It is time to really think about a care home for my husband.He has taken a nosedive in the last two months and has become unmanageable in lots of ways.Who do I contact first?
Hi. What I will say, is work with adult social services. But and a big BUT, it is what YOU want for your husband, not what they "think" you want. It will be his new home, so don't just accept what they say. Go see the places, take a friend who knows you both so you get an unbiased view. Do not make an appointment just turn up on spec, you will see them as they work if you just turn up.Look at what is going on, when can you visit !!! The answer should be "at any time". Remember this will be his new home so you have to be comfortable. If you are paying or not, it is about care, not so much location. Ask questions, so make a list of questions before you go, as other people what they think you should ask eg, who will look after his feet and how often, do you have a visiting dentist / optician. Can I stay for tea / dinner / supper, do I have to pay ? I have worked in care so am aware of the difficulties and the many lies, sorry, misplaced untruths that homes may offer. for example Question: how often do you take the residents out. Answer from home "Oh at least once a week in the minibus, out for a walk every suitable day". the reality is, that they are probably minimally staffed so it never happens and the excuses build up quickly. This is not the floor staffs fault, but the management who retain the staffing levels. This is a generalisation. I hope this helps. Its honest.