Affinity Financial Awareness -
Care Division
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Residential and Nursing Homes
The decision
to enter care can be an emotive one, as it will usually mean coming to
terms with selling the family home and a recognition of our own mortality.
It is natural therefore that it may be met with a degree of reluctance.
However,
once the decision has been made the experience of selecting a suitable home
often dispels some of the common misconceptions that have been held about
care homes.
The
majority of UK homes have traditionally provided excellent care and
conditions for residents. With the advent of regulation and agreed minimum
care standards which are implemented by the Commission for National Care
Inspection, these homes can now demonstrate that they exceed a benchmark of
care to prospective residents and their families.
Today
there is a wide variety of choice in the care home sector, and finding one
to suit your requirements should be relatively easy. Once a home has been
selected it very quickly becomes a home away from home. Often people in
residential care enjoy normal activities and continue to pursue the outside
interests and hobbies that they enjoyed whilst living in their own home.
Residents also enjoy the added benefit of security, the companionship of
like-minded residents and 24 hour care. Residents have let us know that
their experience can sometimes be likened to "living in a 5 star
hotel".
It is a
common misconception that private care homes are only available to wealthy
individuals.
Those with relatively modest means, with specialist financial and legal
advice, can enjoy private care. In fact, people whose care needs are
entirely funded by the government are often able to live in a private home
if they wish
In the UK
the majority of care homes, both nursing and residential, are in the
private sector and are supplemented by homes owned and operated by Local
Authority Social Services Departments and charities etc.