best-care-home.co.uk

Finding a home for challenging behaviour

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 18:35:44 PST

I would like to thank all of the dementia care homes that responded to my appeal for a dementia care home that could cope with challenging behaviour. It can be very distressing when you need to find a care home that deals with challenging behaviour, but it is quite common amongst sufferers of dementia.

Therefore, to have received such a response from the 3 star care homes that are listed on best-care-home.co.uk has been wonderful and extremely supportive. The phone calls and emails have been coming in all day and Managers of homes from all over the country have been sharing their experiences of how they deal with challenging behaviour so that we can work out how best to deal with the enquiry I received at best-care-home.co.uk

We are always willing to help anybody that contacts us to find a care home, however difficult and challenging the behaviour or circumstances.

So a big thank you to the 3 star care homes!

3 star dementia homes

3 star nursing homes

3 star residential homes

Lack of support for self funders

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 08:25:06 PST

A National Care forum survey in January this year confirmed that self funding residents of care homes are not getting the support that they are entitled to from Social Services.

For example, Dorothy, a 96 year old woman who was funding her own care in a residential care home, would have had her deteriorating health picked up far sooner if she had been a social services client. Social Services claimed that because she funded her own care, she was outside the "positive safeguarding framework" provided for social services clients through the system of assessment and regular care reviews.

Gary Fitzgerald, chief executive of Action on Elder Abuse, echoed the review's concerns about the lack of support for self funders and added that providers should still be conducting an assessment of need and had a responsibility to pick up safeguarding concerns.

At best-care-home we recognise the minimal information provided by social services for self funders and dedicate our website to helping those who are paying for their own care, by providing information to help you get the best care.

Self funder - what do I do now?

How to find the best care if you are a self funder

The best care awards

Finding the best care

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 08:52:10 PST

Everybody has different needs and objectives when they are looking for the best care. But the one thing that every person must have is the information that will help them to make their decision.

At best-care-home we encourage care homes and domiciliary care agencies to provide you with as much information as possible on their individual listing. In addition to this we ask members of the public who are using the service to leave personal recommendations that will give you a personal insight into the character of the home.

We also run the only care home award that is voted for by the public, highlighting the best care in England, according to the people that use it. The prizes of professional videos of the service, gives you even more information about the care and introduces you to the staff. The award is also open to domiciliary care for the first time this year. If you would like to nominate a 3 star care home or domiciliary care agency for the award please get in touch.

For information about how to ensure that your care home or domiciliary agency is included in the competition for the best care in England click here.

Domiciliary care agencies

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 08:05:49 PST

The needs of those using domiciliary care must be met and the first need is that of being able to find the best domiciliary care agency. Over 85% of people, who are still working, search for their information on the internet and this figure may well be higher amongst those who are paying for their own care - 'self funders'.

It makes sense therefore that a domiciliary care agency has an online presence and presents themselves in the professional way that prospective clients would expect. At best-care-home.co.uk we only list 3 star care homes and domiciliary care agencies and we provide full information on the services that they offer. If your domiciliary care agency is not listed with us please get in touch.

The best domiciliary care will be found amongst those agencies that have achieved the highest rating of 3 stars 'Excellent', by the Care Quality Commission. Unfortunately this rating system is to be phased out and as yet there is no replacement.

So, at best-care-home we go one step further to help you find the best care homes and the best domiciliary care agencies, we encourage those that use the service to leave personal recommendations giving others the information they might need to choose the best domiciliary care that most suits their needs. If you would like to leave a personal recommendation about the domiciliary care agency you use, or about a care home that you use please contact us.

Best care award for domiciliary care

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 11:04:33 PST

The first public award for domiciliary care will be presented by Best-care-home.co.uk in January. The nominees must be 3 star rated 'Excellent' domiciliary agencies and the first prize is a professional video of the service, valued at £2,000.

Votes will come from the people that use the service, their relatives, friends and staff of the domiciliary agency. If your agency is eligible contact best-care-home to be included in this unique competition.

The competition also encourages people who have voted for a service to leave a personal recommendation that will help others to choose which is the best domiciliary agency to meet their needs.

Best-care-home already runs awards for the best care homes in England and due to the success of last years competition these awards will be split this year into care homes with under 20 registered beds and care homes with 20 beds and over. The prize for all of the regional winners is also a professional video valued at £2,000.

For full details of the award.

Welcome to Healthcall

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 08:21:25 PST

Over half a million Britons over the age of 75 have poor eyesight and best-care-home.co.uk is delighted that Healthcall the opticians will be offering it's services to the visitors of best-care-home.

Visiting over 100,000 people in their own home every year, Healthcall offers the support that many people need in order to enjoy a better quality of life, dignity and independence.

So often simple services are overlooked when somebody becomes older and yet it can have such an impact on their lives. Not being able to read a newspaper or watch the TV could be so easily corrected. At best-care-home we are determined to help to raise the standards within care homes and to meet the growing needs and demands of self funders, people who pay for their own care.

Best-care-home.co.uk only lists the best care homes in England, those that have been rated 3 stars Excellent, by the Care Quality Commission.

At best-care-home we are also looking for dentists who will visit clients within their own home or within a care home - if you are able to recommend a dentist please contact best-care-home.co.uk.

What is domiciliary care?

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 16:53:18 PST

If you want to stay at home and not move into a care home then you will be looking for domiciliary care or home care as it is also called.

Agencies, called domiciliary care agencies or home care agencies will help you to manage in your own home by providing a variety of support services. Domiciliary agencies charge you according to the amount of time they spend with you. The minimum amount of chargeable time is usually 15 or 30 minutes.

A domiciliary agency or home care agency will provide help for older people, a person with a physical disability or a person with a learning disability. Domiciliary care can include anything from Live in Care where a carer lives with the individual in their own home and provides a service that is tailor made to their needs.

Domiciliary care also provides help for individuals who need occasional help or regular day to day assistance. As a self funder (somebody who pays for their own care) you are in a position to ask for as much or as little help as you need in order to stay in your own home and receive the type of care that you want.

There are a range of other support services outside domiciliary care that may be able to help you stay in your own home.

The Care Quality Commission has a full list of all domiciliary care agencies.

The Care Quality Commission is the independent regulator of health and social care in England. They assess all care homes and domiciliary care agencies using a star rating. This assessment process will change next year but at the present time the best domiciliary or home care agencies are rated 3 stars or 'Excellent'.

Useful information

How to take the stress out of paying for your care.

Legal facts for self funders - people who pay for their own care.

Nursing homes and residential homes - the difference

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 08:00:35 PST

Most people Google Nursing homes when they are looking for a care home - unaware that there are a range of different types of residential care. As a self funder, somebody who pays for their own care, you should be fully informed about the full range of care that may be able to help you find.

As a self funder you also have a choice about the care home that you decide to live in, but it is worth remembering that you may be able to get the support that you need at home with a domiciliary care agency, if you would rather not live in a nursing home or residential home. At best-care-home we only list the 3 star 'Excellent' rated domiciliary agencies and care homes that are assessed by the Care Quality Commission, so you can be sure of finding the best care in England.

What is a nursing home and what is the difference between a nursing home and residential care home?

Nursing Homes

A nursing home is a place for people who don't need to be in hospital and don't want to, or can't be cared for at home. Nursing homes vary in size from small family run establishments to larger purpose built environments run by large organisations. Nursing homes will also provide accommodation, all meals and help with personal care such as dressing.

Some nursing homes are set up like a hospital, the staff provide twenty four hour nursing care care for people who are bedridden, frail or have a medical condition or illness that requires the attention of a doctor or nurse. Other nursing homes offer a more informal and relaxed approach to nursing care.

Nursing homes are not only for the elderly, but for anyone who requires 24-hour care.

A list of 3 star nursing homes in England.

Residential Care Homes

A residential care home can provide support during short periods of illness but will not provide full time nursing care. A residential care home will support the resident and provide accommodation, all of their meals, help with personal care such as dressing and the supervision of medication. In addition there will be someone on call at night.

A list of 3 star residential care homes.

Alzheimer's and Dementia Care

Many nursing homes and residential care homes have registered with the Care Quality Commission to help individuals who are suffering from dementia. Not all care homes are registered to provide the specialist support that is needed. Somebody who is suffering from dementia will be restricted to either a nursing home or residential care home by any illnesses they may have and that home will need to specialise in dementia.

Useful information when looking for a nursing home or residential care home

What to do now - a guide for self funders

Do you need a care home or home care?

Paying for care if you are a self funder

Legal facts for self funders

Personal recommendations for nursing homes and residential care homes

Personal recommendations for home care

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 06:42:56 PST

Access Care in Andover is the first domiciliary care agency to receive personal recommendations on best-care-home.co.uk, the only website that offers self funders (people that pay for their own care) the information they need to make an informed choice about the best care for themselves or their relative.

Access Care offers an 'Excellent' level of service because of it's 3 star rating with the Care Quality Commission and Access Care provides nationwide live in and hourly care services to people over the age of 18 who cannot wholly look after themselves and wish to remain as independent as possible within their own homes and community.

The advantage of having a personal recommendation about the service you are considering is clear - "the two girls who came and lived in as carers could not have been better suited to the task of making those end days comfortable, calm and really cared for."

Domiciliary care or home care, allows an individual to stay at home and as a self funder you will want to find the best care available at a cost that you can afford.

At best-care-home.co.uk we have included on our register only the very best domiciliary or home care agencies in England and we only list 3 star, ‘Excellent’ rated agencies - this rating is awarded by the Care Quality Commission, the independent regulator of health and social care in England. We also list all of the 3 star 'Excellent' rated care homes in England.

Good news about nursing homes

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 11:03:04 PST

Personal recommendations about nursing and residential care homes from residents and relatives are invaluable for self funders. As a self funder you have a choice about which nursing or residential home you would like to live in and a personal recommendation from a resident or one of their relatives can make all the difference.

Comments such as "My mother has been in this Nursing Home for a year. Without a doubt, it has to be one of the, if not the best in the UK. Is there any more that I can say, other than it ought to be a model for other similar places and that I recommend it, it's people and it's management unreservedly to anyone thinking of needing such a place".

As a self funder you are unlikely to be offered much support from social services and this is where best-care-home.co.uk provides the information that you need to make an informed decision about the best nursing, residential or dementia home that will meet your needs.

Top tips include; taking a list of questions with you when visiting your shortlist of care homes, print off best-care-homes 'Questions to ask a care home' and take a look at our 'planning for the move' and the 'checklist of what to take with you'.

Make sure you get some professional financial advice about the best way to pay for your care. Statistics show that only 17% of self funders seek professional advice and that up to a third of people run out of money and have to turn to social services to pay their fees. In addition to this, speak to a solicitor about Lasting Power of Attorney - not designating somebody to act on your behalf if you lose mental capacity can seriously impact your personal affairs.

Best-care-home newsletter for self funders

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 07:39:56 PST

Information that every self funder needs to know - at best-care-home.co.uk we aim to help those people in particular who are having to pay for their own care, with our monthly newsletter.

It is very likely with the growing restrictions being placed on social care by the government that the number of self funders, which currently stands at 41% of those receiving care, will increase. In addition to this, recent statistics show that 75% of councils will now only provide support for those with 'substantial needs' or above and 10% of councils will only provide support for those with 'critical' needs (Laing & Buisson 2010/11).

As a self funder, somebody who does not qualify for local authority funding, it is generally accepted that you will receive very little help and support to find the care that you need and this is where best-care-home can help, we provide the information.

Once you have been assessed as a self funder you need information about what to do next and how to find the best care home at a price you can afford.

Legal information about a Lasting Power of Attorney and the importance of making a will are all areas that need to be considered. If you have a question that is not covered on best-care-home please contact us and we will find the information you need to find the best care for you.

Self funders - what to look for when choosing home care

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 07:49:35 PST

Finding Domiciliary care or home care can present particular challenges if you are paying for your own care.

Home care or domiciliary care means having carers in your own home in order to help you with the tasks that you cannot do for yourself. Items such as basic household tasks, help with eating and drinking, collecting pensions, help with washing, getting up and going to bed, administering medication.

As a self funder, somebody who is paying for their own care, you are in a position to choose which agency you would like to employ and over 80% of care home agencies are now privately owned, all agencies need to be registered with the Care Quality Commission - you can read the report on their service on the CQC website.

Ultimately your decision about which home care agency to employ will come down to the people that work there and how you feel about them. However, one area that you might like to consider is the training that the staff receive, this can be particularly important if you need help to get into the bath or to be moved. In addition ask what procedures are in place if your carer is away on holiday or sick, do you have the ability to choose which carer is the replacement.

Speak to several domiciliary or home care agencies and ask about their practices, training and turnover of staff before you make your final decision. Bear in mind that as a self funder you may well be paying more for their services than social services are willing to pay for their clients - as such you will be a preferred client.

Having chosen which agency you would like to employ they will make an assessment of your needs and tell you what support they believe you need. As a self funder you can of course pay for more help if you would like to - it might be useful to consider advice about financial planning.

Home care or domiciliary care allows you to stay in your own home when you need a little extra help to carry out certain tasks. However, should you decide that you would rather live in a care home that offers 24 hour support and the companionship that can often be missing at home, consider the best care homes only and look for those that have received the 3 star 'Excellent' rating by the Care Quality Commission.

Holidays for residents of care homes

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 07:51:06 PST

Living in a care home shouldn't mean the end of normal life - holidays or weekend breaks don't need to stop just because you live in a care home. At best-care-home we give you a guide to the issues you should consider and provide details of several companies that offer assistance to elderly or disabled travelers either in the UK or abroad. With a little planning a holiday can provide a variety of benefits including making new friends and a change of scenery.

If you are a self funder, paying for your own care, you may be used to taking regular holidays and deciding to move into a care home shouldn't stop you from living your normal life. If you are self funding your own care you may want to discuss your budget for holidays and your care with a specialist care fees adviser who can help you to plan ahead.

Dignity in care for self funders

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 08:17:53 PST

Dignity in care is a basic and fundamental right and if you are a self funder you are in a position to ensure that you receive it when you decide to live in a nursing home or residential home permanently. Taking the time to find the best care home, can ensure that you not only find the care home that is most suited to your needs geographically and physically, but also emotionally.

Being treated with dignity can influence your entire well being within your new home and can have a positive impact on your well-being and your social life. However, it is not always possible to have the luxury of time when searching for a care home and in these circumstances, particularly if you are a self funder you have a variety of ways that you can make sure you find the best care available.

First; search for 'Excellent' rated, 3 star care homes. These are care homes that have been assessed by the Care Quality Commission as the best care in England. These ratings will be phased out during 2010, but at the present time they are the only way we can compare care homes 'like for like' across the country.

Second; look for personal recommendations of care homes, in particular care homes that have been recommended by the people that use the homes on a regular basis.

Third; if you need to find a nursing home or residential home quickly ask if they will provide 'respite' care. This will allow you to find a room quickly and then give you some time to establish whether it is the best care home for you and whether you will fit in.

Be a savvy self funder

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 17:13:56 PST

The budget on Tuesday may well have pushed more people into the 'self funder' category of adult social care. Self funders pay for their own care and do not qualify for financial assistance from social services - however, there are some benefits that they may be eligible for.

If this is the case and already 41% of care home residents are self funders, then the residents and their relatives who may be looking for the care on their behalf, need to be more savvy about what they are looking for.

In addition to this self funders need to be aware that they are preferred residents as the care home will generally charge more for a self funder than they are able to charge social services for a room. Self funders are in effect subsidising residents from social services.

It is important when you are paying such a large sum of money for your care that not only is the care you are receiving supporting your needs, but that it is the best care available at the best price.

Are you funding your own care?

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 07:02:29 PST

Are you funding your own care? A step by step guide to finding the best nursing care, residential care or domiciliary care for self funders is available on best-care-home.co.uk . Providing information about when you should look for care, how much your care will cost, allowances available even for self funders, whether you should consider a care home or home care, what to look for if you are a self funder looking for the best care, and how to plan your move.

Being a self funder puts you in control of the process of looking for care for yourself or your relative and it is statistically highly likely that you are looking for nursing, residential or domiciliary care, for the first time in your life. Unfortunately the process is quite complicated and that is why at best-care-home.co.uk we provide you with a step by step guide to lead you through the process.

When you are following our guide please keep one thing clearly in your mind - do not accept second best. Make the time to visit as many care homes as possible, ask probing questions and do not be fobbed off with vague answers. As a self funder you are a valuable client to any nursing home, residential home or domiciliary agency.

Personal recommendations for nursing homes and residential homes

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 08:33:05 PST

At best-care-home.co.uk we recognise that paying for your own nursing home or care home gives you a considerable level of control in the choices that you make and we want to help you make the best choice of care home that will most suit your needs. If you are paying for your own nursing home or residential home you are classified as a 'self funder' and as a result of this you will receive very little help from the authorities.

The cost of funding nursing care or residential care is considerable and it is vitally important that you find the best care home to suit your needs. You can begin by looking for 3 star 'Excellent' rated care homes, the current grading system used by the Care Quality Commission, unfortunately this will be phased out by 2011.

You can also look for personal recommendations about care homes and at best-care-home.co.uk we have over 60 nursing homes, residential homes and specialist dementia homes that have received personal recommendations by the residents, relatives, visitors and staff.

Finding the best nursing home or residential home can be difficult so follow our guide to finding the best care.

Mislaid clothing in care homes

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 07:36:52 PST

Mislaid clothing, or wearing clothes belonging to somebody else when you live in a nursing home or care home can be distressing and costly if the items are not found. It is vital that all of your clothing and any other personal items that you take into a care home are labeled clearly with your relatives name - this includes everything - from underwear to coats, spectacles to shoes. At best-care-home we want to help self funders, people who pay for their own care, find the best care and get value for money.

As a self funder - somebody who is paying for their own care, it would be reasonable to assume that any clothing you take into a nursing home or care home for your relative will be worn by them and not get lost.

What do you do if you find items are missing? Firstly make a thorough search of the wardrobe and drawers to ensure they have not simply been put away in the wrong place. It you can't find them you could have a word with the carer that spends the most time with your relative and see whether she remembers seeing the clothing and when. If you are still not able to track down the items a word with Matron might bear fruit. Ask her how the laundry is operated, who does the laundry, how is it sorted? If it is outsourced perhaps she could have a word with the company concerned. Polite but firm may be the best approach depending upon the relationship you have with her.

This might seem drastic action to take, but losing a residents clothing is a frequent occurrence in some nursing homes and care homes and it can be very upsetting and costly. As a self funder you are paying a considerable amount of money every week for your relative to be looked after and cared for - you wouldn't expect this to happen in a hotel - why should it happen in a nursing home?

Living in a care home - what to buy dad for fathers day?

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 07:15:05 PST

Buying a gift for somebody who is in hospital or lives in a residential care home can be difficult. The usual items for the house just aren't appropriate. So with Fathers Day on Sunday what can you buy your dad that will not only show him that you care, but also add a little bit of interest into his life.

At best-care-home.co.uk we have put together a range of gifts that we hope will be entertaining, useful, or encourage socialisation with other residents. For example, if your dad lives in a care home and there is a garden, would he be able to do a little gardening - or plant a few seeds or plants? Check with Matron, she may be delighted that somebody is using the garden to it's full potential.

Or how about a bird feeder, goldfish bowl or hamster? There is growing evidence that animals in residential care homes not only provide entertainment, but are calming as well.

For those less inclined towards furry animals a fresh fruit hamper can be shared with others, or medication permitting wine always goes down well!

The bottom line is - if you are giving a gift at any time of the year, try and make sure it has an interest or entertainment value that will last beyond your visit and will encourage others in conversation or activity.

A gift for a resident with dementia can be especially challenging, but many of the same principles apply. For more information from best-care-home.co.uk on how to stimulate somebody with dementia read our fact sheet on how to keep stimulated and active with dementia.

Assessments and Attendance Allowance for self funders

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 07:44:43 PST

Best-care-home.co.uk is dedicating itself to the needs of self funders. Self funders are people who fall outside the financial criteria set by Social Services for help with their care fees. As a result of non qualification financially, many self funders also find that they are not given information that will help them to find the best care for themselves or their relative.

If you are a self funder you are entitled to a free assessment from Social Services, who will advise you what type of care might be most suited to your needs - either residential care, nursing, specialist or domiciliary care (care at home). In addition to this you are also entitled to Attendance Allowance.