You may have specific questions about the residential or nursing care needs of your family member – and there are many questions that can only be answered specifically for each individual.

However, here are a few of the most Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Are there different types of Care Homes?
2. Are all Homes registered and inspected?
3. My elderly parent can no longer care for themselves at home. How can I go about getting them into a suitable home?
4. Will my family have to pay for our relative’s residential and/or nursing care?
5. Will my parent/relative have to sell their house and use all their savings to pay for their care?
6. What are the visiting arrangements?
7. Can I stay overnight if my parent/family member needs me?
8. How will you let me know about my parent’s/relative’s care – is there some sort or reporting structure in place?
9. I have heard terrible things about elder abuse and negligence in care homes, how can you re-assure me that my parent/relative will be protected?
10. How is the care offered to each resident monitored?
11. What is the food like?

1. Are there different types of Care Homes?

There are primarily two types of Homes - those which provide mainly personal care (previously called residential homes) and those which also provide nursing care.

People who can no longer cope with their day-to-day activities alone in their own home, even with a carer or outside help, need the support offered and personnel care of a Care Home including accommodation, personal care (such as help with bathing and dressing) and meals.

People whose infirmity, illness or injury require nursing care on a regular basis, which cannot be provided for them at home by the District Nursing Services, also need a Care Home (these used to be called Nursing Homes). This sort of care, the Law says, can only be provided by a Qualified Nurse or under the supervision of a Nurse.

Nursing Care generally requires higher fees than personal care because of this care being provided by Qualified Nurses, on top of the personal care, accommodation and meals.

In addition, for those elderly people who are mentally infirm with dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease, some homes are classed as ‘EMI’ Care Homes (Elderly or Mentally Infirm).

It is important to make sure that the Home you choose is the right kind for your needs, both now and in the future.

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2. Are all Homes registered and inspected?

Yes they are. The purpose of registration and inspection is to guarantee the standard of care you are entitled to receive. In order to be registered, a Home has to comply with the Law and also with the registering Authority’s own guidelines. These specify the guidelines required, for example the room sizes, number of bathrooms, and toilets, staffing levels, food, services and facilities, fire safety and records to be kept.

Each Home is regularly inspected. After each inspection, a report is sent to the Home detailing any recommendations and actions required. Homes may be willing to let a prospective patient view the latest report, to ask to see it.

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3. My elderly parent can no longer care for themselves at home. How can I go about getting them into a suitable home?

The usual route is to contact your GP and, if relevant social worker. In most cases a Care Manager will be appointed to assess the suitability of residential or nursing care – or if domiciliary care (being cared for at home) is a more preferred option. Each person is an individual – and so their needs will be specific. If the Health Trust assesses the individual person’s needs and comes to the conclusion that residential or nursing care is the only option, then Brooklands operates a detailed admission procedure. However, it all needs to be assessed by health and social care professionals in the first instance.

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4. Will my family have to pay for our relative’s residential and/or nursing care?

Again this is a difficult question to answer – as there are very specific guidelines laid down for payment – and these can change depending on Government policy, Government budgets from year to year, and other wider issues.

This is a detailed area which will require the input of a care manager or other social care professional – who can inform you on a case-by-case basis, depending on the financial status of each individual in need of nursing or residential care.

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5. Will my parent/relative have to sell their house and use all their savings to pay for their care?

This is a priority question which concerns most people in their older years. Naturally they do not want to see the inheritance for their families diminished by the need for nursing or residential care. However, this is a highly specific question, depending on individual status and needs – and this question can only be answered adequately by the relevant social care professional.

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6. What are the visiting arrangements?

Family ethos is central to Brooklands and so family and friends are always encouraged to visit and take part in activities. Brooklands has an ‘open door’ policy.

Care staff will be available to welcome you to Brooklands. However there are some restrictions to visiting – and it is always paramount that guests and visitors conduct themselves in a caring, respectful and understanding manner.

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7. Can I stay overnight if my parent/family member needs me?

Only in emergencies or extreme situations. However this is down to the individual home and the Nurse Manager in charge.

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8. How will you let me know about my parent’s/relative’s care – is there some sort or reporting structure in place?

As a family owned HealthCare Group, Brooklands appreciates the value of family – and we regularly report to external carers and family members – on a daily basis if required. Family members or friends will be contacted immediately in emergencies.

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9. I have heard terrible things about elder abuse and negligence in care homes, how can you re-assure me that my parent/relative will be protected?

Brooklands has a ‘zero tolerance’ policy on negligence and abuse. Clearly, it is well documented that it does happen – but not at Brooklands.

Any member of staff found to be negligent or abusive will be dismissed immediately; A clear ‘whistle blowing’ policy is in place, as is a detailed Complaints Procedure.

Any breach of care is a breach of human rights – and it is our ultimate responsibility to make sure that we have fail-safe procedures in place to protect all vulnerable people placed in our care. This is always priority.

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10. How is the care offered to each resident monitored?

For the peace of mind of anyone being cared for in a Brooklands Care Home, and their family, we ensure a unique care plan is individually prepared for every new resident.

The Care Plan ensures that: -

• Your needs are identified by careful assessment, with your own involvement or that of your nominated relative / friend.
• The Plan will describe those identified needs and the way in which our staff will meet them.
• You or your nominated relative / friend can choose to be involved in the ongoing care planning process.
• Care Plans are reviewed periodically and also when your needs change.

At Brooklands Nursing Homes, we firmly believe that you, and if you wish, your family, should play an integral part in the care planning process.

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11. What is the food like?

Meals are an important part of the daily routine in any Care Home and we take great trouble to provide a nutritious menu for our residents.

If they want, residents can take meals in their rooms and we are also used to catering for special diets and individual preferences.

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