When looking for a care home for your loved one with dementia, it can be difficult to know what to look out for and where to start. In this article, we’ll provide you with more information about dementia care homes, as well as some tips on what to look for when choosing such a home for your relative.
Understand Your Relative’s Needs
Start by understanding your relative’s needs and abilities. Is their condition likely to deteriorate over time? What level of activity could they cope with? Will they need help with personal care or day-to-day activities? These are all questions that you should answer prior to searching for a care home.
Choosing The Right Environment
When it comes to choosing the right environment for your relative, many factors must be taken into account. Consider the size of the facility and how easy it is to move around, the type of care offered, the location of the home and how close it is to family, friends, local amenities and transport links.
It’s also worth thinking about the availability of specialist services for people with dementia and the quality of care available too. It’s important to ensure that staff are appropriately trained and understand the needs of people with dementia, as well as providing appropriate access to medical care from GPs or specialists when needed.
Make Sure You Visit
Whenever possible, arrange to visit potential care homes in order to get a better feel for the environment and services they offer. During the visit, be sure to ask lots of questions to find out as much as you can. Pay particular attention to the staff and other residents living in the home and whether they seem content with the environment.
You should also assess whether the facilities match the needs of your relative, such as the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, communal areas and outside spaces. As well as talking to staff and other residents, see if there are any activities that are tailored towards those with dementia, such as art classes or reminiscence therapy.
Compare Costs
When it comes to financing a care home, there are a lot of costs to consider. Every care home’s fees vary according to the type of care and services they offer, so it’s worth comparing quotes before making a decision. Some care homes may require additional payments for extras such as haircuts, laundry and meals.
Your relative may also be entitled to financial assistance. In the UK, depending on where you live and your family’s financial situation, you may be eligible for funding via the NHS Continuing Healthcare scheme. This will cover the cost of care in full or part-payment, depending on the assessment.
Always Ask For Advice
Choosing a care home for a relative with dementia requires careful thought and consideration. Ultimately, the decision should be made by both yourself and the individual who is receiving care. If you have any concerns or questions, always seek advice from professionals, such as social workers.
With careful planning and research, you can find the care home that’s best suited to meet your relative’s needs – giving you both peace of mind.