As people age, they may require more care and assistance with daily living activities. In some cases, it may be necessary to move to a care home where they can receive the support they need. However, choosing a care home in Bristol can be a challenging task, and it’s essential to consider various factors before making a decision.
It is only natural that you will be wanting to make the best choice for your loved one, to be able to ensure that they are comfortable and well cared for. Here are some of the top things to consider when selecting a care or residential home in the South West.
Location of The Care Home
When choosing a care home, it’s essential to consider the location. Ideally, you want a home for your loved one that’s easily accessible for family and friends to visit. You should also consider the proximity to local amenities, such as shops, parks, and medical facilities.
At Little Croft Care Home we have the benefit of being a short distance from Bristol and Bath and the amenities, without being so close that the peace and quiet of our residents are compromised.
If you’re looking for a care home in Bath, our residential home is just a stone’s throw away, which means there are so many options. for family days out and making lasting memories. Take a look at our recent blog to find some exciting things to do when spending the day with your loved one in care.
Quality of Care
Of course, you’re going to want to make sure that your loved one receives the highest quality of care possible, so this is a crucial consideration when choosing a residential home. It’s essential to research the home’s reputation and the quality of care provided. You can read reviews from current or former residents and their families or visit the home in person to see the quality of care provided.
Care Home Accreditations
A good way to ensure the quality of care is by researching care home accreditations which are carried out by external bodies such as the Care Quality Commission (CQC). These indicate whether or not a care home meets specific standards of care and show that it has undergone a rigorous inspection. You should consider the accreditation of the care or residential home before making any decisions. At Little Croft, we are consistently rated “good” in all areas by the CQC and are also recommended on carehome.co.uk.
Staffing Levels
The staff-to-resident ratio can sometimes be overlooked when selecting a care home. However, you want to ensure that there are enough staff members to provide the necessary care and attention to your loved one. It’s also essential to consider the training and qualifications of the staff.
The Little Croft team are experienced and passionate individuals who are constantly learning, and strive to create the best environment possible for our residents. Not only this, but we keep our resident numbers small, to ensure that our team gets to know each resident on a personal level to guarantee a high level of specialised care that is catered to the individual.
Facilities and Services
It’s essential to consider the facilities and services offered by the care home. These may include communal areas, gardens, and activities for residents. You should also consider if the home provides specialist care, such as dementia care or end-of-life care.
The beautiful garden at Little Croft is a favourite of our residents in the summer months where they can sit and enjoy nature, or even get involved in gardening.
Our dedicated team also organise a variety of activities throughout the year, from getting creative to encouraging safe physical activity. Follow our Facebook page to see more of what goes on at our home.
Level of Independence Given
It’s important to consider the level of independence that your loved one requires and if the care home can accommodate their needs. Some care homes may provide more assistance with daily living activities, while others may encourage more independence.
We listen to the families of our residents, and the residents themselves to ascertain the right level of care needed, and provide our residents with the highest level of independence that can be safely given.
Communication
It’s important to consider the communication policies and practices of the care home. You should ensure that the care home keeps you informed of your loved one’s care and any changes to their health or well-being. We can make sure updates on our residents are passed to the relevant people in the most practical way.
Cost
The cost of care is a significant consideration for many families. It’s important to understand the fees and charges associated with the care home and what is included in the cost. You should also consider if there are any additional charges for services such as hairdressing, physiotherapy, or transportation. If you need any advice do not hesitate to get in contact with us.
Choosing a care home in Bristol requires careful consideration of various factors. By considering the location, quality of care, staffing levels, facilities and services, cost, availability, and accreditation, you can find a care home that provides the best possible care for your loved one. It’s essential to take the time to research and visit care homes to ensure that you make an informed decision. If you require any help or further advice then be sure to contact our team.