5 Important Factors To Consider When Choosing A Care Home

Moving into a care home is a significant decision which requires a lot of research and consideration, it’s also important to understand the the type of care and services that you’re looking for, as even this can be a stressful process. There are a variety of factors to take into account and it can be overwhelming.

We have detailed 5 of the most important factors when it comes to choosing a care home, helping you assist the type of care you need and what to look out for when you’re visiting care homes. It’s important to consider all aspects of your loved one’s needs and preferences when choosing a care home as every home is different and may suit different lifestyles in many ways. Here are a few things you can consider…

How to Choose a Long-Term Care Facility

Both care homes and nursing homes can differ from one to the next, so it’s essential to consider every single aspect before making your final decision. 

Home Location: When visiting some care homes, ensure you take into account the location, how easy it is to get there, how close it is to loved ones and how at ease you feel when you’re wondering around. Ensure to look into local councils as well as local authority regulations as there can be many different factors which fall under this. It’s also a good idea to look into some of the public transport links and amenities within the area such as banks, shops, parks and restaurants, especially if that’s something that’s important to you.

It’s essential to also keep in mind the level of mobility of the prospective resident. Most of the time care homes are easily accessible to those who use wheelchairs and walking frames, therefore a lot of homes should have feature ramps, lifts, support rails and spacious hallways.

Care Service: There are many care services on offer to all future residents, no matter what type they require, whether that’s tailored memory and dementia care, nursing care or residential care. Both care homes and nursing homes will deliver one or more types of care delivered by a team of specialists, all whilst being supported by other care assistants. 

It can be hard to choose whether a nursing home or residential home would be best for either yourself or a loved one, however most homes welcome you to have a consultation with the home manager or a senior member of the team so they can offer you advice on a suitable path.

Cleanliness & Environment: With your visit into a care home, it’s important to also take notice of how clean and well put together the environment is and feels. Cleanliness is so important in a care home, or any living space for that matter. Within a care home or nursing home, there are lots of procedures in place, including medically to ensure a sterile environment. There are also many features of personal care that need to be carefully considered to help those living with conditions such as dementia.

You always want to make sure the care homes are warm and welcoming, making you feel as if you’re at home. The decoration and furnishings need to be to your taste, all these little things and everything in between is a deciding factor in relocating to a care home.

Available Facilities : Choosing a care home for yourself or a loved one can be challenging, especially for individuals with dementia or other debilitating conditions. While there are many options available, the quality of onsite facilities can significantly set one care home apart from another. 

To make an informed decision, it's crucial to identify what aspects of lifestyle are most important to you or your loved one. For instance, consider the benefits of having access to a fully equipped cinema room or how a spacious, landscaped garden could positively impact physical and emotional wellbeing. Evaluating how these facilities can enhance daily life and align with your current lifestyle can be a valuable step in finding the right care home.

Overall Costs: Care home fees can vary widely based on individual circumstances, the home’s location and the amenities provided. For instance, a care home that offers luxurious amenities such as fine dining, a cinema room, a library and a beauty salon is likely to have higher fees. The type of care required also impacts the cost; for example, a resident needing more personal care or the services of a qualified nurse will incur higher expenses.

In some cases, local authorities may offer government funding to help reduce the overall cost of living in a care home. It's advisable to contact your local council to determine if you or a loved one are eligible for additional funding. Keep in mind that each care home is different, with varying procedures in place, so care costs will differ.

Getting the Care You Deserve at Pottersway House

Pottersway House Care Home is a brand-new luxury facility located in the traditional village of Church Lawton, near Alsager. Residents can enjoy the tranquility of rural living while benefiting from the modern comforts offered in our 60 en-suite bedrooms. We provide 24-hour accommodation and care for older adults, supporting a range of health needs, including Residential Care, Dementia Care, Nursing Care and Respite Care.

Living Your Life to the Fullest

At Pottersway House Care Home in Melton Mowbray, we provide the highest quality of care and support through our extensive range of facilities and services. Regardless of the challenges our residents may face, we aim to build strong, lasting bonds with them and their families, ensuring safety and comfort at all times. For more information on our wonderful care home, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with us today.