'Do have a look at what some of the other options are'
There are options other than moving into a care home. Caroline Abrahams, Age UK Charity Director, shares her experiences.
Help finding a care home
It can feel difficult to know where to start when you're looking for a care home. We'll show you where to look and things to consider.
What other options can I consider before moving into a care home?
If living at home independently is becoming difficult it’s worth considering your other options first. Make sure to look into all the options and seek advice to make the right decision for you.
Some of your other options may be:
- adapting your home to make life easier
- getting some support at home to help you with things that are becoming difficult
- moving into sheltered housing, where you can live independently with more support on-site.
Arrange a care needs assessment with your local council, who will look into your needs to see what support can be provided.
How to arrange a care needs assessment
Moving into a care home might be the right option if you feel you'd like to focus on your health and wellbeing without having to manage everything on your own. It can also give you the chance to meet new people and develop new friendships.
How do I find a care home near me?
Think of it like buying a house: you need to get a feel for what’s out there before making a decision. You should make a list of local homes and visit a few to get an idea of what they’re like.
As a starting point, ask your friends and family - they may be able to point you towards a care home with a good reputation. You could also look in the telephone directory.
HousingCare and the Care Quality Commission have search tools to help you find care homes.
What should I look for in a care home?
It’s worth taking time to find the right home. Try to visit the home to have a look round and talk to staff members. Some homes may invite you to spend the day there so you can get a feel of what it’s like. You may be able to move on a trial basis before you decide whether to stay.
Our video explains some of the key things to look out for when visiting a care home.
Before you visit, make a list of all the questions you want to ask and all the things you want to look out for – it’s easy to forget things and doing as much research as you can is important. It’s useful to ask about the level of care provided, the fees and waiting list. Our choosing the right care home for you guide has a list of questions to help you research.
You can read also reviews of care homes from The Care Quality Commission, the independent regulator of health and social care in England.
Read care home reviews on the Care Quality Commission website
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