Finding the Right Nursing Home for Your Loved One

30.9.24

Choosing the right nursing home for your loved one is such an important (and daunting) decision. It’s a process that involves careful consideration of the individual's needs, research into the available options, and an understanding of the various types of care homes available. In this blog, we will walk you through everything you need to know about residential care, nursing care, costs, and what to expect from life in a care home.

Understanding Care Homes

A care home is a residential facility designed to offer 24-hour round-the-clock support and support to individuals who need assistance with daily living. This care may be due to age, physical disabilities, or chronic medical conditions. Care homes provide a safe, supportive environment where residents can receive help with various tasks, such as personal hygiene, dressing, eating, and mobility. Integrating care homes within the local community is essential, with many participating in local initiatives and community events to foster relationships with residents and the surrounding area.

Care homes vary in the types of care they provide, ranging from general residential care to specialised nursing and dementia care. The primary aim is to create a comfortable, homely setting where individuals can continue to live with dignity and receive the level of support they need.

Care homes offer tailored support to meet the specific needs of each resident, they help residents socialise by providing a range of social and recreational activities. A key benefit of nursing homes is that they are staffed around the clock to ensure residents’ safety, health, and well-being.

Types of Care Homes

Understanding the different types of care homes is important in finding the right environment for your loved one. Here’s a breakdown of the main categories:

Residential Care Homes: These types of homes focus on providing personal care and assistance with daily living tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and meals. They do not typically offer medical or nursing care. Residential care homes are ideal for people who need some help with day-to-day activities but do not have complex health needs.

Nursing Care Homes: Nursing homes go a step further by providing 24-hour nursing care in addition to the daily support offered by residential care homes. Staffed by qualified nurses, these facilities cater to individuals with more severe health conditions that require medical supervision and intervention. Nursing homes have specialist equipment and facilities to support residents with physical disabilities or chronic health issues. Some nursing homes also focus on providing person-centred care for specific conditions, including dementia. A specialist dementia nursing home is equipped to handle advanced stages of the disease, differentiating it from other types of care homes that may not have the same level of expertise or resources for individuals with dementia.

Regulations and Standards for Care Homes

Care homes in the UK are held to rigorous standards to ensure they provide high-quality care and support. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) plays a pivotal role in this, conducting regular inspections to assess compliance with established quality and safety standards. These inspections help ensure that care homes maintain a safe and supportive environment for residents.

In addition to CQC regulations, care homes must adhere to the Care Act 2014, which outlines the rights and entitlements of individuals receiving care and support. This legislation ensures that residents receive the care they need while respecting their dignity and independence.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) sets further standards, focusing on areas such as staffing, training, and the overall quality of care. These guidelines help care homes maintain a high standard of service, ensuring that residents receive the best possible care.

For care homes that provide nursing care, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) sets specific standards. These include requirements for the qualifications and training of nursing staff, ensuring that residents receive expert medical care from registered nurses. By adhering to these standards, nursing homes can provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals with complex health needs.

Nursing Care in Care Homes

Nursing care in a care home setting involves providing medical support and monitoring for residents with more complex health needs. A nursing home is specifically required to have a qualified nurse on-site to deliver medical care, highlighting the level of care available in these facilities. Qualified nurses are at the home around the clock to administer medication, manage chronic conditions, perform wound care, and monitor residents’ vital signs. These homes are equipped to handle more severe physical disabilities and health challenges, providing residents with a comprehensive level of medical and personal care, even in an emergency.

Nursing care homes also have specialised facilities, such as hoists, pressure-relieving mattresses, and mobility aids, to support residents with mobility issues or long-term illnesses. The presence of skilled registered nurses ensures that any changes in a resident’s health condition are promptly addressed, often without needing a hospital stay, which is important for maintaining overall health and well-being.

Benefits of Nursing Care

Opting for a nursing care home offers numerous benefits for residents and their families:

24-Hour Medical Support: Knowing that trained nurses are available around the clock provides peace of mind to residents and their families. This ensures that medical concerns are addressed promptly, reducing the risk of complications.
Chronic Condition Management: Nursing homes are well-equipped to manage chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory issues. This level of care can significantly improve the resident's health and quality of life.
Specialised Facilities: Nursing care homes have access to specialist equipment and medical supplies that might not be available in a residential setting, helping to provide high-quality care tailored to each individual's needs.

Finding the Right Care Home

Finding the right care home involves research, visits, and consultation with healthcare professionals. Here are some steps to guide you through the process:

Contact Your Local Council: Start by reaching out to your local council for a needs assessment. This evaluation will help determine the level of care required and provide guidance on suitable care homes in your area.
Research Locally: Look for care homes within your community and read reviews from other residents and their families. A care home’s reputation can offer valuable insight into the quality of care and overall environment.
Visit Care Homes: Nothing compares to visiting a care home in person. It allows you to assess the environment, meet the staff, and observe how they interact with residents. You’ll get a sense of whether it’s a place where your loved one would feel comfortable and well-cared for.

Researching a Care Home

Before making a final decision, it’s essential to thoroughly research the care homes you are considering. We'd always recommend that you do the following when considering a nursing home for your relative:

Check the Website: A care home’s website and social media pages can provide a wealth of information about their services, facilities, and care philosophy.
Read Reviews: Look up reviews and testimonials from current and former residents' families to get an understanding of their experiences. Pay attention to comments about the staff, the level of care provided, and the overall atmosphere.
Consult the Care Quality Commission (CQC): Contact the CQC or check their website to see if the care home has been inspected and reviewed. The CQC's ratings provide an objective assessment of the care home’s quality and standards.

Understanding Care Home Costs —The Average Weekly Cost

The cost of care homes varies depending on the type of care required, the location, and the level of facilities provided. Nursing care homes are generally more expensive than residential care homes due to the higher level of medical support offered. In the UK, the average weekly cost of a nursing care home can range significantly based on factors like accommodation, amenities, and additional services.

It's essential to discuss costs upfront with the care home management to understand what is included in the fees. Some homes may charge extra for specialist care services, therapies, or recreational activities, so clarify these details before making any commitments.

Financial Assistance Options

Funding for care home fees can come from several sources:

Local Authority Support: Contact your local council to discuss financial assistance options and eligibility. Based on the needs assessment, the council may contribute to the cost of care, especially if the individual has limited financial resources.
Self-Funding: If you have sufficient assets, paying for care privately is an option. Many families use savings, pensions, or property equity to cover care costs. The concept of 'own care' involves understanding the financial implications of paying for care independently. Individuals may choose to self-fund if they do not qualify for local authority support or prefer more control over their care services.
Family Contributions: In some cases, family members may assist in funding the care. It’s important to have open discussions about financial arrangements to ensure transparency and avoid misunderstandings.

What to Expect from a Care Home

Moving into a care home is undoubtedly a massive transition for anyone, often older people feel nervous or apprehensive about the move but the move to nursing care comes with a massive range of benefits. Residents are provided with a safe, supportive, and social environment that offers opportunities for engagement and interaction. Daily activities, entertainment, and communal meals help foster a sense of community and belonging and are wonderful in helping residents make friends and integrate.

Residents receive personalised care plans tailored to their individual needs and preferences. Whether it’s specialised nursing support or assistance with mobility, the goal is to create a homely atmosphere where residents can enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

Services Provided by Care Homes

Care homes offer a wide range of services to meet residents' needs, additional to nursing care, including:

Personal Care: Assistance with dressing, bathing, eating, and toileting
Therapies and Activities: Most nursing homes offer additional services, such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and a variety of social and recreational activities. It's really important that residents are able to integrate into the home community and the local community and the majority of homes facilitate this through trips and outings.
Specialist Facilities: Many care homes feature facilities like sensory gardens, activity rooms, and lounges to enhance residents' physical and emotional well-being. As more therapies are becoming widely available more homes are offering things like pet therapy.

Safety and Security Measures

Ensuring the safety and security of residents is a top priority for any care home. Robust safety and security measures are essential to protect the health, safety, and wellbeing of residents. This includes maintaining a secure environment to prevent harm and ensuring that the care home is equipped to manage various risks.

Care homes must have procedures in place to manage risks such as falls, medication errors, and infections. Staff should be trained to identify and manage these risks, and residents should be involved in developing their care plans to ensure their needs and preferences are met.

Emergency procedures, such as fire evacuation plans and first aid protocols, are also crucial. Staff must be trained to respond effectively to emergencies, and residents should be aware of the procedures in place to ensure their safety.

Compliance with relevant health and safety legislation, such as the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, is also essential. This includes maintaining the care home in a safe and clean condition and ensuring that all equipment is properly maintained and used. By implementing these safety and security measures, care homes can provide a safe and supportive environment for their residents.

Choosing the Right Care Home

When choosing a care home, consider the following:

Staff Qualifications: Ensure that the home employs qualified nurses and care staff with experience in caring for individuals with complex needs.
Location: Consider the home's location and accessibility for family visits. A nearby care home allows for more frequent interactions and support.
Facilities and Services: Check that the care home's facilities and services meet the specific needs of your loved one, from mobility support to recreational activities.

Moving into a Care Home

Proper planning can ease the transition into a care home:

Research and visit potential care homes well in advance.
Discuss the move with your loved one and involve them in the decision-making process.
Contact your local council to explore financial assistance options.

Many care homes offer support services to help with the moving process, including assistance with packing, transportation, and settling into the new environment. Family members play an essential role by helping their loved one adjust and providing emotional support during the transition. If you feel that you need additional support don't be afraid of seeking advice from social workers or healthcare professionals to make the move as smooth as possible. Most nursing homes are very happy for residents to bring small pieces of furniture and personal items to make their space feel more homely and allow them to settle in.

Nursing Care in Fife at Dalgety Bay

Dalgety Bay Care Home in Fife offers exceptional luxury nursing care to the Fife community. Our skilled healthcare professionals deliver comprehensive nursing care helping our residents lead fulfilling lives through a variety of activities and dedicated support.

We offer residents 24-hour care that allows them to live a safe, fulfilling life while still taking part in all the activities they enjoy. For more about our nursing care download a brochure or book a visit to our lovely home.