Choosing a Care home -Input Please

fullmoon

Registered User
May 22, 2013
331
0
Today I have been to look around a large (70 bed) purpose built CH which offers both residential and nursing care and specialises in dementia. I like the home very much it has many benefits chiefly the fact that as it has EMI and nursing care, so mum would never need to be moved on. It also has a full time events co-ordinator, hairdresser call twice weekly, own mini-bus, a bar and lovely lounges and dining rooms. The downside is that being so large it does not feel 'homely'.

The other home I had chosen for mum is not purpose built (large house) and only has 20 residents. They are classed residential, but have said they endeavour to keep each patient with help of a district nurse should nursing care be needed. This home has a waiting list with 3 names in front of mum, so I have no idea how long she would wait for a place. The larger home may have a bed available - maybe that's why I feel panicky .

What advice would you good people give bearing in mind the above facts.

Thank you
 

at wits end

Registered User
Nov 9, 2012
752
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East Anglia
My gran is in a large purpose-built nursing home, though she doesnt need nursing at the moment. I know many carers feel small is better but I think the most important thing is the staff. I like it over others I have visited because no-one ever wanders down the corridor without being spoken to by a member of staff. Sometimes when I take gran out for a walk it can take us fifteen minutes to get to the front door because of all the staff/ volunteers and other residents relatives who want to have a chat with my gran.

That to me is priceless. She also has a 'named' carer.

On another note the presence of nursing staff mean if I suspect a urine infection they will just test her, and if the GP cant get to see her he is happy to prescribe basic medication on their request. Gran has made friends there (though not necessarily with those I expected her to!) and is as happy as i believe she ever was.
 

end of my rope

Registered User
Feb 22, 2013
146
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Found you!

Just posted this on your other thread with the same question - forgot to mention that mother's is a care and nursing home with an EMI ward so they can offer care throughout the stages of dementia.

Previously posted:
I looked at both purpose built and converted buildings for my mother.
The primary concern to me was quality of care and support for my mother.
I went with a purpose built which is absolutely wonderful the entire care team are fabulous and keep me up to date on how mother is getting on(I sometimes feel like checking myself in for a break.

To me the benefits of purpose built are
accessibility and ease of movement - Zimmer frame users (as my mother is now) don't do well in a conversion as there can often be little half landings and stairs in the wrong place;
easier to keep clean and keep looking clean (mother was VERY house proud in her day) in that there are fewer nooks and crannies;
dementia aware design - mirrors are positioned in such a way that should hallucinations and paranoia around reflections begin (my mother doesn't always recognise herself and sometimes worries about the lost old lady she just saw who then walked off) they can either be removed or hidden;
fair distribution of space - no one has the best room and no one is stuck in the bad room - everyone gets the same size room with the right facilities built into the specification;
better facilities - en-suites help to protect the dignity and privacy of the residents
economies of scale - in that the financial turnover is sufficient to provide a broader range of activities like mini bus outings and the like.
Also because it looks like an hotel mother can think of it as an hotel - although occasionally she thinks it's a cruise ship.

Having said all this it's a very personal decision and only you know what is best for your mother.

Best of luck with your decision and the future.

eomr
 

sistermillicent

Registered User
Jan 30, 2009
2,949
0
I would agree that it is not the facilities or the look of the place but the staff who are the important factor in choosing a home. I looked at loads of care homes for mum, some of whom said they would take her but in retrospect that was prior to assessing her, which would have ruled them out as mum wanders and it turned out had nursing needs.
I engaged the staff in general conversation about anything and everything and as a result caught them off guard and found out all sorts of things like how they all hated the matron in one home and in another most of them were only there while waiting for qualifications to come through from abroad!!!
I always asked what they liked about the work and how long they had been there. You dont want a place with high staff turnover.
We have a really lovely place for mum for respite, they are so kind and look after dad too with cups of tea and long chats.
The home itself is a bit shabby with no en suite bathrooms and it needs doing up but that does not matter a bit.
 

rogibob

Registered User
Jul 27, 2013
16
0
care homes

I would agree that it is not the facilities or the look of the place but the staff who are the important factor in choosing a home. I looked at loads of care homes for mum, some of whom said they would take her but in retrospect that was prior to assessing her, which would have ruled them out as mum wanders and it turned out had nursing needs.
I engaged the staff in general conversation about anything and everything and as a result caught them off guard and found out all sorts of things like how they all hated the matron in one home and in another most of them were only there while waiting for qualifications to come through from abroad!!!
I always asked what they liked about the work and how long they had been there. You dont want a place with high staff turnover.
We have a really lovely place for mum for respite, they are so kind and look after dad too with cups of tea and long chats.
The home itself is a bit shabby with no en suite bathrooms and it needs doing up but that does not matter a bit.

some care homes for dementia are so sad,do we need a sw assessment before web make a decision about what sort of care my mum needs.she is in middle stageand I think I am nearly and the end of my caring its getting to much,i get so angry sometimes,but I know she carnt help it
 

fullmoon

Registered User
May 22, 2013
331
0
Thanks for all your comments.

Revisited home with husband and close family last night. Everyone was pleased with the cleanliness of home and residents, the friendliness of staff and their approach. We approached a resident and asked for her views away from any staff. She said how happy she was, the staff were like 'family'. Had lots of good feedback from professional contacts too and a friend of a friend who has a family member there. So I have today confirmed we would like to go ahead. Manager said they will be out to assess mum next week!

I feel so apprehensive and stressed about the move but feel we have found a lovely place which hopefully can meet mums needs just hope all will go well:eek:
 

angecmc

Registered User
Dec 25, 2012
2,108
0
hertfordshire
Would like to wish you good luck for next week Fullmoon, it is not an easy road you are about to take, but be assured it is the right thing you are doing for the sake of yourself, husband and family and of course your Mum, none of us want this for our relatives but sometimes it is the best option. xx

Ange
 

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