It seems strange writing an article in the press about the perception of care homes that the media have perhaps portrayed differently over the last 12 months.
However, having opened a new care home in the middle of a pandemic, we are well placed to put some of the myths to bed, and illustrate what life is like in a modern luxury care home – think care hotel rather than a traditional care home. The investment and lengths that care homes go to in order to ensure residents are safe and have engaging and active lives in amazing surroundings is immense in terms of time, money and compassion. People who come and visit usually react as “wow, did not expect this”…
You will generally only read in the papers the horror stories, not the day to day pleasures that don’t make the headlines…not all care homes are the same!
So what is life like in a care home like Old Sarum Manor?
You wake up when you want to with a cup of tea delivered to you, your newspaper will be there and any help in getting up and ready is provided.
All food is of restaurant quality, or if you just want egg on toast, that is also fine. Breakfast is followed by activities, ranging from walks to flower arranging. We also have physio sessions, or other care requirements to meet. Wine with lunch and often pre-dinner drinks in the bar is normal. Sometimes we have themed nights, such as a pop-up Italian restaurant.
In the afternoons we often have talks, entertainers or other activities. We also have trips out to the shops, museums or different locations, or just walks, or time in the garden. Families also come in and visit at any time, and have lunch or dinner with their Mum or Dad. Or you can just watch a film in the cinema room.
How do you choose a good care home?
Do your research. The main point is that you can choose which care home you want to make your home. The first port of call for many is the Local Authority, however, if you are paying privately, or you are able to ‘top-up’ the Local Authority contribution, you can approach the homes you want to directly.
Look at the websites and read the reviews on sites like www.carehome.co.uk or www.autumna.co.uk
Speak to your friends who may know someone in the homes.
Call up the homes and visit a number of them; you will quickly get a feel of the home and the ethos. Ask questions.
Look at the fees and importantly, look at any extras to ensure you know the total cost. Old Sarum Manor has a single fee to make it very transparent, which includes pretty much every extra including relatives coming in for meals or drinks, trips, hairdressing, physio and chiropody sessions.
A modern home is a very different experience to perhaps the perception.
