Today we visited another 2 care homes in the local area.
If I had read the details properly I would have avoided the first one as it was described as being part of the 'Platinum' range offered by the care home provider. It is indeed luxurious, although with a bit more life than the first 'luxury' home visited a few days ago. Built and opened just 3 years ago it is stuffed full of high quality and dementia-friendly features. The lady who showed us around was welcoming and knowledgeable, pointing out the 2 classes of room available, the 'sensory' garden and the undoubtedly great view of Newcastle racecourse. I felt that her first question about challenging behaviour said something about the ethos of the home. It seemed concerned about exuding luxury to 'discerning' relatives, and the no doubt good standard of care comes with a hefty price tag and considerable top-up.
Quite a contrast to the next home, a small 20-bedded unit in a village setting. The manager was on leave today but, after a welcoming cup of coffee, the member of care staff who showed us around exhibited her pride in the home and the personalised care that it provides. She was unfazed by my description of my wife's behaviours. Her enthusiasm was engaging as we toured the pleasant bedrooms, dining areas and common spaces of this most domestic-looking home. It isn't brand new or in tip-top condition but it has a feel of 'home' that I feel could suit my wife very well. Rooms are available at a price that would be affordable for some time, with no top-up once LA funding kicks in. I like it best of the 6 homes visited thus far and am now seriously thinking about the next steps towards what would be a momentous change to our lives. Perhaps a trial short stay would help to give me some clarity and direction.
If I had read the details properly I would have avoided the first one as it was described as being part of the 'Platinum' range offered by the care home provider. It is indeed luxurious, although with a bit more life than the first 'luxury' home visited a few days ago. Built and opened just 3 years ago it is stuffed full of high quality and dementia-friendly features. The lady who showed us around was welcoming and knowledgeable, pointing out the 2 classes of room available, the 'sensory' garden and the undoubtedly great view of Newcastle racecourse. I felt that her first question about challenging behaviour said something about the ethos of the home. It seemed concerned about exuding luxury to 'discerning' relatives, and the no doubt good standard of care comes with a hefty price tag and considerable top-up.
Quite a contrast to the next home, a small 20-bedded unit in a village setting. The manager was on leave today but, after a welcoming cup of coffee, the member of care staff who showed us around exhibited her pride in the home and the personalised care that it provides. She was unfazed by my description of my wife's behaviours. Her enthusiasm was engaging as we toured the pleasant bedrooms, dining areas and common spaces of this most domestic-looking home. It isn't brand new or in tip-top condition but it has a feel of 'home' that I feel could suit my wife very well. Rooms are available at a price that would be affordable for some time, with no top-up once LA funding kicks in. I like it best of the 6 homes visited thus far and am now seriously thinking about the next steps towards what would be a momentous change to our lives. Perhaps a trial short stay would help to give me some clarity and direction.
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