.
• Organize support with difficult areas.
• Sheltered housing.

CARE HOME OPTIONS

Not all care homes are the same. One size does not fit all. Use this table to help guide you to the right kind.

RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES

Help with personal care, e.g. washing, dressing, taking medication, and going to the toilet.

Social activities and day trips are usually also organised.

NURSING HOMES

All the personal care, as well as assistance from qualified nurses.

DEMENTIA CARE HOMES

These are designed to make people with dementia feel safe and at east, resulting in more specialised care.

DUAL-REGISTERED HOMES

These homes accept residents who need both personal and nursing care, so if they progress from one to the other, they won’t have to change care homes in the future.

FINDING ACCOMMODATION

Care homes can be run by:

• PRIVATE COMPANIES
• LOCAL AUTHORITIES
• VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS

How to find?

ONLINE SEARCH

A list of homes in your area can be found at housingcare.org. This will give you an idea of what is out there.

FRIENDS & FAMILY

Personal recommendations are important and provide first-hand accounts based on the reputation of the care home.

LOCAL SUPPORT

You can speak to local support groups. Age UK in particular can provide advice and guidance.

USER REVIEWS

The NHS website has user reviews, like a TripAdvisor for care homes!

Accessing Accommodation. 

• Ensure that the home provides the level of care you need, now, and in the future.
• Check that there are vacancies. If not, there may be a waiting list.
• Ask for a brochure.
• Organise a visit.
• Read the most recent inspection report. You can ask the home for it or look for it on the regulators website.

There are things to consider and make notes on about the home itself:

• LOCATION AND ACCESSIBILITY
• STAFF
• SOCIAL LIFE & ACTIVITIES
• FOOD
• CONTRACT AND FEES
• FIRST IMPRESSIONS
• DAY TO DAY CONSIDERATIONS
• HAVING VISITORS
• CARE NEEDS
• COMPLAINTS PROCEDURES

A thorough care home checklist can be found at www.ageuk.org.uk.

COSTS

One of the biggest worries about moving into a care home is the costs associated with it. If the local authority is arranging the care home, then they will do a means test to decide how much you will contribute to the payments.

There are many factors wihich affect the means test, but here is the basic breakdown.

AMOUNT OF CAPITAL | HOW MUCH YOU NEED TO PAY

OVER £23.250 | You must pay full fees (self-funding)

£14.250 – £23.250 | This will be taken into account and treated as an income and so you may have to pay fee contributions.

UNDER £14.250 | This will be ignored and won’t be included in the means test.

You should not be left with less than £24.90 a week after any contribution to your fees. This is your Personal Expenses Allowance.

The UK has an ageing population.

1 IN 3 OF US IS NOW AGED OVER 50.

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY THERE ARE MORE PEOPLE OVER 65 THAN THERE ARE YOUNG PEOPLE.

BY 2020 THE NUMBER OF OLDER PEOPLE RELYING ON COMMUNITY CARE SERVICES WILL RISE BY NEARLY 40% TO MORE THAN 2 MILLION.

For further information contact Age UK or a local solicitor who may be able to offer advice on any recent changes to legislation, which may affect fees.

Browell Smith & Co
SOLICITORS LTD 
EST. 1995

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