Going into a Care Home: Is It the Right Choice?

Most of us will consider moving into a care home at a certain point in our lives. It is a big decision to make, so it’s important to give the matter a lot of thought. There are no firm rules that dictate when someone should move into a residential care home. However, it may be a wise choice if you (or a loved one) would benefit from support with day-to-day living or maintaining personal care. Going into a care home can also help with loneliness and isolation, providing ample opportunities to socialise. In this guide, we will discuss the signs that may indicate a care home is the right choice for you. We’ll also share some of the most frequently asked questions about going into a care home.

When Should Someone Go into a Care Home?

The question of when (or if) you should move into a care home is not always straightforward. It depends on many factors, including your mental and physical health and wellbeing needs. However, most people move to residential care when they begin to find independent living increasingly challenging. Arranging a care needs assessment from your local council is a good first step. This will give you a good indication of what type of care is suitable for you. In the meantime, here are some signs that a care home may be the right choice.

Daily Living

You may find activities of daily living (ADLs) are becoming difficult due to mobility problems, mental health or memory issues. These activities include everyday tasks such as:

·         Getting dressed or undressed independently

·         Washing, bathing and grooming

·         Using the toilet  

·         Preparing food and drinks

·         Household chores

·         Going shopping

If you are struggling to keep on top of your ADLs, it may be time to consider residential living. Carers will be on hand to assist with personal care tasks whenever you need them. Additionally, all household tasks will be taken care of for you, from laundry and cleaning to cooking.

Medical Needs

Whether you live with a sensory impairment, arthritis, metabolic disorder or cognitive issues, managing your health needs independently can be challenging. You may find it difficult to move around the home unaided or remember when to take your medication. Residential care can help take the strain off both you and your family members whilst supporting you to maintain your independence. If you are going into a care home with dementia or other complex or progressive health needs, a nursing home can offer more specialised support.

Safety Concerns

When an older adult is living alone, safety and security can start to become a concern. You may worry about what would happen if you had an accident or medical emergency. Alternatively, you may be at risk of malnourishment if you find it difficult to remember whether you have eaten. If you no longer feel safe living alone, it may be wise to consider residential care. At a care home, carers are on call round-the-clock to handle emergencies and to ensure your needs are met.

Mental Health

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. As we get older, we are more likely to experience feelings of loneliness, anxiety or depression – especially when living alone. These issues can significantly impact your quality of life, making day-to-day tasks much more difficult. If this is the case, moving into a care home could be beneficial for you. The carers will support you in maintaining your independence as far as possible. You’ll be able to socialise with other residentsand take part in activities such as outings, workshops and classes.

What Age Can You Go into a Care Home?

Because every individual's circumstances are different, there is no minimum age for going into a care home (UK). Different residences are designed with different age groups and care needs in mind. Care homes for older adults, such as KYN, are suitable for those aged 65 and over. Approximately 60% of the older care home population is over the age of 85. Around 30% of residents are aged 75-84, while the remaining 10% are aged 65-74. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide when the time is right to consider residential care.

What Is the Cost of Going into a Care Home?

Another factor to consider is whether you can cover the cost of going into a care home (UK). Fees for private care homes can vary from hundreds to thousands of pounds per week, and may depend upon:

·         The home's location and quality of the environment

·         Ratio of carers to residents and their level of training

·         Level of care and services provided (residential or nursing)

·         The quality of care, support and amenities on offer

Financial help is available for those who cannot self-fund their care. This may depend upon the value of your savings and assets. You can read more about receiving help with care home costs here.

Can I Refuse to Go into a Care Home?

If you feel that residential care is not the right choice for you, you are free to explore alternatives. For example, receiving domiciliary care or hiring a live-in carer to stay with you in your own home. However, before coming to a decision, you should discuss your options with your family and health professionals. You may also wish to visit some of your local care homes, do plenty of research and ask lots of questions. This will give you an idea of what life in a care home is like, allowing you to make an informed choice. You can use the Care Quality Commission website to find care homes near you and compare their inspection ratings.

Discover KYN: Outstanding Residential and Nursing Care

If you are looking for a care home in London or the South East, discover KYN today. We provide the highest standards of nursing and residential care in beautiful, relaxing environments. Our aim is to enhance the lives of everyone who calls KYN home, whilst supporting each person to maintain their independence and preferred lifestyle. We take a personalised approach to care, getting to know each resident individually and treating their physical, emotional and spiritual needs as one. Our residents enjoy the highest quality dining  and a daily-changing programme of life-enriching activities. To request a brochure or arrange a visit, contact KYN today. Fill in our enquiry form, call us on +44 (0) 20 3535 1923 or email enquiries@kyn.co.uk.