The best care homes in Solihull

What makes a good Solihull care home

Do your research and find out what homes there are in the local area. Look at Google reviews, see what the Care Quality Commission say about the care home, and visit a few – you will definitely get a feel for the place by visiting and seeing how happy the residents and staff are.

A good care home will endeavour to understand the needs of each resident. They’ll talk to them and their loved ones to get to know their likes and dislikes, their needs, and the support that is required.

Good care homes will be well-run with staff that know what’s expected of them, are knowledgeable and enthusiastic; as well as managers that are available to talk to.

They have to be safe – in many different areas. Personal belongings should be stored safely. Medicines need to be stored correctly and dispensed accurately. The home needs to be clean and tidy. Residents who need assistance moving, whether it’s in a wheelchair, hoist, or just with an extra pair of hands, need to be helped gently and with respect.

And they must be caring. Good staff will know about your background, your needs, and your likes. They will be concerned for your welfare and will develop strong relationships with you.

How much do Solihull care homes cost?

Get ready for a shock as it’s not cheap! There’s also a difference between residential care and nursing care so it’s important to know what level of care you’re looking at for your loved one.

Residential care is for those who need help with day-to-day activities like bathing, eating, and dressing. Nursing care provides support for those who have complex medical conditions or physical disabilities, or those who need regular medical attention.

The average cost of residential care is about £1300 per week and for nursing care it’s more like £1550 per week. The local authority may contribute but your – or your loved one’s – finances will need to be assessed first to determine if any financial support is available. Typically, an individual will need assets of less than £23,000 to receive any funding.

Who audits care homes in Solihull, and England?

All organisations who provide health or social care in England are audited annually by an independent regulator – the Care Quality Commission (CQC). These inspections assess whether the care home in Solihull is meeting the standards set out in the Health and Social Care Act 2008, looking at the 5 areas of safety, effectiveness, caring, responsiveness, and being well-led.

Which are the best care homes in Solihull?

The Royal Star & Garter is the only care home in Solihull to have received an ‘Outstanding’ assessment from the Care Quality Commission. The report stated that ‘The attention to people’s individual wishes and needs showed how exceptional staff were at going above and beyond what was expected of them.’ The home offers specialist dementia and nursing care, and every aspect of the home has been designed with residents’ wellbeing in mind, including a dedicated activities room for crafts.

There are many other care homes in Solihull that have received a ‘Good’ rating by the CQC and the following care homes have all received Google reviews of at least 4.8.

Blossomfield Rose offers nursing, dementia, residential and respite care, set in 5 acres of private grounds, with a wide range of facilities, including a café, salon, cinema and arts centre, wellness suite, library and bar.

Claridge Place care home in Solihull is a purpose-built care home with 77 bedrooms, as well as a cinema, pamper room, hairdressing salon, cocktail bar, lounges, library, private dining area and a bistro restaurant.

The Grove is an independent, not-for-profit, registered charity, run by a voluntary management committee of local people, and managed by a team of experienced and professional staff.

Swallows Meadows Court in Shirley is a not-for-profit company who offer a residential and nursing home, as well as a domiciliary care service. They offer a wide range of activities to keep residents stimulated such as animal therapy, a church service, bingo, trips, quizzes and keep fit.

Birchmere Mews in Knowle offers residential care and dementia care. Many of their bedrooms are designed for couples, including private lounge areas.

The Priory in Monkspath offers nursing, residential, respite and convalescence care. This Solihull care home offers gentle exercise classes, home-made meals, interactive pet therapy, daily activities and en-suite bedrooms.