What should I look for in a nursing home?

[karen.488walker]

2 down 1 to go. How depressing.

 

[karen.488walker]

No. 1 was beautiful but smelt of wee and had staffing issues. No. 2 was friendly and lovely but didn't have the level of care. No. 3 was just right and I'm booking her in for a week. Feel like Goldilocks!

 

[Globalti]

It's a lot of fuss for a cat.

 

[Paulus]

One that Ronnie Biggs is not in.

 

[karen.488walker]

I'd have thought the appearance of the residents, and your estimation of the honesty of the staff when you ask questions.

In asking this question I'm not in any way criticising your choice, but, if I may...why? Wouldn't it be better, and not much more expensive, to hire in help for her at home? As I say, this question isn't a veiled form of criticism, but, rather, motivated by the knowledge that before long I'll be facing a similar kind of predicament.

My aunt is 72. I had another one die at 99. She was fiesty and very independant, a home would have killed her. This one however has care workers going in 3 times a day and it is confusing her. She needs looking after and people around her. I hear where you're coming from but everyone is different.

 

[mangaman]

A Local Authority has a legal obligation to assess and meet the assessed care needs of an older person if requested.

There is no stipulation as to how the LA must meet those needs. Their cheapest option, dependent on the level of care required, may be residential care. So if it's cheaper to offer a residential placement then you'll have to justify why that option is not appropriate for your relative. And you'll struggle. Unless you're self-funding, in which case you can do what you like. Though arranging and managing home care isn't an easy job.

The best bet when getting older is to think ahead. At the point where you need support, if you're living in a bungalow then it will be much easier for you to remain at home than if you're still in the three storey house with steps everywhere and steep stairs. So if things might be getting that way in the future, now's the time to think about the options.

I agree - 24 hour care at home is much more expensive than residential care - it's just a case of economy of scale. To employ a full time carer you need at least 2 carers(as they do need some time off) and generally at least 3 - to cover leave.

Residential homes of course can cover that cost themselves so are much. much cheaper.

Also no social servces dept will pay for night time carers which is exactly when people need them, because 24 hour care is more expenive han residential care

 

[Mortiroloboy]

Nurses?

Tables
Chairs
cutlery, crockery
bed linen, beds
TV radio

 

[Night Train]

Also notice how many of the residents seem to be having regular visits from relatives. Those homes who have few visitors may also get away with poorer conditions as there is no one to notice.

The one up the road from me is appaling, stinks of wee and nicotine and when you ask to see the manager the staff get defensive and say the manager is out at the mo.