Trolley Shop

There are always a few residents who are too disabled or who have no inclination to go out. In nursing homes the residents are often too sick or frail to even think of leaving the home. With this in mind some matrons organise a weekly shopping trolley with things such as writing paper, envelopes, stamps and other useful items that the residents can purchase.

Gardens

Many homes have lovely gardens for the residents to rest or walk in. Sometimes the home’s gardener or handyman will help residents to plant hanging baskets or tubs or even bulbs for them to have in their rooms or communal areas. It may even be possible to have raised flower beds to enable keen gardeners, if they are fit and well enough, to enjoy gardening again.

Religious Services

The matron may already have arranged to have church services held within the home by the local clergy or pastors. If there is no religious service suitable for your relative, bring the matter up with the matron. They may be able to contact the appropriate minister and ask them to visit your relative when admitted. Alternatively, depending on distance, you could ask their own minister to visit.

Car Parking

Many of the residents’ visitors will have their own transport. One of their biggest worries is where they can park the car.

Most homes outside a city or town have car parking facilities both for staff and visitors. It is sometimes more difficult if the home is situated on a busy road with little or no space to park a car. The matron or the staff will know where the nearest parking places are. If the home is fortunate enough to have a car park it may prove difficult to find. When you phone to make an appointment to view the home, ask how to find it.

Christmas

Many residents go out on Christmas Day to relatives or friends, some go and stay over the whole of the Christmas period. However, many remain in the home.

Christmas is a happy time almost everywhere, care and nursing homes are no exception. The extent of the festivities depends on the proprietor, matron and all other staff. Staff generally put up decorations a few days beforehand. A Christmas tree arrives and is dressed with lights and tinsel. The chef makes mince pies and all the other goodies that make Christmas so happy.

Many organisations go round the homes singing carols, bringing their own brand of cheerfulness and happiness. It is not unknown for Father Christmas to make an appearance on Christmas morning or at some other time during the Christmas season. Everywhere is decorated with cards and wrapped parcels. Christmas lunch is served and enjoyed. The afternoon is for visitors, watching the television, games or snoozing. I have never known anybody not enjoy Christmas in a home unless they are too ill.

Residents’ Visitors

Visitors are encouraged to join in the fun but if they wish to have lunch with their relative, arrangements need to be made with the matron a few days in advance.

Taking Gifts

Please make sure gifts are marked with your relative’s name otherwise they may go astray because nobody will know to whom they belong.

Involving A Care Manager

Care managers are not allowed to recommend any particular care home. You have to investigate the most suitable homes for yourself. However, a care manager will visit your relative and assess their needs and tell you which type of home is most suitable for your relative. A care manager will be able to give advice regarding the financial problems associated with transferring your relative into a residential care home or nursing home. Initially they will discuss the financial situation with you themselves but ultimately will refer your relative to their finance department which will arrange for them to have a financial assessment carried out if necessary. A financial assessment has to be done before any funding can be granted.

Once your relative has been place in a suitable home the care manager will visit them after a few weeks to review the situation and make changes if necessary. Nursing staff, the next of kin and the resident are usually invited to such a meeting so that they can talk about present or potential problems and how they might be resolved.

There is, of course, no need to involve a care manager if your relative’s assets are in excess of the figure where they can obtain financial help, currently £19,500. This figure is subject to change on an annual basis. The care manager or the finance officer will be able to give you the current figure.

Personal Recommendations

One of the best ways to find out about a care home is to ask somebody who already has a relative or friend living in such a place. People are always ready to give inside information if you ask them. They may even invite you to visit their friend or relation with them.

You must be careful to ensure that it is the type of care home your relative needs. Remember, even if the home appears to be the perfect place for your friend’s relative it may not be the perfect place for your relative.

Brochures

Once you have decided which homes you and your relative are interested in telephone the matron or manager and ask them to send brochures and further information, such as a list of fees and extras, if any.

Location

Once you know for sure which type of home you are looking for you can see from the list you have made which nursing or residential care homes appear to be most suitable regarding access.

If you have a car it is easier to drive round and see the location of the various homes. Any that would be difficult to get to if you had no means of visiting without your own transport should not really be considered unless public transport to or near the home is reliable and fairly frequent. Remember their friends and possibly other members of the family will be in the same age group, and may be unable to drive but still want to visit your relative.