Honest, helpful & understanding

If the person you have been caring for is unable to leave their bed, or has a condition or illness that requires regular medical attention, a nursing home is likely to be the most appropriate kind of care setting. Under their regulatory responsibilities, care homes must explain very clearly the level of care they are able to provide. They are only allowed to accept residents who they can safely look after. If you are looking for nursing as opposed to residential care you need to be satisfied that your chosen home has qualified nursing staff on duty 24/7 and has dedicated resources for residents such as hoists and specialist beds.

There are a number of factors involved in deciding who should pay for care. Nursing care residents can be assessed for and granted NHS-funded care. Even if the person you are caring for is not eligible for financial help with care home fees, it is generally still worth involving social services. Their assessment and the information they provide are likely to be very helpful in making decisions about care. Be aware that different care homes will charge different fees and if the level set by the one you choose is above what the state will cover then the balance will have to be found elsewhere. If you are funding part or all of the care home costs, then it is important to be sure the resident can afford the fees. The best advice is to talk with social services and/or the prospective home about the funding options.

Ideally, yes. Location is of course very important depending on your individual circumstances and needs. As your GP and social services will have extensive community care links they should have a good insight into the variety of providers in the local area. If you, other members of the family and friends consider location to be a pivotal issue, make that clear at the outset.

You can speak with the care sector regulator, the Care Quality Commission, which maintain lists of care homes and publishes independent reviews online. Age UK also has a useful website. For specific questions relating to someone who is living with dementia, try the Alzheimer’s Society. Another source is simply word of mouth. The personal recommendations of people you know and trust are likely to lead you to a good home too.

You will want to be reassured that your chosen home is focused on the individual needs of residents, including dignity and privacy, and organised in such a way that it can achieve a high standard of care. Ask about the team members involved in care. Seek a meeting with the home manager and ask how long team members have worked at the home, what training they have had, and whether you can speak with the families and friends of other residents to gauge their opinions on how well the home delivers.