When is it the right time to consider residential care?
Many of us will come to a point in our lives where we decide that we – or a loved one – could benefit from additional support and care, when living independently at home becomes too difficult. The trigger could be something physical such as a fall or sudden illness, or the need may emerge more gradually through increasing isolation and loneliness, which can lead to depression and other mental and physical health problems. Either way, considering residential care for yourself or a loved one can feel quite overwhelming – from choosing the right time to consider a care home, to making the decision together or on somebody else’s behalf, and knowing what kind of care will suit your individual needs.
What does residential care mean?
Residential care is suitable for people who are finding daily life at home difficult but don’t require nursing care, and provides the chance to be looked after and lead a fulfilling life.
Residential care offers residents access to 24-hour care that helps them cope with day-to-day life, promoting both physical and mental wellbeing. This can include help with washing, getting dressed, eating meals, mobility, taking medication and getting ready for bed, for example, as well as supporting with social interaction and taking part in activities.
When to consider residential care?
Moving into care is life-changing for both the person moving into care and their loved ones, so the decision can be a difficult one to make, particularly if you’re making it on behalf of someone else. There are a number of reasons people start to think about residential care, including:
- Finding daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, washing or dressing a struggle, or feeling increasingly unable to cope at home.
- Not having a support network to rely on, feeling isolated, or friends and family no longer able to cope or provide the level of care needed.
- Finding it difficult to manage the daily running of a home or having concerns for safety at home.
- Residential care has been recommended as a result of a care needs assessment or appointment with a healthcare provider.
If you’re making a decision on behalf of a relative, you may feel complex emotions, including sadness and guilt. Here you can read our advice about why you shouldn’t feel guilty for moving your loved one into care.
Residential at Ashton Manor
At Ashton Manor, our Evermore Care home in Lancaster, care assistants are on hand to assist with every level of a person’s care. Our individually tailored care packages are regularly reviewed so they are flexible and responsive to changing care needs over time.
Each resident has their own beautifully decorated bedroom with en suite wet room and can enjoy luxurious communal areas that include lounges, dining rooms, landscaped gardens, a cinema room and hair salon. All with expert 24-hour care support on hand.
At Ashton Manor, we encourage continued involvement of family and friends; our relationships with loved ones can often improve as we spend quality time together without the stress and pressures of full-time care.
How to take the next step
If you think residential care might be the next step for you or your loved one, we’d be delighted to show you round our state-of-the-art care home with your own personal tour. Our team will be on hand to answer any questions about our care and the home. Just give us a call on 01524 566 007, drop us an email at enquiries@evermorecare.com or fill in the enquiry form on our website.
