Expert Answers: In search of the best of care

ALTHOUGH you say you have power of attorney for your aunt, you don’t say what form this takes.

It very much depends what form this takes as to whether you can make decisions about your aunt’s care without reference to others.

To act for your aunt, you would have had to register whatever power of attorney you’ve got with the Court of Protection.

One thing you could do is contact one of the larger care organisations – perhaps Abbeyfield, a voluntary body with very high standards.

Find out whether it has a suitable place for your aunt – with both dementia and loss of sight, she probably needs greater care than someone who is simply frail.

You can also get details of available homes from your local Social Services, who now regularly check all care facilities.

Do remember that while the room your aunt is in would not be suitable for you, she may be happy there because the limited space actually makes things easier for her.

Another things that you should do is discuss things with her doctor before you move her.

Five things you need to know about housing for older people and Abbeyfield:

Sheltered housing provides support to people when needed and in a flexible way so while some people may need a lot of support, others only require occasional assistance.

Care homes have to be registered and are regulated by the Care Quality Commission which is currently designing a new system to assess the quality of services.

Abbeyfield is one of the largest voluntary sector UK-wide providers of housing and care for older people, usually those who are local to the various sites.

It aims to help residents maintain their independence while, at the same time, ensuring that loneliness is alleviated.

Abbeyfield includes more than 700 houses managed by professional staff and volunteers which provide support, care and friendship for more than 7,000 residents

Details of all Abbeyfield homes can be found on the website www.abbeyfield.com and there is also advice and information to help people make the best choices. Alternatively, call 01727 857 536 for more information.

Fore more help with choosing a care home and checking regulations, visit www.ageuk.org.uk which brings together the charities Age Concern and Help the Aged.

Paul Charlson

GP from Brough

YOU can move your aunt of course as you have control of her affairs.

Your responsibilities are to ensure your aunt is not being taken for a ride or misspending her money because she is disorganised.Clearly, if your aunt is capable of making the decision, you should discuss the possibilities with her.

My plan would be to investigate other homes and pick out a couple of the better ones. Then you should arrange a joint viewing with your aunt. It may make her see the possibilities and become more enthusiastic about moving.

You need to take charge and help your aunt; if she has the means, why put up with second or third best for the last years of her life?

Elaine Douglas

A chartered psychologist who specialises in family and child relationships

THE first thing I would do is talk to your aunt. She may well be making the best of it and being very stoical, but until you ask her, you can’t be sure. Do some research. Find out alternatives in the areas that you feel may be suitable.

Make a list of the things you feel are necessary and those that are desirable (with your aunt’s needs in mind), then visit them. This is a totally acceptable practice as your aunt is paying for her care and you are acting on her behalf. You are within your rights to move her.

Look at the policies they have in place for their clients – what’s their procedure if someone is taken ill, what’s their view on leisure/entertainment activities, do they take clients out for trips, do staff engage with clients (or leave them sitting in a room), what’s their view on clients having some of their treasured possessions with them?

The homes you visit will have a certain ‘feel’ to them, so policies and procedures are not always enough. Take in the atmosphere and, if possible, talk to some of the residents. The main thing is to keep in touch with your aunt and let her know that you want her to be happy. Be guided by her, and you’ll do the right thing.

Cary Cooper

Professor of Organisational Psychology and Health at Lancaster University

GIVEN that you have taken on the responsibility for your aunt, I see no problem with you making the decision to move her to better accommodation. It will, of course, mean that you will have to look around for a better place, but there are plenty of places available.

You seem to understand your aunt and I am sure would find a place that is suitable once you have had the opportunity of exploring a number of facilities.

I would discuss this with her first and if she agrees, you could short list a couple of places and take her there to see them, for her to make the final decision.

Dr Carol Burniston

Consultant Clinical Child Psychologist

I ADVISE you to consult a solicitor about what kind of Power of Attorney you hold for your aunt. One covers financial affairs and another covers medical issues in addition.

It is important to be clear about your aunt’s mental state; is she capable of making her own decisions? Some older people need care because they are too frail or physically unwell, but their minds are sound; some people need care because they are no longer intellectually able although physically they remain well.

If your aunt is in the first category, speak to her about the standard of care where she lives and ask her if she is satisfied and whether it lives up to her expectations. She should be able to express an opinion and you can let her know that you may be able to find something better.

Care is about more than physical circumstances; if the staff are kind and attentive and your aunt knows her way round her environment, she may wish to stay where she is.

If you want to know about the best care facilities, then the Care Quality Commission reports on all the available places. You can access the website at www.cqc.org.uk

CHECKING STANDARDS

IF you are not happy with the care home, first speak to the manager.

All care homes must have a complaints procedure.

If a referral to the home was made by social services, you should also speak to the social worker involved in the care package.

All local authorities have a complaints procedure – this will offer three stages of complaint.

To find out about care-home standards, or to make a further complaint about a service, you can contact the Commission for Social Care Inspection at www.csci.org.uk or phone 0845 015 0120.