Questions to ask re Care Homes ?

Lady_E

My MIL was diagnosed as suffering fromAlzheimers early last year. She has been living in sheltered accomodation since 2005 ,however it has become apparent that she was not coping well . She lives in Scotland , and after involving social services and the Alzheimers organisation , she was placed in 2 weeks respite care, she is due to come home next Friday. Social services have given us four care homes to make enquiries with , however I wonder if anyone can help us with what questions that we need to ask ?
The last thing we want to do is for her not to be happy and it was something that we could have realised if we had asked the right questions. Her health generally is ok , she is 77, she is registered blind and takes about 10 tablets at various times though out the day. She is mobile with a stick and can at this stage still get herself washed and dressed.

Any help given would be invaluable as this is obviously an important time.

Many thanks

tanith

One of the first questions I would ask would be , do they allow visitors at any time ? can I see a sample menu? can she have her own things around her? what activities do they provide? Well thats for starters..

aylesby

She is going to tell you how much she hates any home she goes to. It hurts and it will lasts about two months. Your CPN (SS) know what each home is like and will tell you informaly. Look at a few and remember which ones smell of wee and cabage. Many will not have an immediate vaccancy. Talk with the staff not the managers and use your eyes. A good home organises excursions and parties for thise that can. Patients should associate and not stay in their rooms.

Errata

Your local SS know what each home is like and will tell you informaly

They won't tell you if a home is good, bad or indifferent.

OP, Visit as many homes as you can and listen to what's going on, sniff for any unusual smells for instance a strong smell of air freshener may be covering up umpleasant smells. Look at how the staff interact with residents - are there any staff sitting and talking to residents one to one.
Ask if there is a residents committee, relatives committee, activities co-ordinator, how often are residents outings organised - once a month or twice a year? Ask to see all of the previous week's menus and how much the home spends per head per week on food. Ask about staff qualifications and on going training, is the home part of a group or is it a standalone. Ask if all staff have had training in interacting with people who've lost their sight.
Choosing a home is incredibly difficult, and sometimes the choice can only be the one you dislike the least. It can be useful to pick the one nearest to where relatives live so they can call in at all hours of every day. Hope this helps.

carebabe

ask to see the home's inspection report carried out by the Care Commission.

Norman-B

My Dad has been in a BUPA care home for the past 12 months and he loves it there! They look after his every need. It's lovely, very clean. Good food and great staff.
Look for one in your area. Pay them a visit. It might be what you are looking for.
Best of luck with the hunt for a good place.

ps, I don't work there and have no connection (other than my dad)

Biggles

carebabe wrote: »

ask to see the home's inspection report carried out by the Care Commission.

Better still, check out the report online here http://www.csci.org.uk/ (not sure whether they cover Scotland or whether there's an equivalent body).

carebabe

for care homes in Scotland it would be:-

www.carecommison.com

it is a separate inspection body for Scotland.

Iguana

http://www.ageconcern.org.uk/AgeConcern/Documents/FINDINGCAREHOMEACCOMMODATIONFS29OCT06.pdf

Iguana

http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/Facts_about_dementia/factsheets.htm

magician64

http://www.counselandcare.org.uk/assets/library/documents/CandCguideComplete.pdf