The Essential Family Guide to Choosing a Care Home in Babbacombe
A care home can be a happy and comfortable place to be. Finding the right choice can make all the difference to your happiness, comfort and quality of life. It’s a big decision, and often a very emotional one, so it’s worth considering every option.
If you’re looking at care homes in Babbacombe, we’ve created this guide to help you through the different things to consider with practical advice on the best options.
Step 1 – Understand the Types of Care
The first step in choosing a care home in Babbacombe is to understand the type of care you need. The two main types are:
- Residential Care: For those who would like support with daily living but not full-time nursing care.
- Nursing Care: For people who need ongoing medical care from qualified nurses.
However, there are other options to consider based on your specific needs, such as:
- Dementia-Specialist Care: For individuals living with dementia who need secure, structured surroundings.
- Respite Care: A short-term stay at a care home. This is to support recovery after illness or surgery, or allow carers to rest or go on holiday.
- Day Care: For those seeking support and a social setting, a daytime-only option is also available for people still living at home.
Step 2 – Shortlist Homes in Babbacombe and Nearby
Once you understand the type of care you need, you’ll be able to create a local shortlist of potential care homes in and around Babbacombe that can offer the right support and environment. Just like buying a house, it’s important to get a feel for what is available and which factors are essential to you.
If you’re not sure where to start looking, here are a few options:
- Ask Torbay Council for information on care homes in Babbacombe, Cary Park and St Marychurch.
- Contact specialist organisations for advice on care homes that support long-term illnesses or conditions.
- Use a trusted directory to search for local care homes, such as:
Step 3 – What to Look For on a Visit
It’s essential to know that the care home in Babbacombe you choose can provide the level of care you need or may need in the future. However, just like choosing a new home, you’ll want to make sure the location, atmosphere and quality of care are to your liking.
Age UK has a comprehensive checklist to use when viewing prospective care homes. However, here are some key things to consider:
- Atmosphere: Are the rooms spacious and bright? Are the communal areas, lounges and gardens inviting and relaxing?
- Staff approach: What’s the staff to resident ratio? Do residents seem engaged and well cared-for?
- Social opportunities: Are regular activities on offer? Can residents pursue their own interests if they wish?
- Food and drink: Are meals freshly prepared? Can meals be tailored to individual needs or preferences?
- Location: Is it conveniently located for family and friends? Is it quiet and peaceful?
- Costs: What’s included in the cost? Are there upfront fees?
- Reputation: Check the latest CQC rating. Does the care home have a good reputation locally?
Step 4 – Fees, Funding and Value
When it comes to the costs, it’s worth looking at all the options. Here are the typical routes to fund your care:
- Self-funding or paying for your own care: if you’re able to afford your own care.
- Financial help from Torbay Council: Contact social services to ask for a financial assessment, and they may be able to help fund your care home in Babbacombe.
- Financial help from family: Whether you are self-funding or getting help from the Council, your family can add a top-up if they are able.
- NHS Continuing Care: Some people with long-term complex health needs qualify for free health and social care arranged and funded solely by the NHS.
Whatever your financial situation, it’s a good idea to seek impartial advice to make sure you don’t have to worry later down the line. Here are a few places that can help:
- PayingForCare, a free information service
- The Society of Later Life Advisors (SOLLA) on 0333 2020 454
- MoneyHelper on 0800 138 7777
Step 5 – Making the Decision with Confidence
If you have narrowed your search down to one or two care homes, what are the factors that will help you decide with confidence?
- Location: this is more important than you may think. Consider how close family and friends are and how easy it is for them to visit. More familiar faces can greatly improve the emotional well-being of residents. How close are parks, churches or other community links that are important to you?
- Read the CQC report: use the independent regulator’s reports to understand the quality of care on offer at your chosen care home.
- Arrange Respite Care or a trial stay: the only true test of whether you’ll enjoy your stay at a care home is by arranging a stay and experiencing it directly.
Local Spotlight – Care in Babbacombe
When considering care homes, location matters more than you might think. If friends and family are already within easy reach of Babbacombe, it presents the ideal setting for a high everyday quality of life. Known as the Jewel in the English Riviera, Babbacombe is a calm and secluded coastal haven. With so many parks, beaches and community links within walking distance, care home residents can choose how to spend their days in comfort.
Ready to Talk or Book a Respite Stay?
We’d love to show you around our care homes in Babbacombe. We can discuss tailored support options and arrange a visit to see how we truly live by the motto, 'Your Family, Our Family'.
Find compassionate care at Beechcroft Care Homes and book a short trial or respite stay. Get in touch through our online form or call 07867 048093