24 June 2019

How to find a care home: a 10-step guide

Finding a care home, and the right care home for that matter, is so important. Make sure you research and compare to find the best care home for your loved one.

How to Find a Care Home?

When your loved one, whether a parent or a family member, reach a time in their life where they require care, it is very important to know what steps to take in order to find them the care home that best suits them. This can be a confusing process, made harder still by the stress of your loved one being unwell. That is why we have put this step by step guide together for you to use so that you can find the right care home.

Step 1: Identify the need for care

Identifying a need for care means that you need to consider the quality of life of your loved one and decide whether they are able to take care of themselves and all of their needs, as well as being happy in their home. If they are visibly unhappy or can no longer care for themselves then it may be time to look for a care home for them.

Step 2: Begin searching for a care home

This should be an extensive search and focused on a certain area, either somewhere close to the family, or close to where your loved one lives. Use Google, talk to social workers, and get advice from family members and friends who have loved ones in a care home already. Pay attention to reviews from a broad range of different platforms, such as Google and carehome.co.uk, and draw up a shortlist.

Step 3: Make visits to care homes You should visit all care homes on your shortlist, no matter how long the list is. You will get a good feel for a care home from seeing it in person and speaking to the team and residents can give you valuable information.

Step 4: Assess the financial situation

With a clear understanding of finances, affordability and budgets, you will be able to include and exclude care homes on this basis. It is vital that you know your financial situation inside and out before committing to a care home.

Step 5: Get advice from a financial advisor

If you have any doubts at all around the costs of a care home and would like to learn more about budgeting for this, then we recommend that you speak to a qualified financial advisor. They will be well versed regarding your options and can give you advice in regard to making the best decision for your loved one and the family.

Step 6: Consult a solicitor

You should consult your solicitor regarding Power of Attorney for both ‘finance’ and ‘health and welfare’, and speak to them about the difference between a Lasting Power of Attorney and Enduring Power of Attorney to make arrangements that best suit you and your family. This will be useful to know moving forward and is best practice before selecting a care home. You can also talk to the solicitor about any other legal advice you may need.

Step 7: Make second visits with your loved one

Once you have a clear understanding of your finances and have a shortlist still in place with care homes that are suited to your loved one and are affordable, it is time to visit these care homes with the family member in question, if they are able. They can speak to people themselves and see an example of accommodation, have a walk around the grounds and soak up the atmosphere. Speak to the team and ask if you can stay for a bite to eat or take part in an activity to really get a glimpse of what life will be like in this care home. You should make as many visits as possible to afford your loved one the greatest choice.

Step 8: Choosing a care home

With all homes visited it is time to make a decision, this can be done as a family, by the loved one, or as a group decision, the exact specifics will vary dependent on your circumstances.

Step 9: Request a care assessment

When you have made a decision, you can then request your chosen care home complete an assessment to ensure that they are able to provide the best care for your loved one. You will then be informed whether or not your chosen care home is able to care for your loved one.

Step 10: Moving in

Once all the assessments have been completed, the contract signed and everybody is happy, your loved one will move into their new home. You should be invited to share a meal with your loved one on the first day and spend time with them to help them get settled. You should also expect to meet the key members of the team, such as the General Manager and the care team who will be looking after your loved one.

Click here to find your nearest Hallmark care home.