Moving into a care home, is for many people, a life-changing event, and not something to be taken too lightly if you have no experience of moving around too much in the past. The task of choosing the best care home for yourself or for a loved one can be a difficult, stressful and time consuming task. But, locating a suitable place is however highly important and there are some things that you should look out for before you are totally committed to your choice.
For somebody who may have been living independently for most of their life and in their own home, the adjustment to living in a care home can come as a real shock and something which we ourselves may have to face one day. It could be the case that there is no alternative, simply because it would be unsafe or unworkable to remain at home any longer – and in the long run, for a number of people, there will even be a sense of relief, that they no longer have any concerns about preparing their own meals, or what to do if they are in need of any assistance during the night.
Getting Started
It’s a great idea to start by looking out for quality care homes in locations that you find suitable and not so far away from family and friends, and with reliable transport links. Once you have made up a shortlist of those that look promising, you can then begin finding out as much information as possible about each of them. If you’re seeking the perfect residential home in Buckinghamshire, ensure that it is not only first class, but top quality to match.
One thing which we all know, but most seldom listen to, is good old fashioned intuition. You will just know immediately if a place is right for you as soon as you wander in through the front door. For others, they will know as soon as they first see and approach a place.
After that, are you made welcome? If you’ve made an appointment, there should be somebody there to make you feel at home right away. England being England, there should also be the offer of a cup of tea or coffee immediately available! After all, a welcome is a welcome!
Asking the Right Questions
Another important sign to look out for, is how the staff address you as a prospective resident; the administrator should not just talk to your relatives and ignore you, they should be making you feel most welcome and asking you some personal questions, such as likes and dislikes, what works for you and what doesn’t.”
Before you go, it is a good idea to make a list of questions, and please don’t be shy to ask them! A walk around the home should also help to answer any questions regarding the standard of the rooms and what they contain. And you should also want to check out the food, especially if the senior citizen has any particular dietary requirements.
Hope that helps and may your search for the perfect care home work out just fine! Good luck!