Whether it is for you or for someone in your care, there are many ways to help ease the process of transitioning to a residential care or nursing home.
If you are looking for residential care homes in Bury, You can find a list of information on The Bury Directory website with information on care services and care homes in Bury.
Is A Care Home The Right Choice?
The main reasons for a move to a care home are to ensure 24-hour supervision and to improve quality of life. It may also be because at-home care from a family member or Carer is no longer available.
If It’s For Yourself
If a care home has been suggested to you, remember that it’s not the only available option and that other alternatives may suit you better.
Ultimately remember that the decision is yours and that there are plenty of options available.
Alternatives may include:
● Adaptations to your home
● Moving into sheltered or extra-care housing
● Getting additional support at home such as live in care
If none of these are available, you may find that a care home is the most suitable choice for your needs.
Coping With Difficult Emotions
Moving to a care home often involves challenging emotions. It’s important to remember that you are not alone in this.
Common Concerns
You may worry about feeling lonely or “becoming a burden”. In reality, the move can help people feel more independent - and in many cases, it offers new opportunities to socialise.
Coping With Change
If you are an older person you will have experienced many changes over the course of your life such as parenthood or starting a new job.
It’s important to remember that although major life changes can be stressful, they can also give way to positive experiences.
Try to keep the benefits in mind, as this can help you with making your decision and help you to feel more optimistic.
Also remember that it can help to share your concerns with a trusted friend, family member or healthcare professional.
Leaving Your Home
Saying goodbye to your old home is an important part of planning your move, and it can be difficult, but there are ways to help things feel easier:
● Make a scrapbook
● Bring a plant from your garden with you
● Enlist help from family and friends to declutter the house (there will be a limit on what you can bring). This can also be an opportunity for friends and family to take a final tour of the home to say goodbye.
● Taking a plant from your garden to replant at the care home
● Leave contact details with friends and neighbours so that you can keep in touch
If You Are Helping Someone Else
If you are helping someone else plan a future move, it’s essential to do this with them. Where the person is unable to make clear decisions (for example due to reduced mental capacity), residential care might be the only available option - but even in cases such as these, it’s important to allow the person involved to have as much autonomy and choice as possible.
If You Are A Carer
If you have been a Carer, moving them to a care home can feel very difficult and may bring up feelings of guilt.
You can still find ways to continue a caring role alongside the care home (including making a “care plan”), and there are many local organisations to help you to feel more supported.
If the person you care for has dementia, sharing a “life story” can also be useful as this can provide staff with a support tool. Having regular staff available when the move takes place (and afterwards) can also be comforting as it can help residents to see a familiar face.
On The Day
As far as possible, plan ahead of time and try to reduce anything that might cause additional stress.
Check to see how long you are able to visit for - and ask staff to step in if it seems as though it might be upsetting.
You may also be able to join your relative or friend for dinner to help them settle in and to get to know the staff and other residents better before you leave.
Staff may also ask you to leave a list of emergency contacts. Be aware that these may be contacted day or night - so if you are adding people to the list, ask them first.
Raising Any Concerns
If you are concerned about a person in a care home or about the ability of staff to meet resident needs, first speak to the manager stating your concerns and how best to address them.
If this does not resolve the issue, ask to speak with the line manager.
If you are still concerned, you can then raise this with the Care Quality Commission (for services in England).
Practical Measures To Help You Plan
Finding A Care Home
All care homes operate differently: some may offer residential care, while other care homes can provide additional support with daily tasks such as washing, dressing or taking medication.
Nursing homes have a qualified nurse on-site to offer medical assistance to residents. Some care homes also offer specialist support for conditions such as dementia.
For residents who currently require personal care (but who may need additional nursing care later on), there are also dual-registered care homes.
Further support and advice on moving to a carehome can be found via the following links:
● The Elderly Accommodation Counsel
● Age UK
Making An Informed Decision
If you are planning a move to a care home it’s important to visit first to get a sense of how it operates and whether you or the person you care for will be happy there.
Further advice and support can be found via the following links:
● The Residents and Relatives Association
● Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection report
● The Royal College Of Nursing also has a detailed resource on the “care home journey” including information on support including palliative care.
Paying For Care
Before the move, find out what items or services are included in the cost of care.
If you are eligible, your local council may be able to help with part or all of the fees. This usually involves a care needs Assessment and a means test to work out whether you would qualify for financial support.
To find out more please visit The Bury Directory’s page on care costs.
Pets
Some care homes may allow pets to move in too, while others may have restrictions in place.
In cases where there is no-one available to care for a pet, The Cinnamon Trust can help to rehome them and they can also arrange for photos and regular updates to be sent.
Useful Checklists
Remember to contact the following people to inform them of the move:
● Medical organisations as the optician, dentist and GP surgery, ensurign all communications are forwarded to the new place of residence.
● Financial places such as the bank or their pension provider to ensure all financial details are up to date
● Utilities providers including water, phone and gas and electric companies
What To Bring
While many everyday essentials will be provided ebay the care home there are a few recommendations you can pack:
Clothing
Many care homes provide in-house laundry services so check first to see whether this is available.
● Underwear
● Socks and/or hosiery
● Dressing gown and slippers
● Clothes for daytime (keep in mind temperature changes)
● Pyjamas or nightshirts/gowns
● An outdoor coat
● Outdoor shoes
Personal Care Items
● Toiletries
● Over the counter medicine
● Prescription medication (medicines should be discussed with staff as part of a care plan)
● Mobility aids such as walking frames or scooters
“Home From Home” Items
● Ornaments
● Photographs
● Blankets/comforters
● A favourite chair (if you are able to bring your own furniture)
● Cushions, throws or other decorative items
● Potted plants or flowers
● Electronic devices such as a TV (these will require a safety test)
● Familar music or films
For more information on preparing for a care home, please visit The Bury Directory.
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Last Updated: 14th Oct 2021, 10:25