Choosing the right care home for a loved one is a big decision that requires careful consideration and thorough research, since the well-being and comfort of a beloved family member is of great importance. This guide is designed to lend a helping hand to families and Next-of-Kin, as they look to choose the most suitable care home, for either long-term or short-term respite care, for their loved one.
Every care home has its own characteristics, services, and atmosphere, and it is essential for families to navigate this landscape with a keen eye and armed with knowledge. Families are encouraged to thoroughly research and gather important information about the reputation and services offered by different care homes, laying the groundwork for the subsequent stages of the decision-making process. Research is paramount at this stage.
Understand the needs:
Before embarking on your search for a care home, it is important to understand your loved one’s specific needs, both physical and emotional. Consider their physical and mental health condition, level of dependence and independence, and the level of need for specialised care.
At Paxton Hall Care Home, our dedicated team of staff are experienced and well-trained in providing care for residents with a wide variety of level of needs and health conditions, including dementia care. Care at Paxton Hall Care Home is person-centred and individualised.
Consider the location:
The geographical location of a care home is an important factor, both to enable frequent visits by family members and friends, as well as vis-a-vis access to medical facilities.
In addition to the location, facilities, and level of care in the Home, one may also want to look at the grounds and gardens of the Care Home and residents’ access to these. Paxton Hall is a beautiful Grade II listed building with significant architectural value. Set amidst expansive grounds with mature trees and a dedicated Residents’ Courtyard, our Care Home provides a serene and tranquil atmosphere for our residents. We continuously invest in refurbishments and improvements to maintain our high standard of care and ensure a comfortable living environment, making Paxton Hall a Home away from Home for all our residents.
Assessment of staff qualifications and training:
The quality of care in a care home depends very much on the expertise, kindness and empathy of staff. Families want the best for their loved ones and should feel free to enquire about the experience and training of staff. This will indicate whether staff are well prepared to cater for residents with differing levels of needs, particularly in specialised areas such as dementia care.
At Paxton Hall, our dedicated team of professionals is well-trained and united by a shared commitment to excellence in care. Our team comprises an experienced and long-serving management team, senior supervisors, and a strong, committed, and dedicated team of 30+ care staff supported by a number of ancillary staff.
Understanding the cost of care:
When making a decision, it is also important to understand the cost of care home services, as the pricing can vary between care homes. Depending on your circumstances and level of savings, financial assistance may be available from your Local Authority for care costs. You can contact our Administrator for more information in the first instance.
Check reviews and ratings of care homes:
Looking at online reviews and ratings is a valuable step when assessing care homes. Exploring platforms such as the Care Quality Commission (CQC) website and other reputable review sites such as www.carehome.co.uk will help considerably with the decision-making process. These online reviews provide a first-hand account of other families’ experiences of individual care homes, giving valuable insight into the quality of care and overall satisfaction.
Making the decision:
Having conducted your own thorough research and evaluation based on the above aspects, you will then be able to make an informed decision. Consider all the information you have gathered and weigh up the pros and cons of each care home, bearing in mind that choosing the right care home is a personal decision that should be based on your loved one’s individual needs and preferences.
Bear in mind that the best way to assess a care home is to visit it, either unannounced or by making an appointment. You will then get a sense of the atmosphere, cleanliness and decor, and general well-being of residents.
About Paxton Hall:
At Paxton Hall Care Home, we understand that choosing the right long-term residential care facility for your loved one is a significant and sometimes challenging decision, and all of us at Paxton Hall Care Home take immense pride in offering comprehensive and compassionate care to all our residents. Should you wish to know more about our Care Home and our care, we invite you to either call us or even better, visit us.