The moment when a family should begin to think about residential care is always difficult to judge; it can also be difficult to start talking about. Adult children may fear that their parent will be upset or offended by such a discussion. The parent in question may worry that children see it as a rejection of their care. It’s a conversation, however, that’s best had before the need becomes acute.
When is it Time to Consider a Care Home?
Concern for elderly relatives’ creeps up gradually. For decades they can seem invincible until, little-by-little there are worries about leaving an ageing loved one alone for more than a day or two, or their care needs can no longer be met adequately by family members.
There are some clear signs to look out for when you feel concerned about a loved one:
• They are having difficulty preparing meals
• They talk about their home ‘being too much for them
• There’s an anxiety about being on their own
• They’ve experienced a fall and find it more difficult to get about
Is Residential Care the Right Option?
For many older people considering a move to a care home, there is no specific condition that needs to be cared for; they have simply arrived at a stage in their lives when they need to be looked after in a friendly and homely environment. This means having regular food cooked, no cleaning to worry about, and skilled carers on hand if they require assistance, medical care, or reassurance.
The Added Value Offered by Residential Care
The care offered to residents in residential care is tailored to their individual needs. There is 24 hour care and security, and the environment is both comfortable and safe for residents.
Swarthmore residential care home offers a range of daily activities in addition to 24/7 care. For many of our residents, increasing isolation or loneliness will have been a deciding factor in choosing a care home. We know that many of the people living with us have had active and busy lives and are now eager to take up new hobbies or activities.
Which is why we offer a busy schedule to our residents at Swarthmore; here’s a taster of the kinds of activities we regularly provide:
• Exercise classes
• A variety of games, such as skittles, darts, dominoes
• Crafts sessions, such as flower arranging
• Pet therapy – visits from Thula our PAT dog
• Gardening, indoors and outdoors
How Will we Know if Residential Care is the Right Choice?
We usually suggest that people considering Swarthmore for their care, try a month’s respite care with us to see how they settle in and enjoy living here. The first two weeks offer a period of adjustment to living in a different environment with new people. By the second two weeks, the vast majority of guests are starting to enjoy and relax into their new home.
About Swarthmore Residential Care Home
The caring staff at Swarthmore ensure that residents feel nurtured and individually cared for. For over 75 years, our independent care home in Gerrards Cross has been recognised as offering the highest standards of long-term residential care. Swarthmore is a period property, set in landscaped gardens, just a short walk away from the town centre.
The staff at Swarthmore care deeply about creating a welcoming environment. If you are thinking about residential or respite care, come and experience the special atmosphere at Swarthmore.
Would you like to speak to someone at Swarthmore Residential Care Home about residential care? For an informal chat, or to arrange a visit, call us today on 01753 885663, Option 1 new care enquiries.
