The goal of any type of care is to ensure that people get the support they need to live as independently as possible, but it can sometimes be the case that this care is best provided in a specialist learning disabilities care home.
In many cases, a care home will be recommended following a needs assessment that provides an expert insight into what support a person needs to thrive on a day-to-day basis, from slight adaptations and regular visits from a care worker to moving into supported living or a care home.
A needs assessment might be requested or it could be something suggested by a doctor or current carer, but the person-centred nature of leading disability care means that if residential care is suggested, it will be because it is the best possible choice to meet a person’s needs.
There are often signs ahead of a needs assessment that a care home is the best choice, and the biggest of these is that it becomes increasingly difficult to keep up with day-to-day needs, such as personal care, hygiene, cooking or cleaning, even with other support.
This is not necessarily a case of whether someone can, but if someone is finding it difficult or distressing, it may be best to consider if a more personalised supportive environment can help them to thrive and focus on the aspects of life they enjoy most.
Complex care can also be a factor here, as if someone needs help and support during the day and at night, or there are aspects to their care such as managing medication that would benefit from specialist, dedicated support.
Finally, beyond the medical, if attending to care needs is making a person feel isolated and struggling to make friends in their local community, a care home can be the best option to meet like-minded people and go on outings together.
