Make the Right Choice
Choosing a residential home for you or a family member may turn out to be one of the most difficult decisions you may ever make. This is why it is extremely important to choose with care.
Take your time
Selecting a short stay residential home in a hurry is never a good idea. Decide in advance what kind of home you need, take your time with the research, consider the location and comfort of the home. Don’t select a residential home in an area where there is a lot of noise. Review the security and safety features that the home provides, check if they have handicap access if residents look well cared for. Visit a number of homes yourself before deciding, deterimine if there is the warm interaction between staff and residents and always keep an eye open for red flags.
Facilities & Organisation
When looking for a residential home it is important to check the facilities they provide and how they are organised. If you are looking for a long-term place, check if the home will meet specific ethnic, religious, cultural or social needs. Check if they organize activities and outings, and how often. Also ensure it is a clean environment and campus. Useful questions to ask:
- What medical facilities do you have?
- How large is the campus?
- What types of food do you provide?
- What training do the staff receive?
- What is the care quality (CQC) rating?
- What are the room/bathroom facilities?
- What are their arrangements for visiting?
- What is the long-term personal care provided?
- What are the various activities provided?
- Are pets allowed?
- Are single bedrooms available?
Finance
Before choosing a residential home it is always good to research the cost of various homes, and then plan financing in advance. This will be helpful, even if a short-stay. The last thing you want is to over-spend. Even if a short or long-term stay, it is very important that your are informed and comfortable with your choice.
