Olwyn KinderWhich home is right for me? Not an easy decision to make
July 16th 2009 02:21
Once you or your family member has been approved for residential aged care accommodation, it is then up to you or your family to decide which home is the right one for you. This step can be very emotionally and physically demanding as you spend time contacting suitable aged care facilities to find out the type of accommodation they offer and whether they have a bed available. The better homes usually have a lengthy waiting list. It will depend on how urgent you or your family member's need is for this type of care. Try not to rush in when making a decision. Make sure you understand what is involved with such a move. Obtain a copy of the resident's handbook for each home you are considering so you will be able to compare what to expect from each home and what will be expected from you within each home. As a general rule these handbooks also will contain the charter of residents rights and responsibilities which is the same regardless of which home you decide to move into.
Be thorough when inspecting homes you are considering. Make sure you get to view a typical room that would be offered to you or your family member if you were to select this particular home to reside in. Are you willing to share? This is very important as not many homes have only single rooms available with most homes only having a few single rooms. Are there ensuite facilities and if not, how far are the bathrooms from the bedrooms? Find out about how the meals are prepared. Are they freshly cooked on site or are they a cook/chill arrangement. This means that the meals are prepared offsite and then reheated immediately prior to the mealtime. If this would be a problem for you or your family member, then you would not want to consider this home for your residential accommodation. Try and obtain a copy of the current menu. Most menus are based on a 4 weekly rotating cycle with provision for seasonal changes. If the type of food on offer is not to your liking, then it is pointless to consider this home any further. What personal items can you or your family member bring with them such as a favourite chair. It is generally accepted that personal nick nacks are permitted but due to occupational health and safety issues for staff, most homes do not allow residents to bring their own bed. The preferred beds used in most aged care homes is a hilo bed which can be raised or lowered to assist with optimising resident comfort and/or to help where a medical condition is an issue.
These are just some of the more important questions you need to consider and have adequately answered before making a final decision regarding the best aged care accommodation for yourself or a family member. If you want more indepth information or assistance with finding an aged care home either for yourself or for your family member, then visit our website at www.wheretonow.com.au to see how we can meet your needs. Please be aware that our services are restricted to the Sydney metropolitan area in Australia.
Be thorough when inspecting homes you are considering. Make sure you get to view a typical room that would be offered to you or your family member if you were to select this particular home to reside in. Are you willing to share? This is very important as not many homes have only single rooms available with most homes only having a few single rooms. Are there ensuite facilities and if not, how far are the bathrooms from the bedrooms? Find out about how the meals are prepared. Are they freshly cooked on site or are they a cook/chill arrangement. This means that the meals are prepared offsite and then reheated immediately prior to the mealtime. If this would be a problem for you or your family member, then you would not want to consider this home for your residential accommodation. Try and obtain a copy of the current menu. Most menus are based on a 4 weekly rotating cycle with provision for seasonal changes. If the type of food on offer is not to your liking, then it is pointless to consider this home any further. What personal items can you or your family member bring with them such as a favourite chair. It is generally accepted that personal nick nacks are permitted but due to occupational health and safety issues for staff, most homes do not allow residents to bring their own bed. The preferred beds used in most aged care homes is a hilo bed which can be raised or lowered to assist with optimising resident comfort and/or to help where a medical condition is an issue.
These are just some of the more important questions you need to consider and have adequately answered before making a final decision regarding the best aged care accommodation for yourself or a family member. If you want more indepth information or assistance with finding an aged care home either for yourself or for your family member, then visit our website at www.wheretonow.com.au to see how we can meet your needs. Please be aware that our services are restricted to the Sydney metropolitan area in Australia.
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