4 simple steps to help you choose the right care home for your loved ones

Choosing a care home for your loved ones could be one of the most important decisions you’ll make.

With so many care options available, here are 4 simple steps to help you choose the right care homes that will enrich the life of your loved ones.

What Type Of Care Do You Need?

First of all, it’s important to be aware that there are several types of care homes, each providing slightly different care and support to their residents.

To work out what kind of care is needed, you can get a care needs assessment, which can be booked through GOV.UK. This is a free, professional test provided by your local council that helps you work out what type of care you or your loved one requires.

The type of care you or your loved one needs will be set out in a care plan. This plan should also include whether care is required short-term or permanently. We’ve discussed both these factors below in greater detail.

1. Consider the type of care offered

In many cases, you may look at residential care homes which cater to people with less complex care needs. However, for more complex care needs such as dementia or specialist medical support, you’ll want to ensure a home can facilitate your loved one’s needs.

Using Lottie, it’s easy to filter homes offering specialist care such as palliative care, convalescent care and support with challenging behaviour.

2. How long do you need the care for?

Respite care is a short-term form of care, often lasting a few weeks. Care homes have differing availability, with some willing to offer as little as one week’s care, while others require a longer respite commitment. It’s best to check with individual care homes to ensure they offer respite care.

Your loved one may instead need care permanently, which most homes offer.

What Else To Look Out For

Care homes that will enhance quality of life

Another tip we’d recommend is to check out the facilities and services offered within the homes. Many care home facilities aim to provide a comfortable setting for your loved one.

Facilities and accommodation differ from home to home. Some homes offer private rooms with en-suite facilities and lounge areas for those who like their own space, while other homes take a more communal approach, with several bedrooms sharing a communal space and a bathroom.

Communal areas are the life and soul of a care home. Here, residents can meet and socialise over a cup of tea, catch up on their favourite TV programme, play games and join in with activities.

Communal gardens and balconies are popular features, as access to outdoor space can be vital for getting some fresh air and enjoying the sun on a warm summer’s day!

To make your search easier, you can filter for all these facilities using Lottie, making finding the ideal care home for your loved ones much simpler and faster.

Activities and experiences

Our favourite care homes offer a range of fun activities for residents to participate in. These could include arts & crafts, book clubs, garden games, gentle exercise, visits from local schoolchildren and more.

There’s no shortage of opportunities to have fun, socialise and create meaningful relationships with other like-minded residents. Most of the homes we’re partnered with offer many of these activities.

If your loved one has a hobby they don’t want to give up, ask staff whether there’s a class or opportunity available.

Visiting A Care Home

Before making any in-person visits, you can request a brochure, call any suitable care homes and talk specifics over the phone. If possible, speak directly with the care home’s manager about how the home can meet your loved one’s current and future needs.

You can also ask about the availability of places. There might be a lengthy waiting list, so we’d recommend having a shortlist of homes at the ready.

Finally, ask the home to send you a written cost breakdown and an activity schedule if they have one. The more information you have, the better!

We recommend booking a viewing by calling or emailing the home in advance. You can also do this directly via Lottie once you have a shortlist of homes you’re interested in. If you can’t visit in person, a staff member may be able to come to you (virtual viewings are often an option as well).

Never underestimate the power of a gut feeling. If you or your loved one immediately feels happy and at home, that’s definitely a good sign.

Let Us Help You Choose The Perfect Care Home

Lottie’s helpful care search tool makes finding the perfect care home for yourself or a loved one easy. Our care experts have vetted every home listed on our website based on the quality of care provided, the overall home culture and more – so you can feel confident that your loved one will receive a fantastic service.

You can also get in touch and speak directly with our outstanding care experts. We provide a free care concierge service and will guide you through choosing the best care home in your local area.

Finally, you can request a free shortlist of suitable homes. All you have to do is fill in the simple form, and we’ll email you care homes matching your needs and requirements.

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