WCS Care's Trusted Advisor, Philip Rainsford, talks about why choosing a care home - even if you don't think you'll ever need one - is a good idea:

Have you written a will? Have you planned your funeral? These are important decisions we have to make but they're often at the back of our minds until later in life. Whilst a lot of people will make these plans, very few will choose a potential future care home ahead of time.

It's not something we ever really picture for ourselves – most people hope they'll spend the rest of their life in their own home, either fully independent or with support of family, friends and, at most, some in-home care support.

We know life doesn't always go to plan though, and it can be an unexpected event which means living in a care home is the recommended next step. We often support people and their families who are making an incredibly important decision at an emotional time and often under significant time constraints.

However, with advanced planning, making this move can be made easier. Moving into a care home is a big decision, so now is the time to start researching and thinking what you'd like if, or when, the time comes to make a decision about what's right for you.

It's like any house-hunting exercise. There are different providers, each with different homes. They vary in quality, facilities, local amenities, personality and atmosphere. And while you'll get a good understanding of what homes have to offer online, you'll get a real feel for the place when you meet the people who live and work there and experience it for yourself.

And then there's funding.

It can seem daunting but there are a number of options to consider – whether you've decided to pay for your own care or are having it funded by the local authority, it's important to understand what will be included for your money, so you can make a choice from the range of homes available to you.

All of this can take time and sometimes, when time isn't our on side, we can make decisions that aren't necessarily the right ones.

While you may never decide, or need, to move in to a care home, taking the time now (when you're fit and able to make the decision with plenty of time) can relieve a lot of stress and worry later on.

At WCS Care, we focus on helping people to find the home that's right for them, whether that's a WCS care home or one outside our group. If you want to start a conversation about care, I'll be happy to talk to you about care in general, funding and what it's like to live in a care home. I'm here if, or when, you need me.

Contact me, Philip, on 07802 728 447 or email me at [email protected]

Visit the WCS Care website for more information and for details of the nearest home or find WCS Care on Facebook.

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[L]https://www.wcs-care.co.uk[L+]Follow this link to the WCS website and get in touch.