Making the decision that a care home is the best option for an elderly relative is difficult enough for anyone, this traumatic time can cause feelings of guilt and stress, but also relief that they will be getting the best help available. If you have spent years caring for a relative and feel they would be better looked after in a nursing home with 24 hour care and experienced staff on hand, then you need to ensure you make the right choice.

Nursing homes are very different from each other and this is why it is particularly important that you take time to ask them certain questions, and visit each one that seems a likely prospect. Make a list of homes that are within your desired area, a home too far away will make it inconvenient for visiting and if there is an emergency you want to be able to get there as quickly as possible.

Contact your local council or Age Concern organization for a list of nursing homes. Once you have a list of possibilities, give them a call or go online for information. Most should have a website, or send out a brochure with pictures of the home and literature that will answer your basic questions. One of the first questions you will need answered is the kind of care they provide. If your relative needs a lot of medical care or is particularly frail, then the type of home will probably differ to a relative who can still take care of most of their needs themselves and might prefer sheltered accommodation.

Cost is a major factor when selecting a good home, local authorities will pay up to a certain amount but if the costs are higher then you may have to foot the bill. They should cover all the basics, such as food, accommodation, and general care. The extra costs will probably include such things as day trips, classes or treatments. Get a run down of what exactly is included and take a close look at them. What may seem an economical choice might turn out quite expensive if their quality of life is important to you.

Even if your relative has a serious illness or disease such as dementia, or has had a stroke, they should still be eligible for a high level of care and expect a good quality of life. This means they receive the same respect, privacy, care and comfort that they would have if living in their own house.

The quality of a care home is entirely dependant upon the management. If the manager of the home is sensitive to peoples needs, has relevant experience and is qualified in looking after elderly people, then its likely the home will be well run and have a lot to offer. The staff should also be friendly and experienced. Visiting the nursing home can do a lot in the decision making process as you will be able to see first hand how the manager and staff interact with the clients and their attitude towards them. Staff who have a good rapport with the residents and take time out to chat with them should be one of your main concerns, rather than fancy furnishings, when searching for the best accommodation for someone you care about.

Comfort and cleanliness are important and this can also be checked out quite easily by taking a visit. As you walk into a home you will smell if it is clean or not, whilst you are there also have a look at the toilets and the bedrooms of the residents. How does the house feel? You want your relative to be comfortable and feel as if it is their home. Unfriendly or harassed staff, unappetizing food, residents left in dirty clothes or to sit alone hours at a time are all warning signs to look out for.

Check if there are any activities arranged for the residents. Gentle exercise, art, sewing and chess are just some leisure activities elderly people can take part in and offer the chance to socialize and get to know each other better. Is there a nice large outdoor area where they can take a stroll or sit and enjoy the sunshine?

Good luck looking for suitable nursing homes. Take your time and follow the guidelines above and you can soon relax in the knowledge that your relative will be well looked after in a comfortable, happy atmosphere.

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