Guides - Choosing the right long-term care for you

When faced with the decision to choose long term care, many of us do not know where to turn or what options are available to us. It’s a huge decision to make, and carrying out some research and asking the right questions can assist you and your family to find the most appropriate care. This guide has been put together to help you make the best decision.

There are several options for the type of care required in a care home setting and each of our Homes has advisers that can help you decide which care is most appropriate

Residential Care is for frail older people whose care needs are relatively low. For example, people who do not require specialist or nursing care but who may need personal care and help with daily living activities. Those may include assistance with washing, dressing, taking medication, or perhaps companionship for those who have social needs due to loneliness. High quality personal care and practical support is provided in Cuffley Manor, Carlton Court, Karuna Manor, Camberley Manor and Cambridge Manor by well trained and caring staff to ensure maximum independence as well as peace of mind, knowing that help is always at hand.

Nursing Care is for older people who need a qualified nursing team available to them 24 hours a day. Confusingly, sometimes people refer to all homes as ‘Nursing Homes’ when residential care would be more suitable. Most residents who are assessed as needing nursing care qualify for ‘Funded Nursing Care’. This is essentially a contribution towards your fees paid by the NHS or your local Trust. The home will make sure that the appropriate assessment takes place. A nursing home may be appropriate for someone needing residential care now but who may need nursing care in the near future. The Home Manager will be able to confirm whether your loved one has a nursing need or not. Carlton Court, Cooperscroft, Karuna Manor, Cambridge Manor and Cherry Hinton offer24 hour nursing care, with personalised care plans for each resident to ensure that everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Care for people living with a Dementia and memory lossis very specialist care based on higher staffing levels and appropriately trained teams. Dementia care may include Alzheimer’s disease, dementia as the result of strokes as well as other causes. Symptoms include loss of memory, confusion, problems with speech and understanding and can differ from person to person. Cuffley Manor, Cooperscroft, Karuna Manor, Carlton Court, Camberley Manor, Cambridge Manor and Cherry Hinton all provide individual specialist care for older people living with a dementia, making people feel comfortable, safe and engaged and helping to ensure people live life with dementia to the full.

Research is key

As each home is different, research is key. Research suitable homes in the area via telephone and websites such as those listed in the insert entitled ‘Support for your Research’. Ask for recommendations from healthcare professionals, or perhaps friends and family who have previously experienced looking for care for a loved one. Although the decision is very personal, they may be able to give you some pointers of what to look for or questions they wish they’d asked themselves.

Once you have completed your initial research, choose perhaps three or four homes and then telephone each home and arrange an appointment,ideally with the Care Adviser (whose role is to liaise with, and to support families in helping them make an informed decision) at a time convenient to you both. This will enable you to not only view the home, but also spend time discussing your circumstancesand your concerns with an understanding professional. You will also be able to discuss fees and availability and find answers to your questions. After the initial meeting with theCare Adviser, we would encourage you to visit again, at various times of the day, to ensure you have a real feel for the home. Also try to meet some of the caring and/or nursing teams, as well as the Activities Co-ordinator who will explain what wellbeing lifestyle activities and events take place at the home. If your loved one has special dietary needs, ask to speak with the chef to find out how their needs will be catered for. Speak with residents and also any visitors to the home to gain their view too.When you visit, consider the décor, the furniture and the facilities available, and ask yourself if your loved one will feel at home. It is importantthat each hometakes both your needs and the needs of your loved one into account

We have listed some prompts that you may wish to consider; some may be more relevant than others and can help you to structure the meeting. This will also assist you in what you need to look for whilst visiting the homes. Please feel free to copy this – or ask us for additional copies so that you have one for each of the homes you will be visiting. Good quality homes will be happy to answer all of your questions.

Location:

Location may be as important as the home itself. Does your loved one wish to stay in the same area or do they perhaps wish to move nearer to you?

Notes
Is the home close to public transport for anyone visiting who does not drive?
Are there shops, parks, or a pub nearby for residents who enjoy going out?
Is there something of interest to view from the home?
Is it in a noisy or a quiet area?

First Impressions:

First impressions can be indicative of how well a home is run

Notes
Were you able to park easily if you travelled by car?
Was the home easy to find with clear signage?
Was the building clean and well maintained?
Was the home free from unpleasant odours as you entered?
Were you greeted in a friendly way when you arrived?
Were you offered refreshments?
Did you have to wait to meet theCare Adviser for your appointment?
Did the home feel welcoming?
Were you taken somewhere private to discuss your situation and concerns?
In general, what where your first impressions of the home?

Type of Care:

Different homes offer different levels of care

Notes
Does the home provide the most appropriate care for your needs?
How will the home let relatives or friends know if a resident is taken ill?
Are there agreed communications methods with relatives?
Are residents registered with a local GP or can they keep their own?
How often does the local GP visit?
Are there visiting opticians and dentists?
Can the home provide other services like chiropody, physiotherapy and occupational therapy, if required?
What important equipment does the home have that your family member/loved one might need?
For example – electrically operated beds, furniture suitable for older people, hoists, pressure cushions, pressure-relieving mattresses, walking aids, wheelchairs
How often are care plans reviewed?
Are changes in care requirements for residents discussed with families?
Can the home cope with any futures changes in needs?

Residents:

Speaking with the residents will help you to find out how good the home is. In a good home, residents will appear happy and responsive.

Notes
Did the residents seem well cared for?
Did the residents seem happy and engaged in activity?
Are residents properly dressed and well groomed?
Are residents encouraged to be as independent as they can and did you see any examples of this?
Can residents get up and go to bed when they want to?
Is there a resident’s association?
Does the home organise relative meetings?

Lifestyle and Activities:

It’s not just about a list of activities and events, it’s also about doing the things you would have been able to enjoy at home.

Notes
Are residents encouraged, invited and assisted to be involved with wellbeing activities and events without feeling stressed?
Are residents consulted on their own hobbies and interests?
Does the home have staff dedicated to coordinating activities and events?
Is there a weekly plan of organised activities and entertainment?
Are residents encouraged to complete small daily tasks such as helping to lay the tables, folding napkins, baking etc if they wish?
How are residents’ religious and spiritual needs met?
Is there a garden and is it accessible?
If so, is there a garden club where residents can help, with raised flower beds?
Are outings arranged and how much do they cost?
Are special events such as residents birthdays celebrated?
What physical exercises are residents encouraged to take?
Are there individual activities for people who are unable to join in group activities?
Are there personalised activities that are suitable for people living with a dementia?
Are residents able to choose and listen to a variety of music whenever they feel like it?
Can relatives /friends help with activities?
What evidence of activities did you see in the home during your visit?
Are daily newspapers available to residents?
Is there a hairdresser salon and how often does it open?

Bedroom Accommodation:

Homes will vary in what type of bedroom accommodation is available

Notes
Can residents bring in some of their own possessions / furniture?
Were you able to view a bedroom?
Was it bright, well lit and well decorated?
Are en-suite facilities available?
If no en-suite, where is the nearest toilet and bathroom to the room?
Do bedrooms have a telephone and television points?
Can residents lock their room?
Is there a lockable drawer or cabinet in the room?
Does each room have a call system in case of need?
Can residents go to their rooms when they wish to be alone?
Do staff respect the resident’s privacy and knock on bedroom doors?
Is there somewhere for visitors to sit in the room?
Are small pets allowed?

Communal Areas:

If you don’t want to stay in you room all day, it’s important to know what else is available and where you can sit with your family during visits

Notes
Is there a variety of living spaces including lounges, quiet rooms without TVs, and outside sitting areas?
Is seating arranged in small groups to encourage talking rather than placed in a circle around the room?
Is there a TV left on when no one is watching?
Is there a lift to any upper floors?
Is there easy access for wheelchairs and walking frames, including the gardens?
Does the home have sufficient bathrooms with showers and specialist baths?
Are there toilets within easy reach throughout?
Are corridors wide with handrails?

Dining:

This is such an important area to consider:

Notes
Is food freshly prepared in the kitchen?
Is the food nutritious, varied, interesting and of good quality?
Are special diets catered for?
Does the chef speak with the residents regularly to discuss their food preferences?
Is there a current menu on display?
Are menus rotated for variety?
Can residents choose the time they have their meals or must everyone eat at the same time?
Is there a choice of menu at meal times?
Can residents eat their meals in their own room?
Are there snacks and drink available at all times?
Can alcoholic as well as non-alcoholic drinks be served? (if appropriate)
Are staff trained to assist residents who need help with their food and is this done with dignity and respect?
Can family and friends join the residents for a meal?
Can residents make themselves and their visitors, a drink?

The HomeManagerand staff of the home:

The Home Manager should be both considerate and effective in the running of the home. The carers who will be looking after you/your loved one should come across as being caring and friendly and be seen to treat residents respectfully.

Notes
Did the Care Advisers answer your questions openly and knowledgably?
Did you feel that the Care Adviser really understood your concerns and the concerns of your family member /loved one?
Did the Care Adviser have a friendly and open manner with both staff and residents?
Do they have the knowledge and skills to deal with your family member/ loved ones situation?
Did all staff have a clean and professional appearance?
Did you observe staff being friendly and caring towards residents, and treating residents with respect?
How do the staff learn about residents’ background, likes and dislikes, daily habits and interests?
Can staff be seen around the home with residents?
Does each resident have a member of staff particularly responsible for their care?
What qualifications do the staff have?
What training do staff receive?
What is the staffing ratio on each shift?
Did you feel that individual needs and preferences could be met by the home when you visited?

Visitors:

If you visit your loved one in theirown home currently, you will want to continue doing so. Telephone calls and visits to the home should be encouraged and good communication should be maintained between relatives and the home

Notes
Are visitors welcome at any time?
Can visitors make a drink for themselves and their family member / loved one?
Can children visit and be made to feel at home?
Is it possible for visitors to stay overnight if necessary?

Fees and Finance:

Understanding the fees and other charges will help you to make your decision. The home manager should be able to signpost where you can obtain financial advice to help fund the care required.

Notes
Were the fees fully explained to you?
Was the pricing structure explained with regard to room rate and care assessment?
What is not covered in the fees?
Is there an ‘Administration Fee’ or Deposit required? How much is this?
How often are fees reviewed?
Is there someone at the home who looks after Residents money to be used for treats, toiletries, hairdressing etc?
If the resident wishes to dine in their own room, is there an additional ‘tray charge’
Is there a charge for carers escorting your loved one to planned hospital/dental appointments?
Were you able to obtain a copy of the contract?
Were you pointed in the right direction to understand how to pay for care?
Overall, does the home offer ‘good value’

General:

Anything else that you consider to be important including questions of your own not covered elsewhere

Notes
Can you have a trial period or short stay?
If applicable, was the latest home’s inspection report available?
Does the home insure a resident’s personal possessions?
Is there a written complaints procedure?
Is there a suggestion box?
What happens when a resident receives post?
Did you feel that the visit was of value?
Would you be prepared to visit the home again and consider the home for your family member/loved one?
Based on your observations, did you feel that the quality of care would be outstanding?

Planning to move into the home:

Finding out what help and support is available

Notes
Was it explained to you that an assessment of your loved one’s needs would be required prior to move in?
Were the procedures and timescales explained to you?
Would the home be able to assist with transport for example if a private ambulance was needed?

Other questions or observations you may wish to add:

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