How to Get an Elderly Person into a Care Home

Moving into a care home is extremely common for many older individuals across the UK. A care home can help elderly people to live independently and receive the additional care that they need when living in their own home might no longer be safe due to a decline in health or general ageing.

A move into a care home is often the best option for many families as both residents and loved ones can receive high-quality care and support on a 24-hour basis. However, the idea of leaving your own home can be extremely worrying, especially at an older age, which is why it is important to ensure the transition is as stress-free as possible. In this blog, we explore some things to consider when getting an elderly person into a care home.

Being Involved in the Whole Process

A move into a care home can be a nerve-wracking experience for many people and can become very stressful, so it is important that the move into a care home isn't sprung upon an elderly person and they are involved in the decision if possible. By having an open conversation with the person moving into care, they are able to feel like they are still in control of their own life and are taking control of the situation.

Aiming to reduce the anxiety involved with moving into a care home may help the individual be more welcoming to the idea and be more willing to give the idea of moving into a care home a go. Care homes can be especially supportive in the initial stages of considering a care home, and allow both care seekers and their loved ones to take a tour of their home to ensure it is right for you. This is a great opportunity to get any questions answered and become familiar with the surroundings.

There are a Number Of Benefits

The idea of being moved into a care home can be rather negative and classed as the 'last option' when that should not be the case at all. A move into a care home can help an elderly person excel and regain their independence.

When introducing the idea of living in a care home, it may be helpful to explain the many benefits to the care seeker. Some of these benefits include having access to care professionals on a 24-hour basis that can support both medical and personal needs. 

The environment of a care home has also been designed to be a safe space for older people to go about their daily lives. Additionally, the older stages of your life can be very lonely and isolating. When living in a residential care home, you are surrounded by other people in a similar situation to yourself and this can be a great opportunity to form new friendships and socialise.

By having an open conversation and involving the person who requires care in the conversation, they have time to process the idea of a move and understand the advantages, and when the time comes they may be more comfortable with the idea and less reluctant.

Comparing Homes in the Local Area

A care home is so much more than a care provider. A care home has to have an environment that suits the individual and provides facilities to help them pursue their interests. Once you have chosen a location, it is crucial to shortlist a few homes for visiting. Each care home will vary slightly in terms of its services and amenities, so it is essential to select one that offers the appropriate type of care and lifestyle for you or your loved one.

Additionally, you can review the care home's most recent inspection report, which provides insight from a regulatory board, helping you assess its quality. Reviews on carehome.co.uk or the homes Google profile can also help support you in your decision. 

During your visits, enquire about the available food options, and the activities provided as well as day trips they organise if this is of interest to you or your loved one.

If the person who needs care has a reduced mental capacity due to a condition like dementia, it would be in their best interest to seek a 'lasting power of attorney' so you are able to make decisions for them that are in their best interest.

Understand What Kind of Care is Needed

Every individual is different and each home will create a personalised care plan tailored to their needs. However, there are many different types of care that you can choose from. You have to consider what the care seekers need, like their mobility, personal care, physical health, mental capacity and care needs. Once you have established what their best care interests are, you can see if the homes in your local area are suitable.

Making this kind of decision can be extremely challenging and you may need to seek additional help. Care homes and social services will be able to assist and provide you with a care needs assessment. Once this has been carried out, you can speak to the care home manager and agree on what is the best care service for the individual seeking care.

What are the Financial Costs

UK care homes are amongst the most expensive in Europe according to Care Home UK, so it is very important to know what kind of costs you will be paying to live in a residential care home or nursing home.

Another thing to consider is how the care will be paid for. Some people are able to self-fund but some will have to seek assistance from their local authority if they have insufficient income and assets. If someone has complex medical needs, they may be eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding.

You can also pay for a care home with a combination of sources. Some people can have a top-up fee that can help them with their self-funding.

Due to the rising costs, most care homes will advise that fees will likely increase on a yearly basis, so it is really important that the payment structure is discussed before choosing a home.

Seeking Professional Advice

If you would like to seek further advice on what is best for your loved one, it is a good idea to speak to a healthcare professional so you can get your questions answered. You are able to speak to your local authority, care home managers or a professional carer. There are several online resources you can look at including Age UK and Care UK.

By speaking to a professional they can offer support to the families and the person who is looking at going into a care home. A move can be an extremely challenging experience and speaking to someone who has an abundance of experience, can support everyone during this confusing and difficult time.

By seeking advice, you can get some peace of mind on what to expect when moving into a care home.

Tailored High-Quality Care

Penrose Court Care Home is situated in the residential area of Kings Reach, Biggleswade and provides private care for up to 65 residents within a luxury care environment. Our home offers Nursing Care, Residential Care, Dementia Care and Respite Care.

We understand that each individual is unique and at Penrose Court Care Home, we have built our home and team on the philosophy that each person within our home deserves to have a fulfilled life. 

Our care home has a number of amenities that all of our residents have access to as well as being surrounded by a team of professional carers that are passionate about providing individuals with the top-quality care that they deserve.

Have Any Questions? Get in Touch with Us

We understand how challenging the decision to move yourself or a loved one into a care home can be, and that you may have many questions that you still want answered. Penrose Court Care Home is here to guide you and reduce any stress that you might have. To get in touch please call 01767 777000 or email us at info@penrosecourt.com.