News from Primrose Lodge Care Home Bournemouth

Why Visiting a Care Home Before Moving In Is Essential Choosing the right care home is a significant decision, whether you’re planning for yourself or a loved one. It’s a choice that shapes quality of life, well-being, and peace of mind. At Primrose Lodge Southbourne, we believe that visiting a care home before moving in is not just beneficial – it’s vital. Here, we’ll explore why visiting is so important and what to look for during your visit. Benefits of Visiting a Care Home Before Moving In See the Environment Firsthand Photographs and brochures are useful, but they can’t capture the full picture. A visit allows you to see the cleanliness, layout, and safety of the care home in person. At Primrose Lodge Southbourne, you’ll notice our welcoming communal spaces, peaceful surroundings, and attention to detail. Meet the Team and Residents Interacting with the care team and residents provides invaluable insight into the care home’s atmosphere. Meeting our friendly and professional staff ensures you feel confident about the quality of care provided. Learn more about our compassionate team on our Meet the Team page. Evaluate Facilities and Services From dining options to activity schedules, visiting a care home helps you evaluate the facilities on offer. Whether you’re considering long-term care or respite care, you’ll be able to see how we cater to diverse needs. Experience the Atmosphere Care homes are more than buildings; they are communities. A visit lets you sense whether the environment feels warm, homely, and suited to your preferences. Trust your instincts – they matter. Ask Questions in Person During your visit, you can ask questions directly. For example, what’s the difference between a care home and a nursing home? You’ll find helpful answers in our detailed guide here. What to Look for During a Visit When visiting a care home, take your time and pay attention to these key areas: Cleanliness and Maintenance: Is the home well-kept and clean? Primrose Lodge Southbourne prides itself on maintaining high standards. Engagement and Activities: Are there opportunities for social interaction and meaningful activities? Look out for evidence of a vibrant social life. Personalised Care Options: Can care be tailored to individual needs? Learn about our bespoke care plans on the About Us page. Resident Happiness: Do residents appear content and engaged? Speaking with residents can provide helpful insight. Proximity: Is the home easily accessible for family and friends to visit? Our convenient Southbourne location ensures staying connected is simple. Why Visit Primrose Lodge Southbourne? At Primrose Lodge Southbourne, we aim to provide more than just a care home – we create a community where every resident feels valued. Expert Care: Our dedicated team provides exceptional long-term care and flexible respite care options. Homely Atmosphere: Warmth, comfort, and familiarity are at the heart of our approach. Engaged Living: We offer a variety of activities and personalised care plans to support each resident’s needs and interests. Take the First Step – Book Your Visit Today Visiting a care home is an essential part of making an informed decision. At Primrose Lodge Southbourne, we welcome you to explore our home, meet our team, and experience our community firsthand. Ready to take the next step? Book your visit today to see why Primrose Lodge Southbourne is the ideal choice for you or your loved one. Simply contact us through our website or call to arrange your visit. Your journey to finding the perfect care home starts here. Let us help you make the best choice for your future.

What to Expect When Moving Into Our Care Home Moving into a care home for long-term care can feel overwhelming, especially when you and your loved one are unsure what is going to happen. You want to support your loved one through the process, but how can you do that if you aren’t sure what happens? Not only are there emotional concerns that you will all be facing, dealing with the sadness of your loved one leaving a family home, the anxiety of the unknown and worry about how everyone will cope, but there are also logistical concerns too: how much stuff can they take with them? If we take a piece of furniture, how will we get it to their room? How long can I spend helping them settle in? At Primrose Lodge Southbourne, we want the transition into our care home to be as easy and stress-free as possible. We believe knowledge is power and apply this to everything we do, from our care and care plans to starting the transition and admission process. Our staff have years of experience helping loved ones move into care homes and combine their knowledge of the experience and their compassion to create a welcoming team and hassle-free process. In this blog, we share our admission and moving day process so you and your loved one can know exactly what to expect when transitioning into our care home. Care Needs Assessment Once you have expressed an interest in our care home and we have accepted your application, we will need to complete a care needs assessment. This will need to be completed before your loved one moves into our care home, as we use it to create a bespoke care plan. A care needs assessment is thorough and looks into a number of things: Current care needs – medical and personal care Life story Personal preferences Likes and dislikes Dietary requirements Mobility needs How do we complete a care needs assessment? Through many discussions! We will chat with a variety of people to get a comprehensive picture of all these elements. People we talk to include: You and your family Your loved one moving into the care Medical professionals Any carers currently providing care Friends Gathering all of this information will enable us to ensure we have all the equipment needed to provide the care needed. Plus, it allows us to put together a plan of care that takes into account what your loved one likes and dislikes. Understanding their life history helps us contextualise some of this information and facilitates us to offer activities and food that they might enjoy and that might help them settle in quicker. The care needs assessment will be arranged with you once we have confirmed your loved one’s place in our care home. We will book a date and time that is suitable for you and your loved one to complete this. Preparing for Moving Day With the information gathered, we will go away and start putting together your loved one’s bespoke care plan. In the meantime, we will set a move date with you, and you can start preparing for that. Preparations needed for this day will include: Cancelling bills and subscriptions Changing address information with banks, DVLA, electoral register and insurance companies Making sure medical records are up-to-date Ensuring wills and powers of attorney are in place You will also need to pack some of your loved one’s belongings. Unfortunately, they won’t be able to bring the entire contents of their home into their room. However, we do encourage all of our residents to personalise their rooms with photos, pictures, bedding and some furniture. So, you will need to discuss with your loved one what they would like to pack and bring with them. What to Expect on Moving Day Of course, the next step is moving into a care home. Typically, this process is similar across all care homes, as we all want to help your day go smoothly and facilitate a smooth transition into the new home. Our team will walk you and your loved one through moving in before the day arrives so you can discuss logistical details, such as moving furniture into the room, with them in those conversations. Don’t forget our care home staff are always at the end of the phone if you have a question or concern before moving day. The day will likely follow this structure: Arrival – a member of our friendly team will be waiting to greet you at our front door. Showing the room – they will show you and your loved one to their room, helping you carry a few bags or cases. Settling in – we will leave you and your loved one to unpack their belongings and start settling into their space. Take your time to put up photos, change bedding and put away clothes and toiletries. While you are doing this, staff might pop their heads in to welcome you and introduce themselves. Official introductions – once you are all unpacked, we will officially introduce you to our staff and key personnel who will be part of your loved ones’ day-to-day lives. Tour of our facilities – if you and your loved one are up for it, we will take you on a tour of the facilities (even if you visited our care home previously), where you can meet some of the residents and experience the lifestyle at our care home. Joining dining and activities – if there are activities that your loved one is interested in, we encourage them to participate in them. Of course, throughout the day, you will be offered refreshments and are welcome to join our residents in the dining room for lunch. You are always welcome to stay with your loved one throughout the day, helping them unpack and interact with other residents and staff members. We often see that having someone they know helps them feel a little more confident about the

Navigating Financial Planning for Long-Term Elderly Care Financial planning for long-term care is essential as it enables you and your loved one to choose a suitable care option that will be able to maintain and continue without the strain or stress on anyone’s finances. However, the planning process can be complicated as there are many parts to it. From understanding costs to researching grants and government funding to developing a sustainable financial plan, there are many elements, and on top of these is navigating your potential care options. At Primrose Lodge Southbourne, we have been helping families develop their unique financial care plans for years. Our staff are highly knowledgeable about the options available and ensure this is a topic covered at every viewing of our care home. In this blog, we aim to walk you through the intricacies of financial planning for elderly care, sharing what you need to consider and research and steps you will need to take. Understanding the Costs Of course, you can’t start planning without understanding what you are planning for, so you will need to begin by getting to know the various costs involved in long-term care. These will include the cost of care (at home or in a care home) and additional services. Additional costs you might encounter could include: Chiropody Hair care and grooming Laundry Supply of toiletries Outings and trips Costs will likely vary depending on the care options you are looking at. If looking at care homes, they will vary on the type and size of the room and facilities. Assessing Financial Resources Once you know roughly how much you might need, you will need to understand how much your loved one has. This will look at what assets your loved one has, such as savings, pensions and investments, as well as equity in property. You will need to calculate how much it all comes to so you can determine a realistic care budget. Government Assistance and Initiatives There are several care funds and government initiatives available in the UK that you can explore once you roughly know what your loved one has available. Researching these can get complicated because each initiative has a set of criteria your loved one needs to meet to qualify for it. They also include detailed applications that need time to be completed. Funding options include: NHS Funded Nursing Care NHS Continuing Care Local Authority Funding You can get help and guidance when exploring these options from a number of professionals. Financial planners Solicitors from The Society Of Later Life Age UK Local Authority Money Helper Immediate Needs Annuity & Private Insurance Options In the UK, there are a few insurance options that you can utilise to pay for care. Several insurance companies offer long-term care insurance, where you pay a monthly premium, and when you need care, the insurer pays a pre-agreed amount to cover parts or all of your care. This isn’t a popular solution as there are limited providers, and it isn’t guaranteed that the policy you have will cover all of your care needs. A more popular option is an Immediate Needs Annuity, also known as a Care Annuity. This is where you make an initial lump sum to a provider, and they make regular payments to help pay for your loved one’s care for the rest of their life. This means money coming in is guaranteed. However, the initial payment can be expensive. Family Contributions and Support You can also explore the potential of family members contributing or supporting the care payments. In many care homes, they will accept “top-ups”. This is when government initiative, local authority funding or other methods of paying don’t fully cover the care cost, so a family member pays the remaining amount. In order for these to be an option, you must have open and honest discussions about care costs and support. Legal Considerations While you are investigating your funding options and working out your loved one’s available assets, it is important to consider potential legal needs for the future. Two main legal documents worth putting in place include a Will and a Power Of Attorney. These ensure that financial responsibility is put into the hands of a trusted relative or friend. Planning for Future Changes Care needs will develop as your loved one ages; this could mean an increase in care costs. Therefore, it is important to consider holding back a set amount as an emergency fund or thinking about paying into private care policies to cover this situation should it arise. Working with Financial Professionals Navigating care costs and funding options for long-term care can feel overwhelming, especially when it is being done on top of researching care options for your loved one. It is always a great idea to seek professional help as they will be able to explain the intricacies of each option and your plan in a way that you will understand. Working with a professional will enable you to put together a tailored financial plan that suits the care needs of your loved one and utilises all the available funding options. If you are in the process of putting together a financial care plan and are a little stuck, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team. We can point you in the direction of many helpful resources and professionals. Call us on 01202 429514 or arrange a visit to our care home to discover our long-term care and facilities and speak to our knowledgeable team about your financial plan.

Navigating the Emotional Journey of Moving into a Care Home Moving into a care home is a significant transition for everyone involved and is filled with emotions, both positive and negative; anxiety, apprehension and nervousness are mixed with nostalgia, relief and hope. With such a range of emotions, navigating them can feel difficult and messy. However, understanding these feelings helps create a smooth transition process and a positive start to this new chapter. At Primrose Lodge Southbourne, our care goes beyond physical well-being and into emotional and mental well-being. This is especially important when your loved one is transitioning into our care home, and our staff will work with you and your loved one to embrace and understand all the emotions. In this blog, we share how you can navigate the emotions as you build up to a move-in day to create a calm and positive atmosphere and experience. Understanding the Emotional Impact Deciding to move your loved one into a care home often triggers several emotions in both you and your loved one. It is important to understand these so you can handle them. Your loved one might experience: Fear of losing their independence and identity Sadness at leaving their home – often their family home where they raised their children Relief knowing they will receive constant care Excitement about being part of a community Meanwhile, you, as a family member, are likely to experience: Guilt over not being able to care for your loved one Worry about the quality of care they will receive Relief that they will be in a safe environment and receiving the care they need Preparation Strategies As with anything, preparation will make a big difference in managing these emotions and the transition. One of the best ways you and your loved one can be prepared for the experience is to maintain open communication. Make sure that you openly discuss the move with them and involve them in any decisions so that they feel respected and heard. Make sure they are also included in making any plans and be sure to address the practical aspects of moving as well as the emotional aspects. The more they know about the process, the better. Creating a New Home On the moving day, personalising your loved one’s new room and living space will set the transition off on the right foot. We encourage our new residents to bring personal and sentimental items from their homes into ours so that they can make their rooms familiar and comfortable. This could be family photos, paintings, bedding or furniture that holds great value to your loved one. Building New Relationships One of the many benefits of a care home is that your loved one will be surrounded by other residents and staff, meaning there is always an opportunity to socialise. However, when dealing with a major upheaval, such as moving home into a care home, meeting new people can feel intimidating. You should support your loved one through this by encouraging them to engage with their new community and interact with their new neighbours. Encourage them to participate in the activities on their first day in the home and eat lunch and dinner in the dining room with other residents. Helping them to start building new relationships and friendships will reduce the feelings of loneliness and isolation they might be feeling throughout the transition. Adjustment Period Moving into a care home is no different to any other move, as your loved one will go through a period of adjustment. This will take time, and the best way you can support your loved one through this is to be patient. Adjusting to new surroundings takes individuals different amounts of time, so don’t worry if you think your loved one is getting used to their new home slower than someone else might. Help them through this process by being an ear to listen and provide emotional support and encouragement when they need it. Visit them regularly and keep in touch on the days you don’t visit to help maintain a sense of connection and support. Maintaining Connections One of the biggest fears your loved one might face is the thought of being forgotten or left behind. Maintaining relationships and communication is key to dispelling that fear when they move into the care home. Utilise the available modern technology; show your face to your loved one on video calls and message regularly. Staff are always on hand to help your loved one use technology to catch up with you. Don’t forget to bring your family to visit regularly and participate in care home activities with your loved one to continue making shared memories. Professional Support Sometimes, professional support might be required to help you and your loved one get through this transition. Care homes will often have counsellors available as part of their services or will be able to recommend and arrange for mental health professionals to visit the care home to help. Seeking such support is a positive step towards managing emotional challenges. Emotional Support At Primrose Lodge Care Home At Primrose Lodge, we understand that moving into a care home can be emotional. However, we always aim to make it a positive experience. The move opens doors to new friendships, belonging to a community and trying new activities and hobbies while receiving quality care and support that doesn’t stifle independence. With the right preparation, this transition can be a step towards an enriching and comfortable new phase in life. If you or your loved one is worried about the transition process and navigating the emotions along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out to our staff. We are always happy to work with you to understand and deal with any emotions felt by you or your loved one. By collaborating and keeping communication open, we can make the move to our care home smooth and positive. Call us on 01202 429514 or complete our online contact form to discuss how we

9 Tips for a Smooth Transition When Moving Into a Care Home While moving into a care home can feel daunting and overwhelming, there are several tips that you can follow throughout the transition process to ensure a smooth move and settling in. The move will involve a lot of change, from routines to faces and, of course, the environment. However, this time can be filled with opportunity, comfort and community. At Primrose Lodge Southbourne, we pride ourselves on our welcoming home and family environment. Our priority is ensuring every resident has a comfortable experience with us that starts from the moment they walk in on their moving day. We achieve this by creating an easy and smooth transition for your loved one. In this blog, we share practical tips to help new residents adjust to life at our care home, ensuring a positive transition. Setting Realistic Expectations As with many processes, it is important to set realistic expectations at the beginning of this journey. This should take place in the form of open and honest communication with your loved one, where you can discuss what challenges they are likely to face, as well as the positive changes they will experience. The transition will mean many differences to get used to, but it will also be filled with opportunities. In your conversations, it is important that you make them feel it is ok to take time to adjust to the new setting, and they will feel nostalgia and apprehension as they get used to their new home. Validating these feelings can help your loved one embrace them and will show support, helping them transition from their home to a care home. Personalising Your Space We want your loved one to feel at home just as much as you do. With this in mind, it is important that you help your loved one personalise their space with family photos, a favourite throw, or cherished furniture. Personalising their room can ensure they feel at home as they are surrounded by familiar furniture and images. Don’t forget the power of small decorations, such as plants and artwork, as they add personal touches to the new surroundings. Engaging in Social Activities Socialising and participating in activities is always an important aspect of life, and this doesn’t change when moving into a care home. Care homes often have a fun and engaging activity and events calendar full of varying tasks and games. It is always a good idea to encourage your loved one to throw themselves into these activities. While this might seem intimidating at first, this is a great way to get to know the other residents and start building relationships with one another. Of course, creating and nurturing friendships in a care home will reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, helping create a positive experience of living in a care home. Establishing a Routine Your loved one will likely have a routine at home, and moving into a care home will disrupt it. This will be unsettling, which is why it can be important to help your loved one establish a new routine in their new home. A consistent routine will likely help them feel more in control and settled in their new environment, especially if it includes activities they enjoy and regular visits and chats from family and friends. This is often easier to do if you know what the established routines are in the care home your loved one is moving into. Ask about these when visiting the care home while exploring your options. If you know some of the routines before moving in, you can discuss them and set the expectations before the change. Perhaps you can even start implementing the routines at home before moving. Maintaining Independence Everyone wants their independence, and the perception of moving into a care home is that this is lost. However, this certainly isn’t the case. In order to ensure a smooth transition, our staff encourage your loved one to remain as independent as possible. We often find that this works best when it is supported by you and the rest of the family. This looks like allowing your loved one to choose which activities they take part in and having a say in their care plans, amongst other things. Building Relationships with Staff and Residents It is just as important to build strong relationships with care staff as it is to build relationships with other residents, as this will impact how quickly your loved one will settle in. As a loved one, you can help lead this by engaging in conversations with the staff and residents. It is likely that your loved one will follow your lead as they navigate the new surroundings and their anxious feeling about the move. These connections can provide a sense of community and belonging, which will help your loved one feel at home. Staying Connected with Family and Friends Staying in touch and constant communication with your loved one is vital to helping your loved one transition from home into a care home. If you can’t visit them in person, make use of technology like video calls or social media to stay connected. Where possible, make regular face-to-face visits and encourage other family members to visit too. Managing Health and Wellness Just like living at home, maintaining health and wellness is important for a smooth transition into a care home. This is because it will impact some of the other tips for settling in, such as staying independent and taking part in activities. Encourage your loved one to make use of the health and wellness services, including mental health facilities as well as physical health ones. Of course, staying active will also assist with this, so if you visit them, why not encourage them to join you for a walk or tea in the garden? The transition from home into a care home is a big one, and it isn’t unusual for it to have an impact

Family Involvement in Care Homes: Building Strong Relationships Moving into a care home for long-term care is a big step for a loved one, and it can take time for them to settle into their new home, lifestyle and routines. This is why family involvement and support are so important, as they help ensure the well-being and happiness of your loved one. There are several ways that family members and friends can get involved with this transition. In this guide, we explore how families can build and maintain strong relationships with their loved ones in a care home and the staff, enhancing the care experience for everyone involved. The Importance of Family Involvement Your loved one will benefit in several ways from you and your family being engaged with their transition into care. The biggest benefit that we see as a care provider is in their mental and emotional well-being. Continued support from their loved ones, helps the individual moving into a care home to remember they aren’t alone, combatting feelings of isolation, and sometimes abandonment. Plus, family involvement also helps the facility to personalise care plans, so that the unique needs of each resident are met, and their preferences are included. Early collaboration and engagement with the family also help to build trust from all parties but, in particular, it often builds trust which can build confidence in the staff at the facility. Effective Communication is Key Open, transparent and regular communication is an essential part of caring, especially when a loved one is in a care home. Family members should be involved in care planning meetings where they can understand the care currently being provided and the care they are planning on introducing so that they can voice thoughts and ideas to ensure their loved one gets the best possible care. After all, no one will know your loved one and their preferences the same way as you, so who is a better advocate for them? Family members should also be informed about changes being made to the care plans in between review meetings and should also get updates about their loved one’s day-to-day life as this can provide peace of mind that their loved one is happy and comfortable. Making the Most of Visits Family visits are imperative as part of family involvement. These have so many benefits, but first and foremost they boost your loved one’s spirits, just as a visit to them at home would. Additionally, regular visits allow you to monitor their condition and see the care provided firsthand. Most care homes don’t have restricted visiting hours, and welcome family members to join for meals and activities or events so that everyone can make the most of spending time together and making these moments count. Participating in Care Planning Families taking a proactive part in care planning is often encouraged as this ensures the care plan reflects the true nature of your loved one’s needs and the care home staff can provide the best possible care for them. Being proactive means that you should take an active part in understanding the care plan in place and share personal preferences and an insightful history of your loved one’s health. You should also feel comfortable discussing adjustments to the care plan as and when you think it is necessary. These actions ensure the care aligns well with the resident’s needs and wishes. Addressing Unique Needs Every resident has different needs, particularly those who suffer from particular diseases like dementia. Families and staff can collaborate closely to identify these needs and make sure they are being sufficiently met. For the resident to live in a caring and understanding environment, this cooperation is essential. Fostering Community Engagement Taking part in events hosted by the care home creates a unique community feel, as they help bring people from outside the care home together. Events are a great way for residents and their families to build relationships with each other. Attendance from families significantly enhances the quality of life for residents. Handling Concerns and Feedback Families should try to communicate constructively any concerns when they come up. This is often easier if the family members have already played a part in developing and amending the care plan and have built a rapport with the staff. Working together with the carers to find solutions to problems not only makes things better for your loved one, but it can also improve the care facility as a whole. Empowering Residents It’s critical to strike a balance between the resident’s autonomy and the need for care. Families should empower their loved ones in the care home by supporting their independence and ability to make decisions. Family Involvement at Primrose Lodge Southbourne Family involvement in care homes is more than just regular visits; it’s an ongoing commitment to the well-being of a loved one. By building strong, collaborative relationships with care home staff and being actively involved in the care process, families can significantly enhance the living experience of their loved ones, ensuring that their time in the care home is as comfortable and fulfilling as possible. At Primrose Lodge, we encourage family members to play a big part in the care and daily routines of our residents. From keeping visiting hours open to inviting them in to care plan reviews and hosting several family and friends’ events throughout the year, we love to see your familiar faces in our home. When visiting our home, you are not limited to staying in your loved one’s room and are urged to use our facilities and communal areas. Plus, you are always welcome to join in the day’s activities and mealtimes (we just ask that you let us know you plan to stay for lunch or dinner so that our chefs can make extra for you). Learn more about family involvement in our care home with a visit to us with your loved one. Call 01202 429514 or complete our online contact form to arrange a visit.

Choosing the Right Care Home: Factors to Consider for Your Loved One Finding a care home for your loved one can be an emotional time, and the weight of getting it right can sit heavily on your shoulders. You want to find a home where they will be comfortable, safe, and most of all, happy. So how do you know when you have found the right home? In this guide, we will walk you through the essential factors to consider in making this crucial choice. Location and Accessibility Before you start even considering care homes, you need to know where in the country you will be looking. To decide this, you will want to think about distance from family members and visiting frequencies. Of course, choosing a home closer to family will enable more frequent visits, which will have a significant impact on your loved one’s emotional well-being. Other things to consider are the care home’s proximity to medical facilities, shopping centres, and public transportation, which will make the care home’s location more convenient and accessible for both residents and visiting family members. Understanding Different Types of Care Homes With a location decided upon, you will next need to understand the level of care your loved one requires. This will determine whether you should be looking at a nursing home or a residential home. If your loved one has complex medical needs, you should be looking at nursing homes. However, if their medical needs are simpler and they need more support with everyday tasks, a residential home will be suitable. For those with conditions like dementia, you can look for specialised care homes. Understanding your loved one’s needs is crucial when choosing the right type of care home as it will ensure they get the level of care they need, while also being able to remain as independent as possible. Cost and Financial Planning The cost will differ depending on the level of care your loved one needs and the care home’s facilities. When considering a care home, it is important that you understand their pricing structure and fees, so that you can work out if it is within your budget. Sometimes additional services such as hairdressing and chiropody can be an extra charge on top of the care fees. Budgeting and financial planning are crucial steps in this process. There are a number of financial assistance options like insurance, government aid, or veteran benefits, so be sure to investigate these too. Age UK is a great place to start when researching funding options. Facilities and Services The facilities and services offered at the care home can be the difference between happy and unhappy. These extras set the tone of the lifestyle within the care home and ensure the care goes beyond the medical or hygiene needs of your loved one and extend to their mental and emotional well-being too. Communal spaces and dining rooms offer residents the opportunity to be social with one another and their visitors. Activities encourage some gentle physical movement and stimulate the brain and treatments such as hairdressing, chiropody or even a visit from a religious representative such as a vicar or priest. Think of your loved one’s routines, likes and dislikes, and characteristics when considering these. Staff Qualifications and Care Quality The qualifications, compassion, and dedication of the staff are paramount. When visiting the care home, don’t be afraid to ask about the staff-to-resident ratios, staff turnover rates, and their approach to resident care. Get to understand how they create care plans, how often they review them, and what they include in a care plan. Seize the opportunity when you visit to chat with staff, as they can give you insights into their level of commitment and the overall atmosphere of the care home. Safety and Accessibility Safety and accessibility throughout the care home will be crucial, especially for those with mobility issues. Check for features like grab bars and emergency call systems, and see if there is easy access to all areas of the home; whether this be a dining room on each floor or a lift that residents can use to go up and down the home easily. Ensure that the care home has clear emergency protocols and measures in place to maintain a safe environment. Reputation and Reviews Just like you would when online shopping, research the care home and take time to read the reviews. These are an invaluable insight into the care home, the lifestyle of the residents, staff attitudes, and facilities. Personal Visits and Evaluation A visit to your prospective care homes is always recommended as nothing will beat the firsthand experience gained on a visit. When you are viewing a home, you will get to see the care in action; observe staff-resident interaction. Additionally, take part in an activity if possible, to see how engaging they are and how many residents participate in them. Keep an eye out for the cleanliness around the house, are cleaning staff around? Make the most of your visit to get a true feeling for what life would be like in the home. This firsthand experience will be instrumental in your decision-making process. Engaging with Residents Talking with current residents and their families can provide an unfiltered view of life in the care home. Their experiences and feedback can be invaluable in understanding the pros and cons of the facility. Choosing the Right Care Home Choosing the right care home for your loved one is a decision that requires careful consideration of various factors. From the type of care needed to the facilities, staff, and location, each aspect plays a pivotal role in ensuring your loved one’s well-being and happiness. Take your time, involve your loved one in the decision-making process, and consult professionals to make the most informed choice possible. Make Primrose Lodge Your First Choice Visit our care home to see how we create a home away from home for our residents. Our bright and spacious communal areas and colourful

What Is The Difference Between A Care Home And A Nursing Home? If you’re considering extra support for a loved one, understanding the difference between a care home and a nursing home is important. The different homes will provide various levels of care, so you need to know which one will provide the level of care your loved one requires. This will enable you to make the best choice for you and your loved one. The first thing that needs to be understood is that the question of differentiating a care home from a nursing home is inaccurate. This is because the phrase “care home” is the umbrella term used to refer to all types of homes where loved ones live to receive extra support with their daily routines and medical needs. The question actually being asked is “What is the difference between a nursing home and a residential home?” This is the question that we’ll be answering below. What Is a Care Home? Before delving into the difference between a nursing home and a residential home, let’s explore what a care home actually is. A care home is somewhere where a person can receive personal care and accommodation together. They provide a place for someone to live when they are unable to live independently, providing assistance and care when the person requires it. A care home aims to empower and encourage individuals to remain as independent as possible, giving them the confidence to do so as they know they have the support should they need it. Care homes assist with personal hygiene routines, helping with bathing and going to the toilet, as well as everyday health care, such as healthy eating and social activities. Every care home is able to deal with basic medication requirements. However, this is where the difference between residential care homes and nursing care homes becomes relevant. What Is a Residential Care Home? Residential homes offer a place to live that is staffed 24 hours a day. This means your loved one has constant supervision and assistance when they need it. These homes provide personal care support, helping with bathing, going to the toilet, getting dressed and brushing hair. Additionally, they will have a dining room and kitchen and other facilities to provide three meals a day to ensure a balanced diet and nutritious meals. Finally, a residential home will arrange a programme of activities for residents to participate in, amending them to the physical capabilities of the residents. Residential care homes can provide limited medical assistance, simply monitoring medication being taken. These settings are appealing to those who have limited mobility and age-related physical decline, which makes it difficult for them to maintain a clean and safe environment at home or to feed and wash themselves. What Is a Nursing Home? For the most part, a nursing care home is the same as a residential care home. They are somewhere for a loved one to live, where they will receive support when they need it at every point in the day. Nursing homes will provide nutritious meals and arrange activities for residents to engage in, promoting socialising and encouraging independence where possible. The defining feature of a nursing home is that they have registered nurses on-site at all times. This means they deal with more complex medication needs and those living with physical or mental health issues. Some nursing homes even specialise in specific types of care, such as dementia, Parkinson’s, stroke or neurodegenerative diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis. Having a registered nurse on-site at all times means they can create care plans and monitor these, ensuring your loved one’s medical needs are constantly being updated when they should be. They are also able to perform medical tasks such as administering injections or IV medication or providing post-operation care. Which Is Right for My Loved One? Choosing the right type of care home comes down to the level of care they need. Residential care homes are the right choice for your loved one if they are dealing with age-related health issues, such as reduced mobility or frailty. As they are unable to provide comprehensive medical care, residential homes are a good choice for those who don’t require complex medical attention but are unable to keep themselves safe and comfortable at home. Meanwhile, a nursing home will be the right choice for your loved one if they are living with a specific health condition or require a high level of medical care. If your loved one currently has daily visits from medically trained nurses, you should look at nursing homes for them. Premier Care at Primrose Lodge Primrose Lodge Southbourne is a luxury residential home on the outskirts of Bournemouth on the South Coast. We offer day-to-day support to our elderly residents who are unable to live independently at home due to becoming too frail or reduced mobility. This care can either be long-term care, where a resident moves in with us full-time, or respite care, where they join us for a period of time where their carers at home can have a break, and the care receiver can enjoy a change of scenery. Primrose Lodge is passionate about providing an excellent quality of life and creating a lifestyle that all our residents can enjoy. With a range of activities and outstanding facilities that encourage residents to socialise and live the life they want, we keep everyone in our residential home engaged and happy. Our rooms are furnished and spacious, allowing residents to personalise them and truly make them their own. Each of the 28 rooms has an en-suite, most of which are wet rooms, making it easy for residents to wash. Discover our home and get a feel for it to gauge if it is right for your loved one with a visit. We love welcoming you to our home and showing you the activities our residents get up to and how each resident has personalised their room. Book your visit today by calling

A Guide to Managing Chronic Health Conditions in Elderly Care For the elderly, managing chronic health conditions is a crucial aspect of maintaining a good quality of life, especially when living in care facilities. Understanding these conditions and knowing how to effectively manage them can make a significant difference to your, or your loved one’s experiences in a care home. This guide provides essential information on managing chronic health conditions in elderly care settings. Understanding Chronic Conditions Chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease, are prevalent among the elderly. These conditions can have a substantial impact on daily life and require ongoing management. Each condition presents its own set of challenges, from managing symptoms to preventing complications. Managing chronic health conditions is not a one size fits all solution, therefore it is important to understand the condition you or your loved one suffers from and the treatments that can be put in place so that everyone can enjoy their life to their fullest. Staff working in a residential home, such as Primrose Lodge Southbourne, are all trained and qualified to deal with such conditions, meaning that you or your loved one will receive the right care for their needs to ensure a quality of life worth having. The Role of Elderly Care Facilities Elderly care facilities play a vital role in supporting residents with chronic conditions. These facilities offer specialised medical care and routine monitoring, ensuring that residents receive the attention and treatment they need. The presence of trained healthcare professionals provides peace of mind for both residents and their families. Whether a long-term care resident or staying for respite care, care homes will help residents manage their chronic health conditions, keeping them comfortable and happy while maintaining autonomy where possible. Personalised Care Plans A cornerstone of effective chronic condition management is a personalised care plan. This plan is tailored to the individual’s specific health needs and typically involves healthcare professionals, caregivers, and the resident. These plans address treatment options, lifestyle changes, and any specific care requirements. Care plans are flexible documents, that are constantly monitored and amended to reflect changes on conditions and the individual’s requests. The aim of a personalised care plan to help manage chronic health conditions in a care home will be to enable the resident to remain as independent as possible while keeping symptoms that might make life a little more difficult at bay. Medication Management Proper medication management is critical for chronic conditions. Elderly care facilities often have systems in place to ensure residents take their medications correctly and on time. This supervision helps prevent medication errors and ensures the effectiveness of treatment. Care plans list which medications should be taken and when, ensuring consistency so that the effects of the chronic medical conditions are managed. The care plan also makes sure that a record is kept, keeping an open communication between everyone involved so that the symptoms of the condition are managed, and the resident can embrace life in the care home, participating in the range of activities available. Lifestyle Adjustments for Chronic Conditions Lifestyle adjustments play a significant role in managing chronic conditions. Nutritional planning and dietary modifications can help manage conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Additionally, physical activity tailored to the individual’s abilities is encouraged to maintain mobility and overall health. As part of a care plan, yours or your loved one’s lifestyle will be taken into account and our team will work with those wanting to be involved to create a plan and routine that enhances the management of the chronic condition and provides joy. We pride ourselves on the lifestyle we provide our residents, with a range of weekly activities that are adjusted for all abilities. Plus, guest visitors to put entertainment shows on and our open-door visiting policy for family and friends. Not to mention that we are always looking for something to celebrate, and love to mark all milestones and special occasions with an event. Monitoring and Ongoing Care Regular health assessments are essential to monitor the progression of chronic conditions. Consistent medical check-ups and effective communication with healthcare providers ensure that any changes in health are promptly addressed. These ensure staff care plans are kept up-to-date and that pain and other symptoms of the chronic condition is managed in a timely manner, so that you or your loved one can continue making the most of the activities and facilities available at our care home. Emotional and Mental Health Support Living with a chronic condition can be emotionally challenging. Elderly care facilities, such as Primrose Lodge Southbourne, provide resources for mental health support, including counselling and support groups. This support is essential for maintaining the emotional well-being of residents. We know that managing chronic health conditions goes above pain management, so part of our care plans include mental and emotional well-being. Without being mentally happy and fit, you or your loved one won’t feel the benefits of managing other symptoms, therefore we always work with you to ensure mental health is cared for just as much as physical health. Family Involvement and Education Family involvement is a key component in managing chronic conditions. Educating family members about the condition and how they can provide support is beneficial. Involvement in care planning and staying informed about the resident’s health status can help families contribute positively to their loved one’s care. As we have an open-door policy, encouraging friends and family to visit as much as possible without time limitations, we invite them to learn about their loved one’s chronic health condition and participate in the care plan so that they can help manage symptoms or spot changes in condition so that we can amend the plan to reflect their needs. Technology and Innovations in Care Technological advancements, such as telemedicine and health monitoring devices, are becoming increasingly important in the management of chronic conditions. These technologies offer efficient ways to monitor health and communicate with healthcare providers. Fulfilling Lives With Chronic Health Condition Management