6 Myths About Care Homes, Explained

Whether it’s from the news, social media, or others around you, misconceptions about care homes can come from anywhere. If you’re looking into care homes as an option for a loved one, it’s important that you’re receiving accurate information, so that you can make the right choice.

At Caring Homes, we’ve heard and been asked a whole range of questions that seemingly come from nowhere. Are care homes bad? Can care homes take your house? What does the cost of a care home go towards?

We’ll go into some common myths about care homes and debunk these with real care home facts and figures, so you can make informed decisions about care for those you love.

Myth #1: There’s a lack of independence in care homes

A common myth that many people believe before they see our care homes for themselves is that living in a care home is the end of your independence. This is absolutely not true! In fact, for many, it can be the complete opposite. A quality care home can help residents gain back independence that they may not have had while living alone at home.

Each of our 21 care homes across England, Scotland and on the Isle of Man promote independence and autonomy by encouraging our residents to spend their days in the way they’d prefer, from eating at a time that suits them to spending your day in the garden, baking, reading, or out and about with their loved ones.

Myth #2: Care homes are only for the very old, or very ill

This is another common myth we see, oftentimes, there’s a misconception that a care home should be a last resort only for the very elderly, or the very ill. This is not the case, in fact, many people who are still fully mobile and healthy choose to live in care homes because of the numerous other benefits [AH1] such as the opportunities for socialising, tasty and nutritious food and the fact that they have constant access to care professionals when needed.

Younger individuals may even choose to move into a care home due to chronic illness or disability, or even to recover from surgery.

Myth #3: Care homes are too expensive

When compared to rent or a mortgage, living in a care home is likely going to be more of a financial commitment that should be carefully considered. However, it’s important to remember that care homes provide much more than just a roof over your head. They also offer 24/7 available support, tailored care and nutritional plans, daily activities and excursions, maintained private and communal areas and for those under nursing or dementia healthcare plans, specialised services from experienced carers and nurses.

We know what you’re really asking - but can care homes take your house? The simple answer is no. If your loved one owns property, this will likely be taken into account during their financial assessment when starting to look into care home stays. What you will need to do to fund a care home stay, will be clearly communicated with you at every step of the way.

Find out more care home facts about funding.

Myth #4: Care home food is not very good

Are care homes bad at providing decent meals? We’d like to say absolutely not. Of course, the menus on offer for residents will differ between care homes, but at Caring Homes we take nutrition (and tastiness!) very seriously.

When a new resident joins us, we assess their dietary needs and preferences and put together a tailored nutritional plan. Not only this, but our Chefs will speak to your loved one about their likes and dislikes and help to ease any concerns they might have. Each of our 21 care homes provide delicious, nutritious, restaurant-quality meals made with fresh ingredients – something that all of us would love to receive at home!

Myth #5: Life in care homes is boring and lonely

This is one of the biggest misconceptions about life in care homes. In fact, the likelihood is that elderly people who are living alone at home are more bored and lonely than those in care homes.

Care homes provide constant opportunities for social interaction[AH2] , whether that’s with team members, other residents, or with loved ones who are welcome to visit at any time!

When it comes to being bored, at our care homes, there’s plenty to do to keep you entertained. From beautiful grounds for walking and gardening to group activities like board games and yoga, to on-site hair salons and cinemas there’s options for everyone, no matter the hobby or preference.

Myth #6: Care homes are like hospitals

Are care homes bad for morale? Not at all.

Some may believe that care homes are going to feel like hospital, slightly clinical and cold. This is definitely not the case. Our care homes, for example, are designed with comfort and mobility in mind.

There are elements of hospital life, with registered nurses on hand and mobility and medical equipment used by residents but the aesthetics of our care homes are anything but. From soft, comfy sofas in communal areas to beautiful dining areas and gardens, our aim is to create a cosy space where your loved ones can really feel at home.

We encourage residents to bring items from home like photographs and décor, even as much as a beloved armchair, into their rooms to help personalise the space as well.

When visiting a home, this can be a question to ask about a care home, to make sure their regulations suit your needs.

We know how difficult it can be to make the choice for a loved one to move into a care home, and you deserve only the most accurate information in order to help make that decision.

There are so many benefits to living in care homes, from everything being included in the price, to social interaction, designated healthcare, and more. But it’s probably best you see for yourself. Book a viewing at your nearest Caring Homes care home today – just call 01206 677 219 or find a care home online.