The Steps To Getting A Loved One In A Care Home

Making the decision to help someone move into a care home is often complex and emotional. While many families find that care at home can provide an excellent alternative, sometimes residential care becomes necessary. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, helping you make informed decisions at each stage.

Understanding When Care Home Placement Might Be Needed

Before starting the process of finding a care home, it’s essential to be certain that residential care is the most appropriate option. This decision requires careful consideration of your loved one’s needs, circumstances, and alternatives such as home care services.

Consider these key factors when evaluating the need for residential care:

• Current care needs have become too complex for home support
• Safety concerns that can’t be managed effectively at home
• Medical conditions requiring 24-hour professional supervision
• Increasing isolation or loneliness that affects wellbeing
• Regular hospital admissions or health emergencies
• Significant mobility issues that make home care challenging
• Advanced dementia requiring specialist support

Remember that many of these challenges can often be managed through professional home care services, such as live-in care or regular visiting care. However, if you’ve explored these options and determined that a care home is necessary, the following steps will guide you through the process.

Getting a Needs Assessment

The first formal step in arranging care home placement is obtaining a care needs assessment from your local council’s adult social services department. This assessment is crucial as it:

• Determines the level of care required
• Identifies specific care requirements
• Helps establish funding eligibility
• Provides professional recommendations
• Creates a formal record of needs
• Guides the type of care home to consider
• Forms the basis for the care plan

You have the right to request this assessment regardless of your financial situation, and it’s free of charge. The assessment will be conducted by a social worker or healthcare professional who will visit to evaluate various aspects of daily living and care needs.

Understanding Care Home Types

Care homes, like Newgate Lodge, here in Mansfield, offer different levels of support, and understanding these differences is crucial for making the right choice. The main types include:

Residential Care Homes

These provide accommodation and personal care, including:

• Help with washing, dressing and toileting
• Medication management
• Meals and social activities
• General supervision and support
• Basic health monitoring

Residential homes are suitable for those who can no longer manage at home but don’t need complex medical care.

Nursing Homes

These offer everything residential homes do, plus:

• 24-hour qualified nursing care
• Management of complex medical conditions
• Specialist equipment and facilities
• Regular health assessments
• Professional medical supervision

Nursing homes like Lowmoor are appropriate for those with ongoing medical needs requiring professional nursing care.

Financial Assessment and Funding Options

Understanding the financial aspects early in the process is crucial. The local authority will conduct a financial assessment (means test) to determine whether you’re eligible for funding support.

Current thresholds and considerations include:

• Assets above £23,250 – likely to pay full fees
• Assets between £14,250 and £23,250 – partial contribution required
• Assets below £14,250 – maximum council support available
• Property value may be included in calculations
• Income from pensions and benefits is considered
• Some benefits may need to be redirected
• Joint accounts will be assessed

Remember that these figures can change, and different local authorities might have varying approaches to calculations and support available.

Choosing the Right Care Home

Selecting the right care home requires thorough research and careful consideration. Take time to create a shortlist of suitable homes that meet your loved one’s needs. Remember that you’re not just looking for available beds – you’re choosing a new home.

Essential factors to consider include:

• CQC ratings and inspection reports
• Location and accessibility for family visits
• Specialisms in relevant health conditions
• Staff qualifications and turnover rates
• Room availability and waiting lists
• Fee structures and additional charges
• Activities and social programmes
• Meal choices and dietary requirements

It’s crucial to visit several homes before making a decision. During visits, observe:

• The general atmosphere and cleanliness
• How staff interact with residents
• Activity levels among residents
• Meal times and food quality
• Security and safety measures
• Outside spaces and facilities
• Visitor policies and arrangements

The Admission Process

Once you’ve chosen a care home, the admission process involves several important steps. Understanding these helps ensure a smoother transition:

• Complete all necessary paperwork
• Arrange for GP records transfer
• Set up medication management plans
• Agree on fee payments and contracts
• Plan the moving-in date
• Arrange furniture and belongings
• Sort out clothing and personal items
• Establish communication channels

Take time to read and understand all contracts and agreements. Consider seeking legal advice if anything is unclear.

Making the Transition Smooth

Moving into a care home is a significant life change that requires careful management. A well-planned transition helps reduce stress and anxiety for everyone involved.

Key steps for a smooth transition include:

• Creating a familiar environment with personal items
• Establishing a routine for family visits
• Meeting key staff members beforehand
• Planning activities for the first few days
• Keeping communication channels open
• Maintaining important relationships
• Supporting emotional adjustment

Remember that adjustment takes time, and initial difficulties are normal. Regular visits and involvement in care planning can help ease the transition.

Legal Considerations

Several legal aspects need attention when arranging care home placement:

• Power of Attorney arrangements
• Advance Decisions or Living Wills
• Care home contracts and terms
• Benefits and pension arrangements
• Property and asset management
• NHS Continuing Healthcare assessments
• Mental Capacity assessments if needed

Ensure all necessary legal documentation is in place before the move.

Considering Alternatives to Care Homes

Before making the final decision, it’s worth exploring all available options. Many people find that with the right support, they can continue living independently at home. Professional home care services can often provide:

• 24-hour live-in care support
• Regular visiting care
• Specialist healthcare at home
• Medication management
• Personal care assistance
• Domestic support
• Social companionship

How Lidder Care Can Help

At Lidder Care, we understand that the decision between care home placement and home care is significant. We specialise in providing comprehensive home care services that often allow people to remain in their own homes, even with complex care needs.

Our services include:

• Professional live-in care
• Flexible visiting care
• Specialist health support
• Respite care services
• Emergency care provision
• Free care assessments
• Ongoing support and monitoring

Need Advice About Care Options?

Whether you’re considering a care home or exploring alternatives, we’re here to help you understand all your options. Our experienced team can provide guidance on:

• Assessing care needs
• Understanding funding options
• Exploring care alternatives
• Planning for future care needs
• Supporting family carers
• Arranging trial care periods

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation:

• Call: 0330 223 6600
• Book your free care assessment

Let us help you make an informed decision about the best care solution for your loved one’s needs.