Sadly there may come a time in your ageing parents life when you need to look at what care options are available for them. Failing health and reduced mobility are common issues everyone faces as we get older.
As much as you may want to, it may not always be practical to support your parents and give them the care they need in their own home and looking for the best nursing home for their care means making the best decision for everyone.
But when it comes to choosing the right nursing home, what exactly should you be looking for?
How much does it cost?
It’s important to understand the cost of nursing care, as well as any funding assistance your parents or parents might be eligible for. Funded Nursing Care is available to anyone who needs nursing care (FNC). This is a weekly contribution of £165.56 made by the NHS to help offset the expense of keeping a Registered Nurse on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Always check with Nursing Homes to see if the weekly fee quoted includes FNC.
Any new residents are registered for FNC fees, which are billed directly to the nursing home for the duration of their stay. Many that have been granted Continuing Healthcare are the only ones who are not qualified for FNC (CHC).
Something else to ask is if new residents have to pay any administrative fees, are there any annual community fees that residents must pay, and if so, when are they due, and is there a one-time fee to cover the costs of care?
What care is provided?
You must understand the type of care and assistance the nursing home provides and assess if this is the right level of care you need. Different conditions may not be cared for in certain places, and you may need to look for specialist care.
Staff members will be DBS checked so you can be confident they can provide the care and support. If you are ever worried about your parents’ care in a nursing home, a well-established group of nursing home abuse lawyers can investigate any claims you may need to make.
Visiting
Be clear about visiting times and durations for residents when you enquire at the nursing home. Many nursing homes allow all-day visits but ask you to request set meal times and medication times as they will understandably be busier then.
How does it feel?
A crucial question only you and your parents can answer when choosing a nursing home. Look at the decor, communal rooms and bedrooms and feel for the other residents and staff and the general demeanour. Ask other visitors if they are around for feedback, if possible.
Ultimately, you can only make an informed decision upon visiting the nursing home and the given information. Once you have this, you can decide based on the care they require and the ability of the provider to ensure this care is given correctly in your absence.