At some point, we may all be faced with the difficult decision of placing our loved ones in care. Not only that, we may also be faced with deciding whether it can actually be afforded.
Alongside this, if our loved one has lost mental capacity, we may also be left attempting to organise their Lasting Powers of Attorney to ensure their wellbeing and finances are in trusted, suitable hands.
With what can end up being a stressful experience, what else should we look for to ensure our loved ones are receiving the best care possible?
According to the Guardian, the Care Quality Commission's (CQC) most recent "state of adult social care services report" concluded that 89% of smaller care providers were good or outstanding. This is compared to 65% of larger nursing homes.
Services such as these have been commended for encouraging residents to "be themselves" and "looking beyond people's conditions". Basically, smaller services provide better person-centred care.
Person-centred care encourages personalisation which basically allows choice and control. It demands people are sensitive to needs, and they must get to know the resident personally. This will help them know what the resident wants, who they are, and who they want to be.
To do this, care homes can focus on several areas.
Correct Care Planning
The CQC report states that good person-centred care demands residents and families are "fully involved in all areas of their care, such as writing care plans."
Software is currently being developed to allow people the opportunity to update and change their care plan as they wish; huge for direct involvement.
Internet and computer mentoring is also being provided to staff and residents who aren't internet savvy.
Feedback
Ask for recent feedback, and ask to view it personally.
Care homes should be actively encouraging feedback in order to improve, so it is likely they will have it on file.
Also, find out if they have family and service user improvement forums, as these are a great opportunity for everyone to air their views on the care being received. It also allows families and residents to see how actively the care home is implementing improvements.
Co-production
Are the services designed around the residents?
Everyone should be involved in the decisions that will affect them.
Ask if the care home has any questionnaires, or if you're allowed to change the layout of your loved one's room.
This not only helps people feel at ease, but it helps them feel included and that their opinions are being listened too.
Homely environment
Does it feel like the residents are encouraged to live together? Essentially, the residents will become extended family, so is this environment established?
Can you smell baking? Are they taken outside of the home to do "normal" day to day activities? Do they have regular organised activities, inside and outside of the home?
This will also emphasise that the staff aren't overrun and do have time to care for the residents.
People really yearn to be understood, loved, and listened to, and it's important that this environment is encouraged.
It seems the smaller homes are well on their way to achieving this, and the larger care homes can learn a lot from their example.
By simply considering the points above, you will dramatically increase the wellbeing and experience for your loved one, and it will make the process of finding a home much easier.
For help with care planning by organising a Lasting Power of Attorney, contact LCS now on 0345 017 8250.
