With everyone having different requirements when it comes to picking a care home, it can be hard to judge it for yourself. The best care home is subjective to interpretation, but there are a few things to look out for when making the decision.

Accessibility and mobility

One of the top concerns for many is the safety of the care home. If your family member struggles with their mobility or is a wheelchair user, the accessibility of the home is an important factor. Understanding whether the residents’ bedrooms can be at ground level and whether there are wheelchair friendly facilities is a significant part of the decision-making process, making your family members new home as comfortable and practical as can be. If on the other hand your loved one still lives quite an active lifestyle and needs their independence, ensure there are plenty of grounds and maybe even a nearby shop to maintain their freedom.

Undertaking a needs assessment

Choosing the best  care home again depends on your individual needs and wants. Understanding the difference between a residential home and a nursing home is the first step; residential homes offer basic care and assistance whereas nursing homes provide 24/7 specialised care for more severe needs. Social services should undertake a needs assessment to professionally assess the level of care your relative will need and what services are available to support these. Your loved one’s transition to a care home will be much smoother if the staff are well trained to deal with their conditions and can provide the correct level of support, also putting you and your family at ease.

Check the inspection reports

All English and Scottish care homes are regulated by care regulators and the reports are available to the public to look through. These reports give information on how the care home is managed and the level of care offered, making them a great way to spot any concerns over the running of the home. These reports are carried out every other year and require action to be taken on the back of any services which are not performing well. The inspectors also collect feedback from residents and external family members for a well-rounded collection of feedback which can be used to grow the home for the better.

Planning your priorities

Finding the ideal solution for your relative is a big decision, it will be their new home so should meet the criteria of both you and them. Make a list of your top priorities and tick off the different care homes which meet these. Whether its distance from their family, the number of residents, the social activities or their independence, consider what will make your loved one feel most at ease and comfortable.

There are many great care home options, with the right one for you bound to be out there. When you have selected some suitable options, speaking to the individual homes will help clarify your thoughts and confirm whether they are a suitable match to your needs.