How to Choose a Care Home

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Choosing a care home is about finding the right type of
care, in the right place, with the facilities you need. This
guide will outline the key things to consider when
choosing a care home, to give you the peace of mind that
you, or your loved one, will be cared for in the best way
possible.
Understand the type of care you need

It is important to understand the type of care that you need before choosing a care
home. Do you need nursing or dementia care, or specialist care for Parkinson's or
Huntington's disease? Do you need residential care if you are finding it difficult to
live on your own at home, or temporary care to recover from an illness or operation?
Thinking about the type of care that you need will make it easier to select the right
home for you. Most care homes provide a number of different types of care, which
may be important to consider if you have changing or complex care needs.

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Consider the location of the care home

The location of the care home is another important factor to consider. It may be
important that your care home is in an area close to your family and friends. Or,
it might be important that your care home is convenient for shops and public
transport. Try to find a care home that is in the right place for you.

Find out the additional care services provided

Many care homes provide additional care services including physiotherapy,
occupational therapy, chiropody and complementary therapies, such as
massage and reflexology. Care homes may also arrange for dentists, opticians
and hairdressers to visit residents. If these services are important to you, make
sure you that your care home provides them.

Decide which activities and leisure facilities you need

Consider the types of activities and leisure facilities that you would like to be
offered in your care home. Many care homes run excellent regular activity
programs for residents, such as exercise, day trips, support groups and group
activities. Your care home might also provide a library facility and access to
cooking and gardening activities.

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Check ratings and reviews

Care homes are regulated by the Care Quality Commission, so check the most
recent inspection report of your prospective care home to find out if there are
any areas of concern.

Visit prospective care homes

It is important to visit a number of care home before choosing which one is for
you. When visiting each care home, it is important to meet the staff and
residents and ask all the questions you need. Make a checklist of the things that
are important to you in a care home. Take a tour to check what the bedrooms
and communal areas are like, visit the gardens, and assess the general
atmosphere of the care home. Find out what the meals are like and what
services and activities are provided. Is the care home in a quiet location, and
does the area feel safe and secure?

Following these steps to choosing a care home will
help ensure that you, or your loved one, are being
given the right care in the right place.

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