Adults

Health and Community Services provides some services directly, while other services are purchased directly from the independent or voluntary sector. A copy of the Adult Care Guide produced by Medway Council is available from the Access and Information Team. The Guide includes the details of residential and day care services for older people provided by Medway Council.

The decision to leave your home and go into a residential or nursing home is not an easy one. Perhaps the support you have been receiving no longer meets your needs or maybe your main carer is unable to continue providing the level of support you require. Perhaps residential care has been suggested following an assessment in hospital.

A residential care home aims to meet your personal and social care needs and provide the care and attention you would receive at home. The staff in a residential home can help with personal care such as washing, taking a bath, getting up or dressing. Help would always be available when you needed it. All meals are provided and there are activities that you can take part in, including outings. Visitors are welcomed.

Following an assessment, if it is agreed that you need a place in a residential or nursing home, you and your carer can choose which home is suitable for you. You can choose a home within Medway or, if you would like to live nearer to family or friends, you may choose a home elsewhere. It is important to ensure that you choose a home that will meet your needs, both now and in the future. There are many homes to choose from. Some are privately owned, others are run by voluntary organisations and some are run by local authorities.

Choosing a residential or nursing home

Moving into residential care and choosing a care home means making some important decisions. If you are looking for a residential place for yourself or a relative or friend, you should visit several before you decide. Every home has something different to offer. These are some of the questions you may wish to ask:

• Is the home near relatives and friends?
• Can they visit at any time?
• Is it in the area you want to live?
• Is there a choice of single or shared rooms?
• Do residents have a key for their own use?
• What personal possessions can the resident take into the home?
• Is there somewhere to keep valuables safe?
• Can you have your own TV and/or telephone in your room?
• Is there an en-suite WC?
• Are the bathrooms easy to get to?
• Are there aids and equipment for people with a disability?
• What facilities are available such as lifts, TV room, telephones, call system, or laundry?
• Are there any rules regarding alcohol or smoking?
• Is there a choice of food?
• Are menus displayed?
• How will your medical and health care needs be catered for?
• Do the residents seem happy and alert?
• Is there a comfortable lounge area?
• What will I be expected to contribute towards the cost?

If you are paying privately for your care you will need to ask what the full cost of the placement is.

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