Rise in people looking for care homes expected after Christmas, according to carehome.co.uk research

As the British public prepares for Christmas 2013, carehome.co.uk predicts nearly half a million extra people will visit its site in January looking for a care home.

carehome.co.uk, which helps people search for a care home, has seen a dramatic increase in traffic in January over the last three years, with an extra 395,868 visitors to the site in January 2013 and an extra 386,734 visitors in January 2012.

It is thought this increase is the result of many families realising over the Christmas period that their relatives are not coping well on their own and subsequently the search for care begins in January.

Davina Ludlow director of carehome.co.uk said: “Over recent years we have noticed a significant trend during January with a huge rise in the number of people searching for care homes after the Christmas period.

“We feel this increase is a reflection of how family members take positive steps in the New Year to assist their relatives.”

“Residential care can often feel like a daunting step - but it can save someone from not only the day to day tasks which have become difficult, but also from feelings of loneliness and isolation.”

These figures come in the wake of research that states that over three-quarters of Britons would describe visiting a relative as a high priority but that just under a quarter rarely manage to actually visit.

Household chores as well as work commitments were cited as some of the main reasons for a cancelled visit by those asked to fill out a survey by care provider Anchor. Use of modern technology may also mean that visits in person are not as frequent and subsequently signs of a relative struggling at home are missed until the family get together at Christmas.

Martin Green of the English Community Care Association (ECCA), which represents care homes in England reiterated this view when he said: “This phenomenon often results from the fact that people have been in contact with their relatives over the Christmas period and then they realise that they're not able to manage because of illness or confusion.

“This is quite difficult to pick up on if you only see the person occasionally, but over the period of Christmas, when people might be together over a week or more, it becomes apparent that their level of functioning is significantly reduced and people realise that their family member might need a care home in order to stay safe.”

Christmas may also be a time when families consider home care if a relative is able or wishes to stay at home but needs help daily, Caroline Abraham, charity director at said; “Moving into a care home is a really big decision and is certainly not the only option for an older person who is not coping as well as they once did – they might decide they would prefer the option of sheltered housing option or help at home instead. Wherever possible, it is the person in need of care who should decide on the care they receive. The best way for concerned relatives to help is by ensuring that the care is of good quality and provided in a way that respects their loved one’s dignity and independence.” Care providers have also noticed this pattern; Andrew Cannon, managing director of Bupa Care Homes said: “We see an increase in the number of people making enquiries about our care homes at the start of the year.

“We believe that the cold weather and the effects of illness and loneliness over the winter months can cause individuals and their families to reconsider their care needs. It’s also a time of year when people naturally plan for the year ahead.”

He added: “We have just launched a new helpline to provide free advice and information to anyone with questions about aged care – whether it is a question about funding, getting extra help to stay in your own home or where to start when considering a care home.”

For some care providers, it seems a shame that families on the whole do not encourage their relatives to move into a care home before the Christmas festivities. Typically this period is one of great celebration at care homes and can be a pleasant introduction into a new life choice. Charlotte Nicholds at Four Seasons Health Care Group said: “For us, Christmas is not just about a single day. It’s about the build-up of festivities throughout December which helps everyone get into the spirit. We see it as a time to really interact with the wider community and bring everyone together.

“For example, our Millbrow Care Home in Cheshire is hosting a variety of events in the run up to Christmas Day this year including a musical performance by the local Brownies; an afternoon with a professional choir with mince pies and a Christmas themed bingo and raffle event. This year a professional music teacher is also providing a number of singing lessons which will culminate in a Christmas carol concert for friends and family.

“When the big day arrives, the home will give everyone a present and will arrange for people to either visit their families or for relatives to come to the home so that everyone is together. And, of course, everyone in the home will be able to enjoy being served a traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings.”

Bupa’s helpline is 03339 206795, concerned relatives can also contact Age UK for free advice on 0800 169 65 65