Choosing a care home can be an emotional time for many in the family and could lead to judgement being clouded by stress and emotion, particularly if you are pressed for time. But by looking at the size, location and the facilities of care homes in Kent and other areas in the UK, you can begin to make a decision that is not only ideal for your loved one but one that your whole family can be happy with. In this article, we have compiled a list of 5 elements you should consider when choosing a care home.
Location
One of the most important elements to consider when looking into a care home for your loved one is the location. Not only should it be close to you and easy for you to get to but having a home that is close to the local hospital and other infrastructure will ensure that they have everything that they need. This is important as this will provide them with a comfortable living environment that can also provide them with days out in the town and other elements.
Services Provided
In addition to the location, it is important to look into the services that are provided. Whether this is transport to and from the hospital or a specific level of care that is needed, ensuring that all these services are provided will ensure that your loved one has the best quality of life. Though it may take time to find a home that provides all of these services, it is important to ensure that the home has everything that is required as this will prevent your loved one having to move in the future.
Staff
Staff is also important when choosing a home as this is often the first impression that you will receive. With happy friendly staff that are willing to help, your family member is more likely to feel welcome and cared for. It is also important to ensure that the home is not understaffed as this can lead to your loved one not having the care and attention that they need, particularly if their mental health is deteriorating.
Environment
The environment that they are living in is also an important element to consider as you want them to feel as comfortable as possible. This will ensure that they spend their retirement feeling as comfortable as possible in a safe environment with the care and attention that they need. It is important to ensure that the facilities, as well as the day room, are comfortable to ensure that they will be happy there.
Accessibility
The final element to consider is accessibility. Is it easy for you to get to with parking? This is all very important to consider as this can affect your ability to take your family members out. Though this is to be considered, it is also important to consider ramps and other accessibility issues that will need to be present for those with disabilities in order for them to get around.
Whether you are looking for a home for a loved one or you are just conducting research at this time, this list of variables is important to consider as this will help your loved ones retirement to be as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.