What services are on offer?
If you are assisting someone to to move in to a care home, it's important to find out what types of services and facilities the care home provides.
Moving in to a care home is a big move and it’s really important to visit the home you’re considering to ensure it’s the right home. Here are some things to consider:
1. Medical care
If you'd like your usual general practitioner (GP) to remain the same, this is usually allowed by most care homes, as long as your GP is happy to visit you at the home. If you require urgent medical attention, the home will organise an ambulance for you.
2. Taking medication
According to the New Zealand Aged Care Association, your care home is legally responsible for the safe use of medication. "They will have a medication policy with information on safety procedures," they say. Ask to view the rest home's medication policy or speak with the nurse.
3. Personal grooming
Most care homes have an on-site hairdresser or a mobile hairdresser that visits the facility home, which the resident can pay for directly to the hairdresser. Staff at the care home can help you make an appointment and remind you when it is.
4. Transport needs
Most aged care homes will organise clinical appointments for:
- Needs Assessment and Service Coordination services
- Assessment, treatment and rehabilitation services
- District nursing services
- Laboratory services
- Radiological services
- Dental services
- Specialist medical services
- Podiatry services not prescribed by a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner
5. What meals are provided?
Most care homes provide in-house meals. Before you move to your new home it’s a good idea to have a look at their menu and talk to the staff about any dietary requirements or preferences you may have.
6. Activities
It’s really important that your loved one is kept active when they are in aged care by a range of different activities. Most care homes offer activities such as exercise classes, excursions, and dancing. When taking a tour of the aged care home it’s a good idea to ask about all the different activities that are on offer to the residents.
Most care homes provide all the medical and personal needs of their residents. It's important to ask whether your individual requirements can be catered for in your initial visit to the home, to ensure that you'll be well taken care of.