How quickly can someone move into a care home? Factors that affect timing when moving into residential care
When it comes to moving into a care home, there are a number of factors which can influence the speed of the process from initial enquiry to moving in.
Personal preference and the level of urgency are central to this, with some people choosing to research early ahead of making future plans, whilst others may be seeking an urgent care home placement to meet an immediate need.
How fast can someone move into a care home?
Whilst there isn’t a set timeframe for arranging a care home placement, it can be helpful to understand the process from enquiry to moving in, and the factors affecting care home timing in relation to the following considerations.
- Type and level of care – you may have already set your mind on residential care, but as different care homes specialise in different types of care, it is important to be clear on the type of care and support required to meet your individual needs. A care assessment will help to determine whether nursing care, residential care or dementia support is the right fit to ensure your safety and wellbeing in a care home setting.
- Urgency of care – planning ahead offers the luxury of time for research and consideration, but for emergency admissions, speed is of the essence. Understanding and communicating your preferences early, can help others to understand how best to support you if you need urgent care and support.
- Care home availability – there is no guarantee that your preferred care home will have availability at the time you need care. It can therefore be helpful to speak to a care provider which operates multiple care homes, as they may be able to support you in suggesting suitable alternative care homes, or short-term care solutions until a room becomes available at your first choice care home.
- Funding and financial arrangements – if your residential care will be entirely self-funded, then you will be free to choose between any care homes with availability which can provide the care you need. If your care will be fully or partially funded by other parties (for example your local authority or the NHS), then others will also be part of this decision. Understanding your financial circumstances ahead of time, along with your eligibility for any funding towards the cost of your care, will help you to have a clearer picture of the options available to you.
- Length of stay – not all residential care is long-term. Many urgent care home placements are arranged to meet a sudden, short-term need, including to support recovery following illness or injury, or to provide ‘cover’ support should family members be unavailable for a period of time. Booking a short-term respite break – whether pre-planned or urgent – can be a useful way to experience life in your chosen care home before making any longer-term decisions.
Tips to Speed Up the Process
Preparation is key to helping the process of moving into a care home run as quickly and smoothly as possible. Arming yourself with the right information and knowledge will support you in planning for the future, or making any necessary urgent decisions quickly.
- Get to know your local care home – if possible, visit suitable care homes and register your interest early. Even if you don’t yet foresee a need for long-term residential care, why not get involved in events at your local care home, book in day care visits and perhaps consider a short-term respite break as a way of getting to know the home, the residents and the care team.
- Speak to knowledgeable care advisors – seeking care can feel quite overwhelming, so make the most of the free, helpful support available from expert care advisors. Somerset Care’s helpful care enquiries team can guide you through the process, answer any questions you may have, and signpost you to relevant information and advice. They can help you to understand what to expect at each stage of the process, provide you with up-to-the-minute Somerset care homes availability, and support you to find a care home which can safely meet individual needs and accommodate your personal preferences.
- Consider a care provider with multiple care homes – as well as ensuring you won’t need to have the same conversation multiple times with different care homes, considering a care provider with multiple care homes ensures that you have more options available to you. If, for instance, your preferred care home does not have availability, they may be able to suggest a suitable alternative for you to consider – either on a long-term basis or until a room becomes available at your first choice. If your care needs progress over time and you need more support, they may also be able to support alternative arrangements to ensure your care needs continue to be met.
With 22 care home across Somerset and Devon, delivering residential care, dementia support and nursing care, Somerset Care can provide choice and reassurance to align with your current and future care needs.
Need to talk the options through?
Our aim is to make what can be an overwhelming and emotional journey as reassuring and straightforward as possible. Please contact our friendly Enquiries Team for expert care advice and to explore the support options available for you and your loved one.
