Care Homes Near Me: How Do I Pick?
“How do I pick the best care home near me?”. This tricky question is asked by elderly residents’ and their loved ones time and again when living in their own home is no longer an option. Of course, you want the right location, but it’s also important to consider the facilities and standards of care.
Not sure what you should be looking out for? Here are six important factors to take into consideration before choosing the best care home near you…
1. Varied Care Services
When shortlisting local care homes, one of the main factors to consider is the type of care they offer. From respite care to long-term nursing and even specialist dementia requirements, each care home should offer specific services.
It’s important you choose the appropriate one for yourself or your loved one as it means the care will focus on their exact needs. For example, residents with dementia will require more specialist services which don’t compromise their day to day lives. Care needs may also change over time, which is why it’s a good idea to choose a care home that caters to multiple requirements.
2. Qualified Staff
Just as important as the types of care provided, is ensuring that the home employs highly qualified staff who undergo regular training. You want to know you’re in the best hands possible and feel safe, relaxed and comfortable in your new surroundings. Staff are a big part of making this possible.
Make sure that the nursing care home is not understaffed. Otherwise, there is the possibility you won’t receive the level of care you require. Strong and sustained levels of staff ensure that 24/7 support is always on hand.
3. Fully Accessible Facilities.
Care homes come in all shapes and sizes. But it’s essential that you find the one that fits your requirements. Ask yourself, “which care homes near me have the best facilities?”. This means finding a fully accessible home with a range of facilities, including everything from call bell systems to en-suite bathrooms.
The best residential care homes should also have large shared spaces, such as open lounges, landscaped gardens and spacious dining rooms. This allows residents to have a better quality of life, with places they can relax and socialise.
4. Flexible Visiting
An important part of any residential care home is that visitors and loved ones feel welcome and part of the community. This can be difficult when care homes have set visiting times. People have varying schedules, with work and other commitments often preventing them from visiting as much as they would like.
When searching for the best care home near you, ensure that you choose a local home which has flexible visiting times. With around the clock visiting, loved ones are encouraged to feel just as comfortable and relaxed as you in your home-from-home environment.
5. Healthy Nutrition
A balanced, nutritious diet is pivotal to a healthy lifestyle. It should be a given that all care homes offer enjoyable, quality mealtimes, but sadly it’s not always the case. The home you choose should offer meals which are not only tailored to your dietary requirements but are also healthy and delicious.
Mealtimes can be particularly difficult for a resident with dementia. When searching for a specialist dementia care home near you, it’s important the staff understand your requirements and can help your loved one maintain regular eating patterns.
6. Active Lifestyle
Moving into a care home doesn’t mean residents have to lead an inactive or boring life. It should be the complete opposite. Residential and nursing care homes with plenty of activities, excursions and entertainment allow guests to feel a sense of independence and excitement. Whether you’re interested in cookery, arts & crafts or gardening, choose a care home that allows you to have an active and fulfilling lifestyle.
Unity Homes Can Help
Unity Homes is a family-run group of six leading care homes in the North West. With care homes in Salford, Liverpool, Manchester, and Chorley, we understand how important it is to find a local care home which meets your needs and requirements.
Whether you’re searching for residential, nursing or dementia care, our dedicated staff are always on hand to help. To arrange a visit to one of our homes or to get in touch with the team, contact us today on either 0161 826 9080 or via the link below