Choosing a home

Many people go through life-changing decisions at a time when things may be a bit hectic or confusing. They may feel forced into making a decision because a relative or friend has been in hospital and can no longer care for themselves at home, or things have just simply got too much for them and they can no longer cope alone. It is uncommon for us to "plan" to live in a residential care home and we rarely make arrangements for this time in our lives until it is necessary.

To help make the whole decision process that little bit simpler, you may wish to seek advice from professional bodies, such as the local Adult Care Services (formerly Social Services). Your local GP or Health Centre may be able to offer advice and assistance. It could be useful to talk to friends and other local people who may already have some knowledge of the surrounding area and homes.

On this site, under the Useful Contacts section, is a list of contact details of relevant organisations that may also be able to help.

When considering residential care for a friend or relative, it is important to ensure that you understand how paying for care will affect the decision. If you are looking for a home where the Local Authority will be assisting with the fees, you must ensure that the home you choose is accepted for funding by your Local Authority. It doesn't necessarily have to be a local authority run home, but they do not automatically provide funding for every place that is available. If you are looking for a care home which you intend to fund privately, you can choose whichever home suits your needs.

If you are seeking assistance with funding, you should first approach Adult Care Services, who will assess the potential resident and determine their level of need. This may also be crucial in determining a home, as the care required may be specialised, such as Dementia Care or Nursing Care.

If you are looking for a Quantum Care home, then please see the Family and Carers section on this website, where you will find useful information about planning your move.