Taking care of our loved ones is something we all wish to do, and sometimes asking for help with this is the best option. If you’re facing the seemingly impossible task of finding a good care home, it’s important to do the homework on what is true and what is not. There are several myths about care homes that skew the perception of the excellent services available in North East care homes and should not discourage you from finding the help you or your loved one need. Here are four debunked misconceptions:
1. Care homes are only for the elderly
This is the most popular urban legend about care homes. While many care homes cater to older people, high-quality care is also provided to younger individuals. This is not to say they’ll be lonely, as young people will enjoy a separate unit with people in their age group. Carers are registered and highly experienced, so they can accommodate to anyone, regardless of their age.
2. Residents are neglected or abandoned
A good care home can provide around-the-clock care. If help is needed at 3AM, there will be reassurance that someone is near to assist. Internal audits are regularly carried out to ensure residents are consistently being provided with the utmost care. Additionally, there are no restrictions on the number of visitors except when it is unsafe to do so (i.e., during a COVID-19 outbreak) so you’ll be able to check in on your loved one whenever you want to.
3. There is a lack of personal, individualised care
Everybody has their own needs. This means that the right tailored care will be provided to all residents in a care home and is flexible. Whether it’s dementia nursing, physiotherapy or support for young physically disabled people, commitment to providing personal care will be the standard procedure. If that’s not comforting enough, residents are entitled to refuse assistance from a particular member of staff for personal reasons and their wish will be respected unless in the event of an emergency.
4. Care homes are expensive
The priority of any care home is the well-being of its residents. If you struggle to afford a care home, you can get a needs assessment from your local council. This service is free, can be done in person or over the phone and includes an assessment by a social worker or occupational therapist of what assistance and support is required. A means test will be arranged for you and will determine what the council can pay towards social care fees.
Keeping an eye on the standard of care homes is particularly important in making sure the seemingly good care home you found hasn’t become bad. Care Quality Commission, the independent inspector and regulator of health and social care in England, ranks all Prestwick Care homes as either good or outstanding.
We understand that it takes a lot to trust strangers with the well-being of your family or dependents, so it’s important to find the perfect care home. If you’re ready to being the process, start here.
