Why would I choose a Care Home?
When entering the world of adult social care, you might find it particularly confusing to know what your options are. Due to the varying choices, it can be hard to know the right thing to do, for yourself or a loved one, and the idea of moving your life into a care home can be a scary prospect. While it is a very personal decision, here are five of the main reasons people might choose a care home:
- Quality of life: A care home can offer a much better quality of life than living on your own. Care homes have facilities that you wouldn’t necessarily have access to at home. For example, a typical care home will have laundries, housekeeping, hairdressers, access to transport, gardens, beautiful living areas and of course all meals provided for you.
- Independence: While living in a care home all of your care will be provided for you and you won’t have to worry about anything. This allows you to concentrate on all the things you can do, rather than the activities of daily living you struggle with. In addition, you can choose when you like to receive visitors or join other residents for activities and social occasions. If you prefer your privacy, you can spend time relaxing in your room or in one of the common areas without feeling like you need to be sociable with other people.
- Health care: Care homes have regular doctors rounds and work very closely with district nurses, meaning any potential health concern can be picked up earlier than it might if you were living at home. It also means staff are there to answer any questions you may have about your health or the medicines you are prescribed.
- Social opportunities: The social aspect of a care home is just as important as the healthcare. You will meet lots of new people and develop friendships that will last for years to come. Residents are encouraged to participate in a variety of activities and outings at the care home.
- Finances: while it may come as a surprise, it could actually work out cheaper to move into a care home than to hire the equivalent home help. Live-in care fees are in the same range as care home fees, but you still need to purchase food for yourself and the carer, pay energy bills, council tax and rent/mortgage if you have one. All of that and there is less access to wellbeing activities and often night care is not included.
These are just some of the advantages of choosing a care home when the time comes, it is certainly not a comprehensive list. Can you think of any more to add? Let us know in the comments below.
