Care Homes in Coleford

Coleford has 3 CQC registered care homes. 3 are rated Good. 2 of the 3 were last inspected more than three years ago.

Source: Care Quality Commission register, kept up to date as ratings change.

Choosing a Care Home in Coleford and What to Look For

On a short list, the visit decides it

On a list this short, the decision usually comes down to atmosphere and staffing rather than paperwork. The Orchard Trust - Sevenoaks, Market Place and The Elms all hold a Good rating from the Care Quality Commission, so read each report for what inspectors singled out, whether that is the way care is planned, the activities offered or the support given to families. Check the date of each inspection, because a judgement can be a few years old and managers move on. Where inspectors asked a provider to strengthen something, ask what has changed since and what evidence there is for it.

What to look for when you visit

Ask how many carers are on duty by day and overnight, how long the manager has been in post and how vacancies and sickness are covered. Ask to see a sample care plan, the recent activity programme and the menu, then ask how choice is offered at mealtimes and what happens if someone prefers to eat in their room. Notice whether residents are occupied or simply seated, and whether staff greet people by name as they pass. Visit twice if you can, once by arrangement and once at a quieter hour, and ask what the home does when needs grow beyond what it can safely provide.

Arranging an Assessment and Funding a Place

Asking for the care needs assessment

Anyone who may need residential care can ask for an assessment of need, free of charge and whatever their savings. It records the help needed across an ordinary day and becomes the written account homes read before offering a room. Requests go to Gloucestershire County Council Adult Social Care, which also arranges the financial assessment that decides whether funded support applies. Where the move follows a hospital stay, ask for the discharge team to be involved early, because those timescales are much tighter than for a planned move.

Fees and the terms to settle first

Fees are quoted as a weekly figure covering the room, meals, laundry and personal care, with hairdressing, chiropody and outings normally charged separately. Where capital falls below the national threshold, the council may contribute once its financial assessment is complete, and above it the place is funded privately. Ask every home for its fees in writing, together with the policy on annual increases, notice periods and hospital admissions. Where a property is involved, ask the council about a deferred payment arrangement before anything is signed.

Care Homes near Coleford

• Cinderford
• Lydney
• Blakeney
• Newnham
• Ross On Wye
• Longhope