HAVE you ever thought about what would happen if you needed full- time care and support for yourself or a family member? asks Claire Waddon from Care Focus

Somerset County Gazette:

I have worked in the sector for many years but found myself supporting my family with exactly this a couple of years ago.

Choosing a care home is a big decision, and one that so many of us find ourselves making, often in a hurry as a result of health crisis such as a fall or stroke.

So how do you ensure you choose a quality service whilst battling your emotions, navigating a range of professionals, understanding a wealth of information and last but by no means least, grappling with the financial implications?

There are many elements you may need to consider; cost, location, level of care offered (does it include nursing) but the key aspect for me, was ensuring the patriarch of our family was going to be safe, well looked after and treated as an individual, with dignity and respect, so here are my tips:

Check - Before you visit any care provider it is always helpful if you or someone you trust can do some research.

Take a look at things like:

• The Care Quality Commission report and rating of the service.

• If the service is approved by the Somerset County Council.

• What other people think about the provider.

Visit - Where possible, identify three homes and visit each more than once, at different times of the day. Staying for a few days to get the ’feel’ of the place is always a good idea. Speak to different members of staff, other residents and relatives, take notice of the decor and cleanliness, room sizes and facilities, food options and flexibility of meal times.

Look to see what activities are going on and how staff behave with residents and each other. Ask about bringing your own furniture or possessions, whether guests can stay overnight or visit at any time, and how much choice and freedom you will have to live life the way you enjoy it.

Ask – Make a list of the questions you or your loved one want answered.

These are likely to be about your personal choices and preferences and should help you make an informed decision Alternatively, you could use one of the many checklists available from organisations such as Age UK, Alzheimer’s Society, Voluntary Organisations Disability Group and Care UK, to mention only a few!

Some are quite detailed but even if you don’t want to use them in full, they will provide you some prompts about what you may consider important.

You can contact Claire Waddon at Care Focus on 01823-274627 or enquires@ carefocussw.co.uk COMPASS Carers be holding seminars on Lasting Powers of Attorney at the Carers Groups in Yeovil on 10 September, Chard on 14 September and Bridgwater on 22 October.

Contact us for further details on 01823-255911 (Mon- Fri, 10am-3.30pm), Text: 07568-109960, Minicom: 01823- 255919,-mail: info@compasscarers.

org.uk, website: www. compasscarers.org.uk or find us on ‘Facebook’ somersetcountygazette.co.uk/care_matters CARE MATTERS THE County Gazette has teamed up with Ashfords LLP & Care Focus to bring you this monthly feature – Care Matters.

The section will bring you expert advice and news to help you confront the often complex and confusing world of social care.

To get in touch with your questions or stories, email newsdesk@countygazette.co.uk or call 01823-365100.

Quality ratings of care homes for adults in Somerset

Since October 2014, 42 care homes have been inspected under the new CQC model. Here are the 30 that have been rated Outstanding and Good.


Outstanding:

Ashcroft – 3 Dimensions Care

Good:
Avalon Court
 Beauchamp House
Burnworthy House
Calway House
Careford Lodge
Catherine House
Frethy House
Frith House
Hillview Nursing Home
Holywell Nursing Home
Linden House
Milton House
Northmead House
Oak Lodge care Home
The Burnham Nursing and Residential Centre
The Firs Nursing
Home
The Manor
The Old Vicarage
The Rectory
The Towan Care Home
The Wheelhouse
Wellington and
Longforth house
West Abbey
Gordon Villa
Bridgwater Court
Huish House
Halcon House
The Knowls
Fiennes House