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Residential Care Home Selection

First Steps

If care at home is no longer a valid option given all the circumstances the next step is to involve the family doctor. He or she can be your best ally since most homes require a current complete physical exam and the doctor can assess the level of care needed. This is important in order to select which type of home is needed, from Acute Hospital care, Nursing Home or Residential/Retirement Home.

The latter give non medical care and supervision but may include personal services such as help in bathing and grooming, guidance in dressing, guidance in taking self administered medicines and help with other daily living activities.

Always look for a registered concern since people who need care and supervision are often defenceless against abuse or exploitation. The law requires that care facilities be licensed. So when you choose somewhere, check that there is a current licence in force.

Things to look out for

The best option is for both you and your care receiver to preview the home before coming to any decision. Both before and during this preview you both have the opportunity to further discuss your feelings in making the decision. Since you will have many things to do during your visit, it helps to organize your thoughts beforehand and note the questions you want to ask.

Take this checklist on your visit and add notes while looking around and talking to different people. Some items you may want to cover during your first visit to ensure competent quality care are:

Ask to see the licence and relevant paperwork,
look closely at the building and grounds checking for good maintenance and freshness,
talk to some residents and get their opinions,
talk to the matron or administrator in charge of daily operations and check all costs,
study the attitude of staff members and see if they work efficiently and courteously.

Contact your local Social Services for a current report on the home. If everything seems satisfactory arrange for a two-week stay.

Happy Hunting!

Last updated 25-02-2013