Dorothy-Thompson

[dorothy-thompson]

How do you know which sort of nursing home to choose - one that cares for parkinsons patients or dementia or physical disabilities? what sorts of decisions did other make?

thankyou

dorothy-thompson

[jennifer-nind]

Hi Dorothy

When I was looking for a care home I had recommendaions from my local PCT. See if there is a care home who cares for patients with Neurological problems as they are often more geared up to patients with PSP and Parkinsons and so on.

When my husband was going into respite and care homes I was looking for a care home with a 'young persons unit' as he was 55 when formally diagnosed with PSP and 58 when he passed.

Visit homes, more than once if you feel the need, ask questions, generally look around, does the home seem clean, does it smell of urine, do the patients look clean and well cared for, does the home look clean, do the residents seem happy.

If you like the look of the place make arrangements to go back with the patient and see if they like it and how the staff are with the patient.

Hope the above helps.

Jenni

[MummaMia]

Safety aspects too. And be sure they get their own private room including ensuite.

[jillannf6]

Hi I Dorothy

Sorry your husband is ready 4 a care home Is it 4 respite care ?

I think u need to do as jenni suggests and visit a few.

I did this some years ago in the midlands with my godmother Thankfully it was not needed

Lol jill.

[Hidden]

I would suggest you visit and check out the CQC reports too. These are like an OfSTED inspection for care homes which are available online and give you insight to how things are managed at the home/s you want to know about. Care staff are required to do training and you can ask what the training levels and areas are. We took mum to visit and they offered mum tea and everything so that she got a real idea of what it was like there. We put mum in for a weeks respite and tested it out and she was really happy with it so when the time came 2 months later for her to go in permanently she was prepared and happy to go. It is important that they have hoisting equipment for those bad patches when they are unable to weight bear. with the choice you suggested I would definitely go for the Parkinson's rather than dementia unless you are seeing signs of dementia. Mum did not get dementia and needed more help with mobility and infection control.Have you got a parkinsons nurse who can help you choose?

[dorothy-thompson]

dorothy-thompson

Thank you all for these suggestions and information. I don't think it is quite time yet for my husband to go into care but I always remember what I was told when PSP was first diagnosed - think ahead.

We actually have a nursing home just a short walk away from us and they care for parkinson's sufferers. It does seem pleasant, I have only met the manager very briefly and have not as yet seen around the home, although she did invite me to.

Of course the other important thing is funding and I know that can be very difficult to obtain.

regards to all

dorothy-thompson

[jillannf6]

Hi Dorothy

i am reading your post here from a yea r ago how is funding determined when the patient needs full time round the clock care@??

is it worth applhy8gin for CHC again - i know u have been turned down once for it..

the community matron si v helpful tome and she is thro the GP

LOLjiLL