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Where to start... care home advice

Hi everyone, I'm hoping there are some people that can help me and offer some much needed advice please. I am currently looking to move my mother into a care home as she is unable to live at home alone any more (unfortunately I'm not able to care for her). Does anyone have any experience in this? I'd love to chat to people that have gone through the process and can offer some guidance - I want her to be in the best pace but it all seems very confusing to me on how to determine where is best. Thanks in advance!


Created By on 24/10/2022

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Gilly1955
27th Oct 2022 11:06:12
0
Thanks for voting!
My mum went into a care home 4 years ago. It was my first experience of them and to be honest, I thought they were probably all the same and so I chose it for convenience. After a few months I realised her care needs weren't being addressed and looked around at others. It was quite an education as they all vary so much in type of resident, activities offered, room, food, amenities and of course cost.
My mum wasn't interested in group activities or mixing with other residents. She has always been a loner so that element wasn't important to me, or her. What was key was the quality of her room and catering and the staff attitude towards her, and of course the provision of appropriate care. Also the flexibility of visiting, but that went tits up during Covid of course.
I rejected some because they were more nursing homes than care homes and had the feel of a hospital rather than a home. Some seemed to be run like a prison camp, no booze allowed, lights out at 9, no choice of menu. However, I did find a very nice suitable one where she lived quite happily for 2 years until her death.
However, her room was almost £8,000 a month, and when they are warm, well fed, happy and looked after they can go on for years!
So, my advice would be to have a tour of a few to get the "vibe" and make sure you have enough money to definitely outlast them!
Good Luck
Gill
Response from Sally - Silversurfer's Editor made on 27th Oct 2022 11:41:24
Hi Gilly1955,

Welcome and many thanks for your first comment in our Forum.

If you already know your way around, then we will leave you to it.

If you are looking for some lively discussions, head on over to the Forum homepage to see what's trending right now and feel free to join in the discussions, with all our friendly members, perhaps ask a question or even start your own post.

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Ariadne
27th Nov 2022 10:28:57
0
Thanks for voting!
What a minefield you are entering , Be very very careful what you choose ,The smell as you enter the building is always a good pointer .Cleanliness ,sticky carpets and hand rails .Is there any signs of human activity .Look in the dining rooms ,and the kitchen . Are there any pictures on the corridor
walls. Most important ,ask how many people have died , and over what length of time ,.
If you need more information ,please use my private chat line .
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