Care homes
The following information is aimed at older people. Use this link to see Oxfordshire County Council information about support for children and families.
This may well be the most difficult time for the carer and cared for and the decision to move can often arise quite suddenly. For others it may be possible to take more time.
It is worth remembering that careful consideration at this stage may avoid disruption later. There is a lot of help and advice available but the final decision is for the cared for to make.
Discuss all the options available with family and friends as well as health professionals and specialist advisors.
Choosing the right care home is an important decision. One of the main concerns may be how to pay for care.
Whether or not you get help with fees, the person you care for should have some choice about which care home is right for them. Working out priorities will help to narrow your choices.
Oxfordshire County Council can help with an assessment and advice on choosing a nursing home or residential care
Funding care information in Oxfordshire has been made a little easier with the publication of the first ever Oxfordshire Care Services Directory 2008
This is a big worry for most people and affects your choice of care home. You may want to consult a solicitor or financial advisor on how to plan your finances. There are some free advice services available and you may be entitled to legal aid.
How to help the person you care for settle in to new surrounding can be a worry and some care homes are able to offer respite prior to more long term care. This can make the new home feel more familiar to both you as the carer and the person you care for when the move is long term.
Discussing concerns you or the cared for may have with staff at the care home will help to build good relationships.
In the same way it helps to prepare in advance what can be moved - some familiar ornaments and photographs. Some homes have room for items of personal furniture.
Pets are sometimes allowed but The Cinnamon Trust 01736 757900 will offer advice if pets have to be left behind.
The Relative and Residents Association helps support both you as the carer and the person in the care home. 0207 359 8136
Your role as the carer will change with the cared for being in residential care. You will have spent a lot of time and energy in trying to arrange the best option for the person you care for. You may feel it would help to talk to people about how you feel and how best to try and reorganise your life to fit the changes.
Oxfordshire carers' centres can offer support as can Oxfordshire Carers' Forum.
On this website you can also find:
Also you may be considering returning to work
The following links offer a list of publications about care homes
SeniorLine is a free national advice and information service run by Help the Aged and offers advice and information on housing options and adaptations and equipment to assist independence. 0800 800 6565 Monday to Friday 9am-4pm (freephone)
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