Choosing a Care Home can be extremely difficult. The Home must have everything you and/or relative needs, in the right location at an affordable price.

The Care Home needs to be a home where the resident can still do things that matter to them, where they have choice and control and where their emotional needs are valued.

You should request an Information Pack from the homes on your shortlist. You should request a copy of their Contracts and/or Terms and Conditions. You should make sure they have vacancies or establish how long their waiting list is. You should make a shortlist of all suitable care homes in your area that fall within your budget.

Care homes are run by local authorities, private firms and voluntary organisations. Some offer accommodation and help with personal care, while others offer nursing care too. Some specialise in Mental illness, Dementia or Alzheimer’s.

If you are in poor health, you might need a great deal of care. If you are relatively fit and mobile, you probably will not need full time nursing care. For most people it is somewhere in between and will be confirmed by a local authority care needs assessment.

When you attend the shortlist of care homes, do not be embarrassed to ask questions you are about to make a life changing decision. Here are a few questions you might like to seek clarification upon:

  • When and how long are visiting hours
  • Does the home offer communal activities
  • How many staff are employed per Resident
  • Are there enough handrails and mobility aids
  • Can all your food and dietary requirements be met
  • How much space is there for your own possessions
  • Would the home agree to a trial period to see if you like it
  • Does the home have the bathing and toilet facilities you need
  • How easy is it to access GP’s, dentists, opticians and other health services

If Fisher Jones Greenwood can assist you in the planning of your future either by assisting in draft of your Will or assisting in an application for Lasting Powers of Attorney, then please do not hesitate to contact us on 01206 700113 or email [email protected].