Symponia - Choosing a Care Home
The Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) will be introducing a new way of grading care homes, they are going to award care homes with a star grading (like that of hotels) ranging from 1 for poor up to 4 for excellent.
In theory it sounds like a good idea, we are used to and quite frankly expect hotels to be starred, and many of us use the grades to research and subsequently book our holidays. If star ratings are vital to enjoyment of our holiday, then surely it could be common sense to apply the same criteria and logic to our care home, after all we will be spending an awful lot longer than 2 weeks in it!
However, until the new system is developed and implemented what can a family do to ensure the care home chosen matches their expectations?
Symponia members do spend considerable time visiting care homes, and whilst we can’t offer a universal solution for everyone, hopefully this list will give you some much-needed pointers.
We are not commenting on the actual care given to residents, we are not qualified to do that, nor have we commented on the fee structure, that it is a confidential matter between you and the care home. We are offering some questions that you might not have thought of.
In the main you should apply the same criteria and preferences to when you purchase a property, after all the chosen care home will become your mum’s permanent home. Our list is intended to act as a guide, the points covered are not exhaustive, and of course some of the questions won’t apply if mum is very poorly or confused. We just want to help you locate the most appropriate place for mum.
- What to look for?
- Does it feel like a home?
- Does it smell clean and fresh?
- Are fresh flowers provided?
- Do the residents appear content?
- Can mum stay for a week or so before we commit?
- Do I need to book an appointment before arriving/ if you do, why is that?
- Does the home have a pet(s)?
- Is there a garden?
- Is there a car park?
- Should it be purpose built or a conversion?
- Some people prefer modern homes, whilst others will want old more historic properties
- Modern purpose-built homes can appear more spacious
- Older homes may have strangely shaped corridors that you will either love or hate
- Antique or Modern Furniture?
- As in section 2 this will be down to personal taste, but if mum likes antique furniture, will she be happy with modern lines?
- Town or Country?
- As with house location can play a big part on choice, if mum is used to living in a town centre, she may feel lost in the country.
- If in the country, does the home have transport?
- If in a town, will it be too noisey at night?
- Rooms/Facilities
- Are they large enough?
- What sort of views have they got?
- Are there en-suite facilities? If not, how many people share a bathroom?
- Can Mum bring her own furniture?
- Can she have a Television in her room?
- Can she have a telephone in her room?
- Will mum be encouraged and/or taught how to use a computer?
- Does a hairdresser visit the home?
- Is there a laundry service for mums clothes?
- Sitting Rooms
- Is there a choice of sitting room?
- Does the furniture look comfortable?
- Is it comfortable?
- Does it get overcrowded?
- Can mum stay up as long as she likes?
- Is there a piano? Will mum be able to play (if she wants to)?
- Is there a separate TV lounge?
- Is there a DVD player? Do you show films on a regular basis?
- Dining Rooms
- Do you have a dining room?
- Are all meals served at the table?
- Is there a choice of dining room?
- Can mum eat in her room if she wants to?
- Meals & Drinks
- Is there a choice of food at each meal?
- Do you offer special diets?
- Do you keep a Kosher kitchen?
- Can we come for a lunch before we decide?
- Can we join mum at meal times?
- Can mum give private lunches/dinners?
- What happens on special occasions like Christmas & Easter?
- Are warm drinks served in mum’s room?
- Could she make her own drinks?
- Alcohol
- Just because mum is in a care home doesn’t mean she has to give up her favourite tipple.
- Pets
- Does the home have any pets?
- Can mum bring her own pet?
- If she doesn’t like animals, can she get away from them?
- Visitors
- Is there a limit on how many visitors mum can have?
- Can they come at any (reasonable) time?
- Is it ok to bring the baby?
- Can people ever stay over?
- Activities
- Do you have an activities coordinator?
- Do you organise trips out?
- Does the home arrange entertainment?
- Can mum play bingo?
- Can mum choose to "not join in"?
- Does the home have a computer?
- Can mum watch films?
