News Coronavirus Contact us Search About us Our care Care homes Families Professionals Careers Support for families We know that families, friends and carers are often a vital part of our resident’s lives. When your loved one moves into one of our care homes, we're here for you every step of the way. Make a referral Breadcrumb Home Information for families Family support Main navigation Information for families Choosing the right care home Why choose Exemplar Health Care for your relative Life in our care homes Family support We know that families, friends and carers are often a vital part of our resident’s lives, and working well with them is an important part of providing the quality care that they deserve. We also know that being a family member of someone who’s moving into or lives in a care home can be tough. It can have a big impact on your life too. That’s why we’re committed to supporting the loved ones of those living in our care homes, so that we can work together to make every day better for everyone. The information below shares our commitment to working with families and friends, and how we welcome your involvement in every part of daily life in our care homes. It also shares some of the things that you may want to think about if you’re supporting a relative who lives in a care home, and signposts you to charities and websites that can help. We know that it can be daunting when a relative moves into a care home, but please be assured that everyone at Exemplar Health Care is committed to supporting you throughout the moving in process and beyond. Families play a vital role in every day home life When people move into one of our care homes, we work with them to identify the important people in their lives, and support them to maintain these relationships however they choose. Where appropriate, we include family members and friends in all aspects of home life – from moving in, to events and celebrations, and care planning - we know that loved ones can provide valuable ideas, care advice and emotional support. All of our homes have an open-door policy, as well as formal feedback processes such as annual surveys and regular relative meetings, to ensure that we can learn from and listen to family members. Family involvement in care planning We respect the knowledge that family members have about their loved one, and are committed to involving them in the care planning process. We work with the people we support and their families to develop a care plan that meets their goals and wishes, and ensure that they’re involved in regular reviews. When people move into one of our homes, we’ll ask them if and how they want their family to be involved in their care, and what areas of their life they want their family to be involved in, and support this wherever possible. Where agreed, we’ll work with families to understand how they prefer to be communicated with, for example regular home stays or via Zoom or Skype video calls if you live further away. We’d love to hear from you! Our Home Managers will be happy to answer any questions or concerns, or you can contact our central enquiries line. We offer lots of opportunities for friends and relatives to feedback about their loved one’s care, including through our regular relatives meetings and annual relative survey. If you’d like to leave a compliment about the home that your relative lives in, we’d love for you to leave a review on the home’s carehome.co.uk profile. Or if you have any concerns or suggestions, please speak to the Home Manager or fill in our online feedback form which will be forwarded to the relevant colleague. Things to think about when a loved one moves into a care home Employment: You may need to take time off from work at short notice. Talk to your manager or HR department so they're aware of the situation. Check your company’s policies as you may be entitled to special leave. It may be a good idea to keep some annual leave in reserve to cover any emergencies. Travel: Once you’ve clarified how you are going to offer support, you may need to consider travel arrangements. For example, if you will be regularly travelling long distances, avoid paying extra costs by finding out about your travel options. Support: It’s important to think about support groups for you, too. These groups may help you to manage stress or emotional struggles as a result of your loved one’s condition. There’s a list of charities below who may offer support and advice. Keep in touch: When someone moves into a care home, they may feel isolated or cut off from their usual family and friends, which could exacerbate other health conditions. Think about the best ways to keep in touch with your friend or relative so they feel valued and important. Keeping your loved one updated with family news can really make a difference. This doesn’t have to be face to face contact. You may want to send cards, emails, family photographs, and letters or, if you have children get them to send their pictures. Advocacy (someone to speak up for you) An advocate will offer mutual support and help you to speak up, get your views heard and ensure that your needs are properly met. Advocates are independent and will only help represent your views but they won't make decisions for you. They can be useful when you are unwell and finding it hard to articulate your feelings. Advocacy Matters is a specialist advocacy service and you can contact them online or by telephone on 0121 321 2377. Useful websites, charities and support groups Here are some links to useful websites, charities or groups who provide support and advice on a range of conditions, illnesses, disabilities and issues. Asperger’s Syndrome Foundation: The Asperger’s Syndrome Foundation is committed to promoting awareness and understanding of Asperger’s Syndrome. Brain and Spine Foundation: The Brain and Spine Foundation is a registered charity that provides support for people affected by neurological conditions. They run online support groups and carers events. Carers Trust: The Carers Trust is a charity that supports carers. It works with a network of partner organisations to help carers with the challenges of their caring roles. Carers UK: Carers UK provides support and advice for carers, including about your rights and entitlements. It has a telephone helpline and local carers’ groups. Encephalitis Society: The Encephalitis Society is registered charity that works to raise awareness and support for people affected by encephalitis. It runs a connection scheme to put people in similar situations in touch with each other, as well as monthly virtual support networks. Epilepsy Action: Epilepsy Action is a charity that aims to improve the lives of everyone affected by epilepsy. It runs a Epilepsy Action Helpline, as well as forums, training and virtual support groups. Huntington’s Disease Association: The Huntington’s Disease Association is a registered charity that aims to improve care and support services for people with Huntington’s disease, educate families and professionals, and champion people’s rights. Mental Health Foundation: The Mental Health Foundation is a charity that provides information, carries out research, campaigns and works to improve services for anyone affected by mental health conditions, whatever their age and wherever they live. Mind: Mind is the leading mental health charity in England and Wales. It works to create a better life for everyone with experience of mental distress. Its website has lots of information and advice, including links to online peer support and an information hub. National Autistic Society: The National Autistic Society champions the rights and interests of all people with autism and aims to provide individuals with autism and their families with help, support and information on services. Parkinson’s UK: Parkinson's UK is a Parkinson's research and support charity in the UK. Its aims are to improve the quality of life for people affected by Parkinson's and find a cure for the condition. It has a helpline, online forum, local advisors and local groups. Headway: Headway is a UK-wide charity that works to improve life after brain injury by providing vital support and information services. 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