What to consider when choosing a care home.
Finding the right care home can feel like a huge responsibility. We understand that this is often a time of mixed emotions, and that you will have many different considerations. From the type of care provided to the facilities on offer to financial support, there is a lot to take in.
We also understand that during the pandemic there are additional challenges that you’ll have to consider.
We’re here to help make your choice as straightforward as possible. Hopefully you will find these tips on what to look for in a care home and financial matters useful, but please don’t hesitate to contact us for further information.
1. Visit several care homes.
Looking around the home in person will give you a good insight into everyday life there. All of our Devon care homes have an open door policy and welcome visitors at any time, although we do recommend that you make an appointment to ensure you can meet with the manager. Come with lots of questions! Ask about our policies and procedures. Have a look at a bedroom and the communal areas. Chat to our staff. Get a feel for what life is like in the home. During Covid-19 we have at times reduced our tour availability. Please get in touch to discuss what type of tour is currently available.
2. Think about your priorities and what matters most for your wellbeing.
Choosing a care home is very personal. Location, size, outdoor space, activity programmes, the level of care required… With so many different options, considering what is most important to you can help to narrow your choices. We always start by arranging a chat to assess your care needs, with advice to help you decide if one of our Devon care homes will be a good fit.
3. Trust your senses.
Having so much to consider can feel overwhelming. In our experience, however, it can often come down to how the home looks, feels, sounds and smells to you. People visiting our care homes will comment on how homely they feel, the fresh smell and the welcoming, friendly staff. These first impressions count for a lot and your senses will tell you how comfortable you feel while you are there - instinct is generally a good indicator!
4. Make sure it is clear what you will pay and what is included in this cost.
The location of the care home, the level and type of care required, the type of room you choose and whether you receive financial assistance will all influence the cost of your care. You want your care home to be transparent about the fees and what is included in these. To give you a rough idea, the cost of care in our homes range from £650 – £1200/week for standard accommodation and personal care and £1100 – £1500/week for nursing care (these costs may be higher depending on your individual care needs).
This includes:
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24-hour care
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Utility bills, TV licence and council tax
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Laundry and cleaning/housekeeping
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All meals and refreshments
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Most activities and events
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Bed linen and towels
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Safe dispensing of prescribed medication
Some treatments and services - such as physiotheraphy, chiropody, occupational therapy, hairdressing and aromatherapy - may require additional charges, as will certain outings, we will give advance notice of associated costs.
5. Check if you qualify for financial help for care home costs.
You may be eligible for financial assistance from your Local Authority or the NHS for the cost of accommodation and personal care, and you may also qualify for benefits while you are living in a care home. It's important to know that you have the right to choose the care home, even if you are receiving help with the funding for this. You can also top-up the fees if you choose somewhere that costs more than the funding you're receiving.
6. Seek professional advice if possible.
We’re unable to offer financial or legal advice as a residential and nursing care provider, and we are also not able to witness the signing of any financial or legal documents. We therefore recommend seeking independent advice where possible for information on meeting the long term cost of care, Inheritance Tax planning, estate planning, Lasting Power of Attorney for health and welfare and/or property and financial affairs, and writing a will. You may wish to get this advice before entering your chosen care home, or a solicitor or financial advisor can visit you once you are in the home.
To find out more, please contact us for a chat about your care needs and to arrange a visit to any of our care homes.
