AD | Collaborative post
When the time comes and your relative is unable, or doesn’t want, to stay at home, starting to search for ‘residential care homes near me’ is the next step. And there are a number of factors to consider, as well as lots of questions to be asked. As a Darlington assisted living facility, not a nursing home, we recognise that this isn’t an easy decision to make, so here are a few things that you what to look for in homes for elderly relatives.
Where to start?
If your relative is able to have the discussion then it may be useful, before you start your search, to sit down with them to discuss what they feel is important. In an assisted living residence that gives its residents the choice to come and go as they please, it can be important that local shops and facilities are in easy reach. While this freedom of movement is great, what is there to support it? Look out for appropriate accessibility such as widened doorways and wheelchair access to make sure there are no restrictions to your elderly relative getting about.
Little things, big differences
A friendly face can make all the difference to anyone’s mental and physical wellbeing, so how many do you see when looking at prospective new homes? How many other faces can the residents see? If your family member likes being pampered, look out for those visited by hairdressers or beauticians, chiropodists or even musicians to lift spirits and help them to feel like themselves.
Being in residential care doesn’t mean giving up the things that matter, so somewhere with interested staff who take the opportunity to get to know about their lives and experiences, and that encourages its residents to express themselves through personalisation of their rooms, can make a huge difference.
Your relative may benefit from access to lounge facilities where residents are given the chance to socialise, enjoy activities or to even find a quiet area for reading or welcoming guests. Look for a wide range of planned activities, giving everyone the opportunity to participate and socialise, and an environment where their emotional needs are valued. There is plenty of housing association software that is helping these resident communities by making their life fun and enjoyable.
As with anyone looking for a new home, it’s all about location, location, location. Proximity to family and friends is important, but is it by a main road? Or miles away from anywhere? Does it have grounds to enjoy or are there easy transport? If your relative is mobile, lively and social, this can make a huge difference, but so can your ability to visit. If you need to travel a long distance to visit, meaning your trips become few and far between, is it the perfect place?
Now what?
Once you have shortlisted your potential care home in Darlington it’s important to spend time looking around each one and reflecting on your visit, it’s essential that you feel your relatives needs will be fully met wherever you choose so also take into account inspection reports and finding out more from quality and regulation of care providers if they are available.
Abbeyfield Darlington offer assisted living for the elderly in Darlington, the North East of England, and they provide compassionate, caring and family-style living, top class facilities and an extensive programme of activities to all our residents. To find out if they’re the perfect residential care home for your family member, find out more about them today.
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