When to consider a care home

Contents

• What is a care home?
• Signs that it may be time to consider a care home
• Benefits of a care home
• Comparing home care vs. care home
• How to choose the right care home
• Financial considerations: How to fund care home costs
• Frequently asked questions 

What is a care home?

A care home is a residential facility where people can live full-time and receive help with everyday tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating, and managing medication. Care homes vary in the level of support they offer, from basic personal care to specialised medical care for those with chronic conditions like dementia.

There are several types of care homes, including:

• Residential Care Homes: These provide assistance with personal care and daily living activities but do not offer medical care.
• Nursing Homes: These are for individuals with more complex health needs, offering 24-hour nursing care.
• Dementia Care Homes: Specifically designed to care for people with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia, with trained staff on-site.
• Respite Care Homes: Short-term stays that give family carers a break while providing professional care to the individual.

Each type of care home is tailored to different needs, and the choice depends on the level of care required.

Signs that it may be time to consider a care home

It's often difficult to know when it's the right time to think about a care home. Many people in Plymouth, like elsewhere, prefer to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. However, there are key indicators that suggest a care home may be the best option:

Difficulty managing daily tasks

As we age, simple tasks like cooking, cleaning, and personal hygiene can become overwhelming. If you or your loved one is finding it increasingly hard to manage daily routines, this may be a sign that extra support is needed.

Look out for these signs:

• Unopened mail or unpaid bills piling up.
• A decline in personal hygiene or appearance.
• Difficulty preparing meals or maintaining a clean home.
• Problems with mobility, such as struggling to get in and out of bed or a chair.

Increased health concerns

Chronic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, or arthritis, can become more challenging to manage as you get older. Frequent hospital visits, worsening medical conditions, or the inability to manage medications correctly are strong signals that more structured care is required.

Signs that health concerns are becoming overwhelming include:

• Regular hospital admissions or medical emergencies.
• Confusion about medication schedules leads to missed or duplicated doses.
• Problems with managing chronic health conditions.

Frequent falls or accidents

Falls are a common concern for older people. A simple slip can lead to serious injuries, hospital stays, and long recovery periods. If falls or accidents are becoming more frequent, this may indicate that living at home alone is no longer safe.

If you notice these warning signs, it may be time to explore care options:

• Frequent bruises, cuts, or injuries that can't be explained.
• Difficulty moving around the house safely, particularly on stairs.
• Use of furniture or walls for balance when walking.

Feelings of loneliness or isolation

Social isolation is a significant issue among the elderly, particularly if family members live far away or if friends and neighbours are no longer around. A care home can provide companionship, social activities, and a sense of community.

Signs of loneliness or social isolation include:

• Withdrawal from social activities.
• A loss of interest in hobbies or previously enjoyable activities.
• Depression or increased anxiety.

Family carers feeling overwhelmed

For many families, the responsibility of caring for an elderly loved one falls on relatives. While family members want to help, this can become stressful and overwhelming, particularly if your loved one's care needs are increasing. If caring is putting a strain on your family or affecting your health, it might be time to consider professional help.

Concerns about personal safety

If you worry about your loved one's safety when they are alone, this could be a sign that they need more supervision than can be provided at home. A care home ensures that professional staff are always present to help with emergencies or health issues, providing peace of mind.

Benefits of a care home

Making the decision to move into a care home is not an easy one. However, for many people, a care home offers numerous benefits that can significantly improve quality of life. Here are some of the most important advantages:

24-hour support and care

One of the main benefits of a care home is the round-the-clock support. Whether it's help with personal care or managing a medical condition, trained staff are always on hand to provide assistance.

Safe and comfortable living environment

Care homes are designed to be accessible and safe for older adults. This includes features like grab bars in bathrooms, stairlifts, or single-level living to minimise the risk of falls.

Companionship and social interaction

Loneliness can be a major issue for older adults living alone. Care homes offer a built-in community, with opportunities to make new friends and engage in group activities such as gardening, games, or exercise classes. This social interaction can greatly improve mental health and well-being.

Nutritious meals and help with eating

Many elderly people struggle to prepare healthy meals or maintain a balanced diet. In a care home, residents are provided with nutritious meals tailored to their dietary needs. Staff can also assist with feeding, if necessary.

Relief for family carers

For families providing care, the move to a care home can relieve the stress and anxiety of being a primary carer. Knowing that your loved one is being looked after by professionals can provide much-needed peace of mind.

Comparing home care vs. care home

If you're still deciding between home care and moving into a care home, it can help to compare the two options. The table below highlights some of the key differences:

How to choose the right care home

Once you've made the decision to consider a care home, the next step is finding the right one. This can be a daunting task, especially with so many factors to consider. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Assess care needs

Begin by understanding the level of care needed. Does your loved one require help with personal care only, or are there medical needs that require nursing support? If dementia is a concern, a specialist dementia care home may be necessary.

Location matters

For many families, it's important to find a care home that is close to family and friends. This allows for regular visits and helps maintain a sense of connection.

Visit and inspect potential care homes

Visit a few care homes to get a feel for the atmosphere. Look out for how staff interact with residents, the cleanliness of the facility, and the overall environment. Are residents engaged in activities? Does the home feel welcoming and comfortable?

Check staff-to-resident ratios

The level of attention a resident receives can depend on how many staff members are available to care for them. A higher staff-to-resident ratio usually means better, more personalised care.

Read reviews and ratings

Care homes are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and their reports can give you an insight into the quality of care provided. It's also worth reading reviews from current or past residents and their families to get a first-hand perspective.

Financial considerations: How to fund care home costs

One of the biggest concerns when considering a care home is the cost. The fees can vary significantly depending on the type of care needed and the location of the home. In Plymouth, average care home costs can range from £600 to over £1,000 per week. It's essential to understand your funding options:

• Self-funding: If you or your loved one has savings or assets, such as a home, you may need to pay for the care home privately. This is known as self-funding.
• Local authority funding: If your savings are below a certain threshold (£23,250 in England), you may be eligible for local authority funding. The local council will carry out a needs assessment and a financial assessment to determine if you qualify for help.
• NHS Continuing Healthcare: For those with significant health needs, NHS Continuing Healthcare may cover the full cost of a care home. This is available to people whose primary care needs are health-related.
• Benefits and allowances: Don't forget to check if you're entitled to benefits like Attendance Allowance or Pension Credit, which can help towards the cost of care.

Frequently asked questions 

What is a care home?

A care home offers 24-hour support for people who need help with daily tasks or have medical needs. There are different types of care homes depending on the level of care required.

When should I consider a care home?

Signs include difficulty managing daily activities, increased health issues, social isolation, or when home care support is no longer sufficient.

What are the types of care homes?

Residential care homes, nursing homes, dementia care homes, and respite care homes are common types. Each provides different levels of support based on needs.

How can I tell if it's the right time for a care home?

Key indicators include worsening health, frequent falls, inability to manage medication, and feelings of loneliness or depression.

What are the benefits of a care home?

Safety, professional care, social activities, emotional support, and relief for family carers.

What should I look for in a care home?

Check for quality of care, location, facilities, staff-to-resident ratio, and the overall atmosphere. Personal visits and reviews are helpful.

Is financial support available?

Yes, depending on your financial circumstances, you may qualify for local authority support or benefits to help cover care home costs.

Is the information correct?

Let us know if the information on this page is wrong and needs to be updated.

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