What to do when care needs increase in a residential home

1. Recognize the signs of increasing care needs

Identifying when care needs increase is the first step in providing proper support. Some signs that indicate additional care might be needed include:

Increased difficulty with daily tasks: if your loved one struggles more with dressing, bathing, or eating, it may be time to adjust their care plan.
Declining mobility: frequent falls, difficulty walking, or needing help with transfers may indicate that more mobility support is needed.
Health changes: worsening chronic conditions or new health issues, such as dementia or reduced cognitive function, may require specialized care.
Behavioral or emotional changes: increased confusion, mood swings, or isolation may indicate the need for mental health support or a more structured routine.

Understanding these signs can help you respond promptly to ensure that your loved one receives the appropriate level of care.

2. Assess the current care plan

Find YOUR ideal care home NOW!

When care needs increase, it’s essential to review the existing care plan to identify any areas that may need adjustment. Most residential homes will have a structured care plan that outlines the resident’s daily activities, assistance needs, and health requirements.

Schedule a care review meeting: request a meeting with the residential home’s care team to discuss any changes in your loved one’s needs and how they’re being addressed.
Evaluate daily assistance levels: determine if the current assistance with tasks like dressing, bathing, and mobility is still adequate or if additional support is required.
Review health monitoring: ensure that health conditions are being monitored effectively and that medication management or other treatments are up-to-date.
Consider mental and emotional support needs: if there are signs of loneliness, confusion, or depression, discuss options for counseling or increased social activities.

Regularly assessing the care plan ensures it stays in line with the resident’s evolving needs, supporting their comfort and well-being.

3. Explore additional care services within the residential home

Many residential homes offer a range of care services that can be adjusted as residents’ needs change. If you notice that your loved one requires more support, ask the residential home about available services.

Increased personal care assistance: if your loved one needs more help with daily tasks, find out if the home can provide additional personal care support.
Specialized dementia or memory care: for residents with cognitive decline, some homes offer specialized dementia care to ensure safety and support.
Physical and occupational therapy: if mobility is an issue, inquire about physical or occupational therapy programs to improve strength and balance.
Palliative or end-of-life care: for residents with advanced health conditions, palliative care may offer comfort and symptom management during this stage.

By exploring these options, you can create a care plan that provides the necessary level of support within the existing residential home.

4. Consider outside care providers for additional support

In some cases, the residential home may not offer all the services needed, especially if the required care is specialized. In these situations, bringing in outside care providers can bridge any gaps.

Home health aides: hiring a home health aide to assist with tasks like bathing, dressing, or mobility can supplement the care provided by the residential home staff.
Visiting nurses: for more complex medical needs, consider bringing in a visiting nurse to monitor health conditions, administer medications, or perform medical procedures.
Physical or speech therapists: if the home doesn’t offer in-house therapy, consider arranging for external therapists to work with your loved one on-site.
Hospice care services: if end-of-life care is needed and the residential home doesn’t provide it, hospice care can offer compassionate support to both the resident and their family.

Outside care providers can work alongside the residential home staff to ensure that all of your loved one’s needs are met comprehensively.

5. Communicate regularly with residential home staff

Clear, open communication with the residential home staff is essential when care needs increase. Regular check-ins can help you stay informed about your loved one’s condition and ensure that everyone is on the same page regarding their care.

Set up regular meetings: scheduling monthly or quarterly meetings with the care team can provide updates on your loved one’s health, progress, and any adjustments to their care.
Ask for progress reports: request written or verbal reports on any health changes, behavioral shifts, or specific incidents that may require extra care.
Establish a primary contact: having a designated contact person on the care team makes it easier to get timely information and communicate any concerns.
Address concerns promptly: if you notice any issues with your loved one’s care, bring them up immediately to ensure swift resolution.

Effective communication with the residential home staff ensures that you stay involved in your loved one’s care, helping to address new needs as they arise.

6. Evaluate financial and funding options for increased care

As care needs increase, the cost of care can also rise. Planning ahead and exploring funding options can make it easier to cover the additional expenses associated with higher levels of support.

Review the residential home’s fee structure: ask for a breakdown of costs to understand what’s included in the standard fees and what additional services may cost.
Check eligibility for NHS funding: residents with complex medical needs may qualify for NHS continuing healthcare funding, which covers care costs.
Explore local authority funding: if your loved one’s financial resources are limited, they may qualify for local authority assistance with care fees.
Consider long-term care insurance: if available, long-term care insurance can help cover the cost of increased services, reducing out-of-pocket expenses.

Understanding the financial aspects of increasing care needs allows you to plan effectively and ensure that your loved one continues to receive the support they need.

7. Monitor and adjust the care plan as needed

When care needs increase, it’s crucial to monitor your loved one’s condition closely and make ongoing adjustments to their care plan. Regularly reassessing the care provided helps ensure that their needs are continually met.

Schedule follow-up meetings: arrange follow-up meetings after changes are made to the care plan to evaluate the impact and make any additional adjustments.
Stay informed of any health changes: work closely with the care team to stay updated on any new health developments or challenges.
Ask for feedback from your loved one: if possible, talk with your loved one to see if they feel comfortable with their care and if they have any concerns or needs.
Keep a record of care changes: maintaining a record of adjustments, meetings, and updates can help track your loved one’s progress and serve as a reference.

Ongoing monitoring and adjustments ensure that the care plan remains responsive to evolving needs, helping your loved one enjoy a high standard of living.

Knowing what to do when care needs increase in a residential home is essential for providing continuous, effective support to your loved one. By recognizing the signs, assessing the current care plan, exploring additional support options, and communicating with the residential home staff, families can help ensure that their loved one’s needs are met compassionately and professionally.

We are here to help you choose a care home or facility best suited to your needs. Do not hesitate to contact us on the following number: 0230 608 0055 or fill out this form. 

Contact us for free!

Share this article :