Hi, I would really value some input into choosing a care home place for mum. She is 76 has had alzheimers for 9 years now and up till now has been cared for by my 80 year old father, with input from social services, day care and my sister and I. Last weekend he said he could no longer cope with mum at home as she now cant be left and needs someone with her 42/7. She also does not really cope with the outings to the golf club to the dances and social evenings they both used to enjoy so much- she just wants to go home and wont settle. He asked me to 'get the ball rolling' on finding her a care home place- so I did expecting this would take weeks if not months. However we now find ourselves in the position where our SW is applying for funding early next week and Mum's regular respite home is holding a room for her (they happened to have a vacancy) and it just feels like everything is happening too fast and I haven't had time to think about which care home is best. I thought the one we used for respite was the logical choice, the staff are lovely and though Mum hated being away from Dad she was full of praise for the 'girls' who always looked after her and asked if she was ok'. However when you are considering a long term placement suddenly you look at a place with a more critical eye. When we went to look around all I could see was the tired and tatty décor, no en suite and the lack of free access to outdoors. I hoped a chat with the manageress might reassure me but she was vague and did not seem to have all the information I needed when I 'grilled' her it all seemed very laid back and lackadaisical! The home is about to get a new manager, this lady was only temporary, but she just did not make me feel reassured Mum would get good care. However it does have a good reputation and the last care Commission report in 2014 was all 'Goods and Excellents'.
For comparison I decided to check out a local authority care home we had used when Mum had early stages of dementia. They have a dementia unit for those whose condition is advancing. The meeting and tour was chalk and cheese. This is a purpose built modern home, freshly decorated and clean with en suite bedrooms and access to a safe fenced in garden area which residents can access freely in good weather. The care worker who spoke to us was enthusiastic and articulate in describing the facilities and amenities. I know which home I would rather stay in This care home has a more recent report- also very goods and excellents.
However, the one we currently use for respite is much easier to get to for my Dad and for friends who will visit. He may not take her out so often if she is in the other one and although the home is tired and tatty Mum knows the staff and they know her and seem fond of her. She also knows and recognizes some of the other residents. it has a good reputation for dementia care locally. Any thoughts and comments would be appreciated. making a good choice for Mum is such a big responsibility, and I am usure which to choose.
For comparison I decided to check out a local authority care home we had used when Mum had early stages of dementia. They have a dementia unit for those whose condition is advancing. The meeting and tour was chalk and cheese. This is a purpose built modern home, freshly decorated and clean with en suite bedrooms and access to a safe fenced in garden area which residents can access freely in good weather. The care worker who spoke to us was enthusiastic and articulate in describing the facilities and amenities. I know which home I would rather stay in This care home has a more recent report- also very goods and excellents.
However, the one we currently use for respite is much easier to get to for my Dad and for friends who will visit. He may not take her out so often if she is in the other one and although the home is tired and tatty Mum knows the staff and they know her and seem fond of her. She also knows and recognizes some of the other residents. it has a good reputation for dementia care locally. Any thoughts and comments would be appreciated. making a good choice for Mum is such a big responsibility, and I am usure which to choose.