Opinions/experiences of old peoples care homes.

[Daven 10]

This was definitely NOT the case for a relative of mine. Staff at the NGH organised the care home and the move to it. it also happened to be an absolute disgrace.

 

You have misunderstood my post.

I said that hospital staff are cannot recommend or promote any particular home.

Did you not visit the home before your relative was transferred to it ? This was your opportunity to refuse for them to go to that home if you didn't like it. This is your right as the relative of someone who is unable to make that decision for themselves.

Edited February 18, 2015 by Daven

[joffandanmum 11]

Thank you all for your input

Kalms , I hope your dad makes a recovery. Posting this was one of the ways I thought I could get people's views good or bad. We certainly do not want to have the kind of experience that Kalms has had.

A few years ago she was in hospital with a broken arm and the hospital transferred her to Beech house which is not a long term home but a sort of half way house to assess whether she was fit to be returned to her own home, which she was, with the carers visiting 4 times a day. We fully intend to turn up unannounced to some placed and see what our experiences are. Thanks again for your help.

[S8 Blade 10]

You need to find out the type of care she needs nursing/residential/dementia/specialist - not all care homes offer or specialise in these areas. This is a great start to narrow down the cast list.

 

Then look at carehome.co.uk - this will list all details including access to the latest CQC report (like OFSTED is for schools).

[Mr Bloom 10]

You have misunderstood my post.

I said that hospital staff are cannot recommend or promote any particular home.

Did you not visit the home before your relative was transferred to it ? This was your opportunity to refuse for them to go to that home if you didn't like it. This is your right as the relative of someone who is unable to make that decision for themselves.

No, as I was under the impression that professionals had deemed this place as being able to cater for my relative's needs. Thanks for your reply Daven. If a patient has a social worker, do they sometimes organise the care home, in conjunction with the hospital staff?

[Jonny5 10]

At the end of the day these places are not where people go to get better. As long as you are realistic about that then I've had a relative in Beachy Knoll Residential Home for a couple of years. And that's pretty good as homes go. It's clean and residents get their own room, although to be honest most of them spend all day asleep.

 

Plenty of friendly staff as well.

[Event Horizo 10]

Mostly offer a very basic programme of basic physical care and very little else. Only use these places as a last resort. Generally dreadful, impersonal places.

 

My grandmother ended her days in one of these homes. She said the nightstaff were evil. Was seriously scared of them as she was at their mercy. Denied her water etc. When we confronted them about this they all closed ranks. She only lasted a few weeks in on of these homes but to this day i think she died of dehydration due to neglect. Was in Lincoln.

Wish i had of put a hidden camera in her room.

[Mister M 1,625]

My dad was admitted to hospital on Thursday last week due to severe dehydration and 2 large wounds on his leg. The hospital have reported the nursing home as a safeguarding issue. He was doing well until he went into the home. The rapid weight loss, dehydration and wounds are a disgrace. I have reported it to the Quality care commission, social services and adult safeguarding team

 

That's awful, hope your Dad gets better soon.

[20LEGEND 10]

I have a lot of contact with care homes due to my work. It is a little longer to travel to it, but I have always been impressed with 'The Glen' on Abbeydale Road South.

[Gojuryuben 10]

The Grange at Netheredge is nice. I've been to quite a few over the last few months and to be honest most left a lot to be desired.

[bladebeer 11]

Thank you for your advice, she has been in her own home with carers visiting 4 times a day and family on tap also, but this has now been deemed unsuitable and that she needs 24 hour care.Currently she is in the Northern General but is convinced she is in the Half Moon Pub, bless her.

 

My wife and daughter have both worked in care homes, and from their experiences your Mum would be better off in the Half Moon pub.Good luck and be selective.

[Buble Fan 10]

My grandmother was in Chatsworth Grange at Intake for quite a long period of time. The staff were very conscientious and caring. It's a few years ago now, but I would have recommended this place at the time. They are on Hollybank Road which is not too far from the OP's address - probably only a 5 minute drive.

[Daven 10]

No, as I was under the impression that professionals had deemed this place as being able to cater for my relative's needs. Thanks for your reply Daven. If a patient has a social worker, do they sometimes organise the care home, in conjunction with the hospital staff?

 

I'm not absolutely sure but I would guess that the existing social worker should have a good grasp on what your relatives needs are and would have been able to contribute much information to the multi-disciplinary meetings that would have been held in preparation for their discharge from hospital.

Were you never invited to any meetings to discuss 'best interests' for your relative ?