Where should you start when choosing the right care home for a loved one? Local experts share some invaluable advice
If you’ve suddenly found yourself needing to contemplate full-time care for an elderly relative, it’s likely you’ll be feeling rather overwhelmed by the prospect. Where should you even begin the process? And how can you be sure you’re choosing wisely?
Here, experts answer some frequently asked questions to help you along the way.
Where do I start?
“When families begin to notice everyday life is becoming more challenging for a loved one – whether through increased care needs, safety concerns or changes linked to dementia – the first step is simply to start a conversation,” says Woodlands Care Centre operations director Diana Moraru-Manole.
“Speaking with professionals such as a GP, hospital team or social worker can help to clarify the level of support that is required,” she explains.
Talking things through with your loved one and your family is also crucial because – as The Cambridgeshire Care Home team reminds us – moving into a care home is as much an emotional transition as a practical one, so starting with openness and honesty is essential.
Then it’s on to research. You should do this online, through ratings, reviews and recommendations and, importantly, in person. After all, nothing can replace stepping inside, meeting the team and getting a feel for the atmosphere and how the residents are treated.
As Johan Molloy-Cruden, customer relations manager at Heathlands House, adds, location is a key factor to take into account: “Consider if it can easily be reached by relatives and friends visiting.”
Are there different types of care home to consider?
Yes, and all of our experts agree that an understanding of the differences is key to making an informed decision. Many care homes offer a combination of services, but The Cambridgeshire Care Home team outlines the main types below.
- Residential care: Day-to-day support with personal care and daily living.
- Nursing care: 24-hour support from registered nurses for more complex needs.
- Dementia care: Tailored support in environments designed for people living with dementia.
- Respite care: Short stays providing rest, recovery and temporary care support.
- End-of-life/palliative care: Compassionate support focused on comfort, dignity and peace.
As Diana of Woodlands Care Centre elaborates, “Some homes offer residential care, where the focus is on daily support, companionship and wellbeing, while others provide care for individuals with more complex health or cognitive needs. Specialist dementia communities, personalised activity programmes and clinical expertise all play a role in ensuring each person receives care that truly reflects who they are and what matters to them. For families, this means the confidence that support is available both now and as needs change over time.”
Indeed, that latter point is another significant consideration, as Johan from Heathlands House continues: “Consider if a care home offers provision for current needs as well as possible future needs. For instance, if your loved one needs nursing care at any time in the future, do they have this option? Do they have a home for life, meaning never having the upheaval of moving again?”
What one thing, more than any other, defines a good care home?
The answer to this one is unanimous from our experts: the people. A good care home is built on relationships and on the small, everyday moments of kindness, familiarity and connection.
“Compassionate, highly skilled teams who know each resident as an individual – understanding their life story, strengths, preferences and routines – change a care setting into a place of comfort, belonging and dignity,” says Diana.
“Everything else – clean facilities, good staffing levels, activities and safety protocols – matters a lot, but it all flows from the core principle of person-centred care,” Johan continues. “In other words, the defining quality of a good care home is how it makes residents feel: safe, valued and still themselves.”
“When it comes down to it, it’s very simple: happy residents, happy staff, happy home,” smiles Yvonne Quigley, customer relations manager at The Cambridgeshire Care Home.
Other important elements to look out for include a warm, welcoming atmosphere, thoughtful activities and wellbeing support, a sense of calm, good standards of safety and cleanliness.
Catering is another crucial aspect, and one that can often be overlooked initially. “Food isn’t always the first thought for families, but it is mine, and it’s so important,” says head chef at The Cambridgeshire Care Home, Kevin Bridges.
How do I know I’m definitely making the right decision?
It’s completely natural to feel uncertain, as choosing a care home is a major step. “Our answer to this question is always to encourage families to visit, talk openly with the team and trust what they observe and feel,” says Diana.
“Your instincts matter more than people realise!” The Cambridgeshire Care Home team affirms.
