Choosing a Care Home - Activities

Sometimes people are concerned that when they move into a care home, they won't be able to continue participating in their favorite activities, or will be forced to take part in things that they don't want to do.

According to the UK Department of Health's National Minimum Standards, care home managers and staff must make sure that the activities offered are flexible enough to take residents' individual needs and preferences into account. They must ensure that they make a record of each resident's interests and provide them with the opportunities to participate in relevant activities. They must also give residents the opportunity to make choices about their lifestyles and take into account their cultural and religious needs.

However, in order to make sure that any care home that you're considering will be suitable for you, it's a good idea to visit it and ask questions about the activities available. Questions that you might want to ask include:

Does the care home schedule regular activities? What are these and can you choose whether or not to take part in them? It's also important to ask whether or not you will be charged extra for taking part in any organised activities.

Can you continue to take part in activities that you already enjoy, whether inside or outside of the home? If you want to take part in an activity outside of the home, would staff be able to help you if necessary, and can they arrange transport for you?

If you have a faith, will you be able to practice your religion in the way that you would like to? Can you be taken to a place of worship? Check to see whether you will be able to celebrate religious festivals or any other special days that are important to you.

Does the care home have its own transport and does it organise day-trips or other outings?

Are residents involved in planning the activities? Is there a resident's committee?

What other facilities and services does the care home provide? Are there any televisions or radios? Is there a library service? Can you order a newspaper? Some care homes are starting to provide different forms of entertainment, such as running their own radio stations or giving residents the opportunity to play computer games.

Does the care home have a garden and can you be involved in gardening?

If you enjoy cooking, will you be able to cook if you want to?

You can find out more about some of the care homes in your area by consulting an online care home guide You can then contact the care homes that you are interested in and arrange to visit them to find out more about the activities that they offer.

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