Which questions should I ask when looking for a care home in Shirebrook?
Finding the right care option for a loved one can be a stressful experience. The subject of care is a complicated one, not to mention emotional. If you are looking for a care home in Shirebrook or Mansfield, which one should you choose?
The process will be easier if the right questions are asked up front. It is vital to think about the level of care your family member needs now, as well as the care they may need in the future.
Open days have historically been the best way to see what a care home looks like and what it has to offer, but this is not always possible.
Having a list of questions at the ready when contacting a local care home in will help you get the information you need to make an informed decision.
What care is available at my local care home?
Different care homes offer different levels of care. Some care homes in Shirebrook and Mansfield will offer specialist care when others will not.
If your loved one has specific care needs, ask the care home if they cater for these needs and how much experience they have in this field.
A good care home in Shirebrook or Mansfield will employ staff that are fully trained in different types of care.
Always ensure that a care home is equipped and tailored for the care that your loved one needs. For example, special considerations and safety measures for those living with dementia.
It is always advised to check carehome.co.uk for more information about a care home.
How do I know that my family member will be treated with dignity and respect?
This is an important question for anyone searching for a care home for their family member.
While this question should be asked of the care home, there are other ways you can search for evidence of dignity and respect within that home.
Have members of the care home’s staff been entered for any dignity awards or received any accolades?
Kate Birch of Richmond Care Home in Shirebrook was shortlisted in the Great British Care Awards for The Dignity in Care Award in 2020, for example.
A care home’s social media pages and their care home brochure will also give a clear indication if dignity and respect are important and evident within the home.
How do I know my family member will be safe?
Staff at care homes in Shirebrook and Mansfield should be handpicked using safe recruitment practices. It is always advised to ask a care home about the background checks that are carried out when recruiting personnel.
In addition to safety checks, an excellent care home will only recruit staff with a warm, friendly, and kind disposition.
Training is essential in ensuring the safety of your loved one. Health and safety law should also be of paramount importance within a home. Why not ask your local home about the measures they have in place?
Will there be enough for my loved one to do?
Good care homes have busy activity schedules. They will also respect that some residents may not wish to, or be able to, take part in all activities.
It is a good idea to speak to the care home’s activities coordinator when doing your research, to gauge how friendly they are and how much they tailor their activities to individuals.
If your loved one is local to Shirebrook or Mansfield they may still enjoy trips out into the local community.
If you are looking for a care home in the Shirebrook area, ask the care home about day trips and activities they organise within the local community.
Social media pages such as Facebook are a great source for getting a feel for a care home’s activities.
There are many questions to ask when searching for a care home and you should ask plenty as part of your research. In addition to facts, your own gut feel should not be underestimated.
A combination of information-gathering and your own instinct will help you to choose the perfect care home in Shirebrook.
Richmond Care Home in Shirebrook, Mansfield is a thriving, family-run home. If you would like to know more about our care home, please call us on 01623 748474 or email kate.birch@richmondcarehome.co.uk
