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Once you have decided on a home, the next step is to see whether it really suits you. A lot can be learned from a visit, but the experience of living in the home is the real test. This will allow you to find out whether the home offers you an acceptable way of life and can meet your individual needs.
Trial Periods
If it is at all possible, a trial period is the best way to make sure the home is suitable before making final arrangements to move. The regulations for funding and for welfare benefits allow for this to happen.
More information about the “disregard” of assets that allows for a 12 week trial period can be found on p. 13 of this booklet:
http://www.counselandcare.org.uk/assets/library/documents/16_Care_Home_Fees_Paying_them_in_England.pdf
Many homes will allow you to visit more than once and spend time in the home, perhaps with a relative or friend for moral support, before making up your mind to ask for a trial period. It is worthwhile asking if this is possible.
The Contract
If your care is funded by the Local Authority, they will make a contract with the Care Home on your behalf. Often this is a standard contract that you will be able to see.
If you fund yourself, it is your responsibility to contract with the care home, so it is essential to make sure that the contract is clear and comprehensive.
http://www.relres.org/pdf/Living_in_a_Care_Home/The%20contract.pdf
The government has also laid down some minimum standards for the contract, which can be found here:
http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Legislation/Actsandbills/DH_4001911
Moving Out and Moving In
The actual business of moving can be very stressful. If you cannot do this yourself and no-one is available to help, it may be worthwhile contacting the Local Authority to see whether they can offer any help or suggest a local voluntary organisation that is able to do so.
Mixed Feelings
Moving into residential care is a big step both for the new resident and the family. Many people find they have mixed feelings about this.
These articles discuss some of these feelings and how to deal with them:
http://www.relres.org/pdf/living-in-a-care-home/Feelings_of_Guilt_A4.pdf
http://alzheimers-disease.suite101.com/article.cfm/caregivers_guilt
Some of the practical matters that may arise if you have been looking after someone who has moved into residential care are discussed here:
http://www.carersuk.org/Information/Whencaringends/Residentialornursingcare
HELPLINE: 0845 017 7720
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