How to Get Someone Into a Care Home

Posted on 1st April 2021

There are many reasons why someone might move into a care home, including medical requirements, but also a need for company and companionship. First of all, it is important to point out that you cannot force somebody into a care home against their will and the process is something that they must agree on. But if your parents or relatives are not capable of caring for themselves any more or they are looking for company, then a care home might be the right solution. This blog intends to help explain the process of how to get someone into a care home if they can no longer care for themselves or need regular medical care. Walmer Care Centre specialises in Dementia care and Jill’s blog focuses very much on how they use different sensory activities such as music, baking and crafts to help orientate the home’s residents to the time of year.

 When is the Right Time to Move into Care?

If you are wondering whether elderly relatives can be forced into care, then the general answer to this question is no. Social services will often get involved if you are concerned about an elderly relative, but if they have all of their mental capacity and want to remain in their own home, social services can only provide advice. They might arrange for a professional carer to visit your relative in their own home if this is something that suits them better. Generally, there are a few times when it is right to consider a care home including;

  • If your relative lacks the right mental capacity to care for themselves following an assessment.

  • In the case that your relative needs regular medical care and this can’t be administered or monitored at home.

  • If your relative agrees on moving into a care home following a visit from social services for company or other reasons.

Moving into a Care Home

If your relatives are no longer able to care for themselves and you have exhausted other care options such as live-in care, then a care home can be the right choice. The next step is to start looking for a care home to look after your relative, and you should be aware there are two main types of care homes. The two different types of care homes include;

  • Residential Care; this includes care for your relatives such as getting dressed, washing, taking medicine and going to the toilet.

  • Nursing Home; all of the above but there is always at least one qualified nurse on hand to provide additional medical care.

Some of our nursing homes also provide care for people with severe disabilities or complex medical conditions too. This is often because their care needs can no longer be met within the home.

How to Pay For Your Care

Generally, the government will carry out a financial assessment to determine how much if at all you can pay for your care. If you don’t want a financial assessment you can opt to pay for your care yourself. If you do want a financial assessment then you will need to contact your council and request a Needs Assessment. You should make sure that you don’t sell your home or cancel tenancy before the council has made a decision on this. If you want to help with the care costs for your relative, this is often known as a “top-up fee” and can help to provide more luxurious care for your family member.

Choosing the Right Care Home

The final step in the process is choosing the right care home for your family member and making sure they are happy with the facilities. Nicholas James Care Homes have more than 10 different care home locations in Kent so it is more than likely we will have a care home close to your family member. Take a look at our residential care and nursing homes and get in contact with us today if you are looking for the right home for your family member.

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