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  • What is life like in a care home?

What is life like in a care home?

Some people may not have very much experience of a care home environment, perhaps not having visited one before, and can wonder what life in a care home is really like.

At Anchor, when people come to live with us we invest time in getting to know them properly; how they like to live their lives, the level of care they need and what is important to them.

A good care home will be able to offer fully qualified staff who provide 24-hour support if needed. Before you move to a care home, the staff should carry out a careful individual assessment, to make sure you receive the right support – ranging from the dispensing of medication and personal care to laundry and housekeeping services and support with day-to-day social activities.

Across Anchor’s care homes, you are also encouraged to bring your personal belongings with you, like photographs or a favourite chair – it’s often the little things that make a big difference to feeling at home in a new place.

Living with Anchor

Watch our video to find out a bit more about life specifically in an Anchor care home.

 

Social activities

Social activities play an important role in care homes. Before you chose a care home for yourself or a loved one, you should ask about the type of activities available – keeping up your favourite hobbies or pastimes can help you to stay active and socialise with fellow residents.

Each Anchor care home has an activities programme, staff work hard to find out what residents would like to do and then organise daily activities within the home and local community. These can range from fitness classes, quizzes and craft sessions to day trips, themed restaurant evenings and performances from entertainers. Find out more about how we offer residents a fulfilling life in our homes. 

Health and social care services

Two people looking at an iPadThe level of on-site medical care varies from home to home, but all should have a GP available on request and have access to local dentists, district nurses, physiotherapists and optometrists, who often visit and provide treatment within the care home. Many of our Anchor homes also have their own hairdressing salon and a regular visiting chiropodist.

Visitors 

Usually, friends and family are very much encouraged to visit loved ones living in a care home, and residents are encouraged to maintain links with the wider community.

Catering

Care homes tend to be fully catered and staff will be able to accommodate for any special dietary requirements or allergies. At Anchor, specially trained chefs prepare freshly cooked, appetising and nutritionally balanced meals with a different seasonal choice available every day.

Our care home catering teams consult with residents on a regular basis to ensure they understand both nutritional requirements and food preferences. We also hold monthly themed food days and provide opportunities for residents to be involved in the preparation of meals if they wish, ensuring mealtimes remain a sociable and enjoyable part of the day. Find out more about our approach to catering and mealtimes.

Guides on making decisions and moving to a care home

Are next of kin responsible for care home fees?

Are next of kin responsible for care home fees?

Are next of kin responsible for care home fees? Learn about family responsibility, understanding the legal responsibilities of being a guarantor, and managing care home fees here.

Understanding CQC ratings

Understanding CQC ratings

Learn what the Care Quality Commission is, how they assess the performance of care homes, what their ratings mean, and how you can find their inspection reports online in our free online guide.

A warm welcome

A warm welcome

We understand you’ll have many questions about finding a care home for you or a loved one and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Checking care home quality standards

Checking care home quality standards

The independent regulator of health and social care in England is called the Care Quality Commission. Find out what they do and how their reports can help you choose a care home.

Care home selection checklist

Care home selection checklist

The care home selection process can seem a confusing and daunting task so Anchor have created a checklist to help you choose between the care homes you visit.

Preparing for full time care with a respite break

Preparing for full time care with a respite break

Respite care can be a good way for carers and loved ones to prepare for the transition into full time residential care. Find more information about short term care breaks here.

Is a care home the right move?

Is a care home the right move?

Before deciding on a move to a care home, it’s important to know the difference between the main types of accommodation available for older people. Find out more about your housing options.

Guide to choosing a care home

Guide to choosing a care home

Our guide to choosing a care home is designed to help you and your loved ones consider your choices carefully and make the right decision, at the right time, for you.

What to expect from a respite care break

What to expect from a respite care break

Our guide on what to expect from respite care helps show what day to day life is like for both residents and carers during a respite break.

Respite care: A guide for carers

Respite care: A guide for carers

Respite for carers holds benefits for both carers and loved ones. Find out more about short care breaks in our respite care guide for carers.

How to choose the right care home

How to choose the right care home

When choosing a care home you need to have a good think about what really matters to you. Learn how to choose the right one for your needs, ensuring comfort, care, and peace of mind.

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