Care homes

Care homes

What is a care home?

Things to think about when choosing a care home

Quality Standards

 

What is a care home?

Moving into a care home may be an option if you need more care and support than can be provided in your own home. Care homes provide you with a bedroom, sometimes with ensuite facilities, communal areas and meals.

Care homes offer you:

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Things to think about when choosing a care home

Here are some useful questions to ask when looking for a care home:

  • What does the care fee include? Are there any extra costs?
  • Is the home easy for visitors to get to and for me to get out and about from?
  • Will I be encouraged to be as independent as possible and make my own choices?
  • Can I choose what and when I eat? Do they cater for special diets? Can I eat privately with guests from time to time? Can I prepare any food and drinks for myself?
  • Am I free to see visitors when and where I choose? Can visitors stay overnight?
  • Can I get up and go to bed when I choose? If not, will I be happy with the arrangement that is in place?
  • Will the managers of the home ask how I would like to handle my money or medicines?
  • Can I keep my own GP?
  • Does the home arrange activities or outings? For example, to the shops, places of worship or entertainment?
  • What physical activities are available?
  • Are books and newspapers available? Are there visits to a library or does a mobile library come to the home?

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Quality Standards

Care homes are run as businesses or by not-for-profit organisations. They may also be commissioned by the Council.  They are registered with and are inspected by the Care Quality Commission.

There are four quality bands that care homes can belong to in Newcastle.  Band 1 is the highest. The care homes are assessed by looking at their:

  • environmental standards including: room size, number of ensuite bathrooms, width or corridors
  • quality of care including: recruitment and training of staff, resident and relative involvement in running the home and feedback from residents and relatives

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Care homes which offer general personal care and support for older adults

 They can help you with:

  • dressing
  • mobility
  • eating, drinking and medication
  • medication
  • night time support, including toileting

InformationNOW has an article on residential care homes in Newcastle and a table showing what each care home offers.

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Care Homes which offer nursing care for older adults

Care homes with nursing care (also known as nursing homes) have qualified nurses who provide nursing care. You may need a nursing care if you have significant mobility issues,  you are very frail or have complex medical needs.

InformationNOW has an article on residential care homes in Newcastle and a table showing what each care home offers.

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Specialist care homes

Some care homes offer specialist nursing for adults with: complex medical needs, learning disabilities, dementia, mental health concerns and acquired brain injury.

InformationNOW has an article on residential care homes in Newcastle and a table showing what each care home offers.

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