Making the right choice: how to find the best residential care home for your loved one
5th April 2023
When it comes to finding the best residential care home for a loved one, the task can be overwhelming. From cost and location to the level of care needed, there are a number of factors to consider when choosing the right residential care home for your loved one and your family.
This article will provide a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the search process and make the right choice. We will cover the importance of the level of care needed, researching potential care homes, scheduling visits, reviewing the cost, and considering location and accessibility.
1. Identifying the required level of care
One of the first things to do when looking for residential care for a loved one is to identify the level of care they need, as there a different types of care residential care homes offering different levels of service and care, for example, some homes may provide specialist nursing or dementia care, whilst others are simply a safe and comfortable home for those who require a little assistance with their daily lives.
If you are unsure of the level of care that your loved one will require, you can arrange a care needs assessment with your local council. This assessment will determine the type of residential care that would meet the needs of your loved ones, helping you to eliminate unsuitable care home options.
2. Deciding on the location
Before you start looking for a residential care home, it is useful to identify a desired location. Choosing a care home for your loved one that is close to both yourself, wider family and friends can be highly beneficial, as it ensures they will have regular visitors and help your loved ones settle into their new surroundings.
If your loved one currently doesn’t live near you, this is a good opportunity to move them closer, to ensure they are well-supported during this difficult time.
3. Identifying potential residential care homes
Once you know the type of care your loved one requires and the preferred location, you can start to create a shortlist of care homes that fit your needs.
If you are struggling to find residential care homes that meet your criteria, then there are several online directories that can be used to list nearby care providers. A number of these sites enable you to see customer reviews and ratings, which can also impact your decision.
4. Comparing the costs
Before you visit your shortlisted care homes, we would recommend working out a residential care budget for your loved one. It is also useful to understand what is typically included in care costs, and what tends to be an additional charge so that you can factor those into your overall budget.
Care costs vary greatly from home to home, and costs increase with more care that is required. Typically, residential care homes will assess your loved one before they move into the home, providing a complete fee breakdown.
5. Scheduling visits to view potential residential care homes
It is important that you and your loved ones visit the care homes that you have shortlisted, as this allows you to get a better feel for the care homes and their staff, and assess whether they would be a good fit for your family.
Visiting potential residential care homes also allows you to find out more about their communal facilities and social activities, explore the outdoor areas and collect more information. Choosing the right care home is a big decision; it is fine to do more than one visit before you make up your mind.
Seeking residential care in West Sussex?
Located in Selsey, West Sussex, The Bill House is a fresh vision of what modern residential care can be. With clear views across the English Channel, expansive gardens and outstanding facilities, our residential care home in Selsey is a haven fit for the 21st century.
Our team are here to reassure you every step of the way and help you make the right decision for your family. Get in touch today.
