Installing A Telephone

Most nursing and care homes have at least one pay phone for residents and staff use. Some of them are fixed on trolleys which can be brought to the resident in their room. This may be sufficient for your relative.

Ascertain whether your relative really needs a telephone in their room before you go to the expense of having one installed.

• Do they make or receive many calls?
• Would they be happy to use the trolley phone?
• Would they be happy to use a fixed pay phone in another part of the building?

Some homes have a system whereby the resident can make or receive calls in their own room through the home’s switchboard. A charge for each call is made and added to the resident’s account. Discuss this matter with the matron who will advise you.

Buying A New Telephone

If your relative decides to have their own phone installed in their room, you will need to choose the one which is most suitable for them. Take into consideration:

• The instrument should be approved by BT and have a green label.
• If a phone which is not approved is purchased, BT will charge for any necessary repairs. They may also charge to correct any line faults caused by the phone.
• Does your relative suffer from failing sight? Look at phones with large buttons and numerals.
• Do they forget phone numbers easily? Look at phones with a memory.
• Do they have a hearing problem? BT or a hearing centre will advise on amplifiers which magnify the sound.
• Would your relative like to carry the phone wherever they go in the building? A cordless phone may be the answer.
• Personal mobile phones might not be suitable but if it seems to be the answer, check with the matron before you buy. Mobile phones may not be allowed in nursing or care homes due to the effect they might have on delicate electrical equipment.

Due to new technology it is impossible to keep up to date with all the new equipment on the market. Visit the phone shops and see for yourself what is most suitable for your relative.

Date And Time Of Admission

Arranging Transport From Your Relative’s House To The Home

You will need to decide what kind of transport is required to move your relative to their new home. Do they need an ambulance? The doctor will be able to arrange it for you but there will probably be a substantial charge for this service. Look in the local phone book or ask at the surgery for names and addresses. Shop around for the best price.

If your relative can get into a car perhaps you could drive them there. If you decide on this course of action consider:

• Your car insurance – will it cover you to do this?
• Is your car suitable to transport your relative and their luggage comfortably and safely?
• Can you manage to care for them during the journey and drive as well?
• Could a friend come with you in case of an emergency?
• Could you transport them by taxi if your car breaks down?

If you decide not to drive them in your car for some reason consider:

• Can a friend with a suitable car take them, their luggage and you?
• Will your friend’s insurance provide cover for all of you in the event of an accident?
• Would it be more sensible to order a taxi large enough to take both of you and the luggage?
• Some taxi firms have a vehicle suitable to transport a person sitting in a wheelchair. You might like to make enquiries.
• If absolutely necessary you can order a private ambulance but it will be costly.
• Book any transport in good time.
• Allow enough time to pack everything in a calm, unhurried manner and to make your relative comfortable for the journey.