When is the right time to research care homes?

How many of us think about care homes and how to choose one well in advance of when we might need it either for ourselves or a family member? Or we only look when we suddenly find that we're in the situation of needing to find one quickly (which is what happened to us!). Well, it's never too early to start doing your research. 

In this episode I chat to Will Hammond, Client liaison manager, at Silvermere Care home in Cobham Surrey. Will shares some great insights and tips about how to go about choosing a care home.where to start and what to look for. He explains what the difference is between: a care home and nursing home, respite care and long term care. 

A lot of care homes run community days, or 'meet the manager' event which I thought just applied to residents and their families but no, you can attend even if you're not a resident there. Allowing you to find out more about the home and get chance to chat to residents, taste the food and make friends.

It's a great way of helping someone transition or realise what they are mssing out on especially if they live alone. You can book in for a couple of weeks respite care, not just if you are recovering from a stay in hospital but if need a loved one to be looked after whilst you go away, as my mother in law said she booked in for 'a mini holiday' to REALLY see what it's like day to day befoer making any decisions.

Will also emphasised how important it is that the family are very much made to feel as much part of the home as the resident themselves and the staff are there to help the family as well. They do as much as they can to make it feel like home and each resident can personalise their room. Will says the one question he gets asked a lot is "Can they have wine or alcohol?" and yes you can have a glass of wine or your favourite tipple, even your own little fridge in your room!

If you would like to speak to Will or have more information on Silvermere Care Home his email is: Silvermere.CSM@averyhealthcare.co.uk or the specific webstie is  www.averyhealthcare.co.uk/care-homes/silvermere or for a list of all care homes (not just in the  Avery group) go to www.carehome.co.uk