Care home funding in Banbury
How much does a care home cost in Banbury?
Care costs will vary depending on where you live and what care you need, so it’s useful to establish the difference in cost between various care homes as well as staying home versus choosing residential care. You can learn more about the cost of care and funding options in our dedicated help pages. Contact your local council to discuss eligibility for funding or contact one of our local care Teams to discuss the cost of paying for private Home Care with Alina Homecare.
What’s included for the price?
Care home fees typically include a comprehensive range of services and amenities, which can vary depending on the specific care home and its level of care. Note that not all care homes offer all of these services and some may charge extra for certain amenities or services. It’s always best to check with the care home directly to confirm what is included in the fees. However, here are some of the things that are usually included in the fees:
- Accommodation in a private room or shared room, with access to communal areas such as lounges, dining rooms and gardens
- Three meals per day, with a choice of menu options and dietary requirements catered for
- 24-hour care and support from trained Carers, including assistance with daily living tasks, personal care and medication management
- Activities and entertainment, such as exercise classes, arts and crafts and social events
- Transportation to and from appointments and outings, as well as access to onsite amenities such as hairdressing, chiropody and physiotherapy
- Laundry and cleaning services, including linen and towel changes
- Utilities, including electricity, water and gas
- Medical care, including GP visits, hospital transfers and access to onsite medical facilities
- Nursing care, including wound care, medication management and palliative care
- Rehabilitation therapy, including occupational therapy, speech therapy and physiotherapy
- Social work support, including counseling, advocacy and support with benefits and finances
- Administration and management, including bill paying, budgeting and coordination of care services.
What should you consider when choosing a care home?
When choosing a care home in Banbury or any alternative care option, there are several factors to consider to ensure you find the right package of care for your needs. Here are some key things to think about:
1. Price
- Research the cost of care: it’s important to understand care home fees, including the type of care provided, the level of support and any additional services.
- Compare prices: Compare prices of different care homes to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.
- Consider the cost of extras: Some care homes may charge extra for services like laundry, hairdressing or transportation.
2. Reviews
- Check online reviews: Look up reviews on websites like Carehome.co.uk, Care Quality Commission (CQC) and other online review platforms like Google Business
- Ask for referrals: Ask friends, family, or healthcare professionals for recommendations.
- Visit the care home: Meet with staff, residents and family members to get a sense of the care home’s culture and quality of care.
3. Activities
- Consider the types of activities: depending on you or your loved one’s interests, you may or may not want a care home with an activity coordinator. For more active seniors, a wide range of activities like social events, exercise classes and hobbies might be preferable
- Check the schedule: depending on those interests, check what schedule of activities there is and whether they cater to your interests and abilities.
- Ask about outings: Find out if the care home offers regular outings and excursions. Our Home Care service offers assistance and companionship for day trips.
4. CQC rating
- Check the CQC rating: The CQC rating of a care home provides an independent assessment of its quality and safety standards.
- Look for a good or outstanding rating: Aim for a care home with a good or outstanding rating as this indicates a high standard of care.
- Check the report: Read the CQC report to understand the care home’s strengths and weaknesses. We’ve included links to these reports in the list below.
5. Location
- Consider accessibility: Ensure the care home is easily accessible with parking, public transportation and amenities nearby
- Think about proximity to family and friends: you may want to choose a care home that’s convenient for family and friends to visit.
- Check the local environment: you also may want to consider the local environment, including the surrounding area, noise levels and nearby amenities. You and your loved ones might prefer an attractive care home in a nice setting such as beautiful gardens
6. Staff and staffing
- Meet the staff: If possible, meet the care home’s staff, including the manager, care s and other support staff.
- Check staffing levels: Ensure that the care home has adequate staffing levels, including a staff to resident ratio.
- Ask about staff training: Find out about staff training and development, including any specialised training for dementia care or other conditions.
7. Food and nutrition
- Check the menu: When you move into a care home, you won’t have as much control over your meals. Look at the care home’s menu to ensure that it provides a balanced and varied diet.
- Ask about dietary needs: Find out how the care home accommodates dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, or other special diets.
- Check the kitchen: Ensure the kitchen is clean, well maintained and follows proper food safety guidelines.
8. Accommodation
- Check the rooms: Ensure you like the care home’s rooms; do they provide clean, comfortable environment?
- Look at communal areas: Check the care home’s communal areas, including lounges, dining rooms and gardens.
- Ask about storage: Find out about storage options for personal belongings and equipment. Unfortunately, care homes are unable to provide as much storage as a private home
9. Support for specific needs
- Consider specialised care: If you or your loved one has a specific need, such as dementia or mobility issues, look for a care home that provides specialised care and support.
- Ask about equipment and resources: Find out if the care home has the necessary equipment and resources to support specific needs.
- Check the care plan: Ensure that the care home has a comprehensive care plan in place to support specific needs.
10. Communication
- Check the communication channels: Ensure that the care home has effective communication channels, including phone, email and face to face meetings.
- Ask about updates: Find out how the care home will keep you or your loved ones informed about care and any changes.
- Check the care home’s website: You and your loved ones can look at the care home’s website to get a sense of their communication style and approach.
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about which care home is right for you or your loved one.
