Films about care homes aim to make choosing the right home easier

Two online films, one about general care and the other specifically on dementia care, have been released that feature residents, relatives and team members talking about their personal experiences of care homes.

According to the makers, they take a realistic look at care home life and provide balanced information for community groups and residents. Commissioned by Hampshire-based Colten Care Ltd and made with input from Age Concern, the Alzheimer’s Society and Bournemouth University, the films discuss many of the issues that are important when choosing a home - from the initial response to an enquiry through to the daily activities programmes, quality of personal interaction, and standards of food and drink.

“The films provide an impartial insight into the role of a care home within the lives of families and individuals,” said Colten Care’s marketing director, Tim Wookey. “We want viewers to hear the voices and see the faces of those who know care homes. The aim is to provide meaningful, community-focused information and a starting point for people to share and discuss what they think.

“The films help to provide some objective guidance on what good care looks like and what to look for in choosing a home. They show that moving into a home, however worrying and overwhelming that decision may seem at first, can be the opening of a new chapter full of contentment and happiness.”

Mr Wookey added: “We hope the films will be of interest to community, charity and voluntary groups as well as individuals who may be in need of reassurance about the choice of a care home for a loved one.

“We chose film rather than a leaflet or other written format because sometimes it is just better to watch and listen to people directly. It’s more immediate and engaging.”

The film about general care is titled ‘The role of residential and nursing homes’ while the one focusing on dementia care is named ‘The role of care homes dedicated to caring for people living with dementia and memory loss’.

Both may be viewed on Colten Care’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/coltencare or contact Colten Care on 01425 482372 for a DVD.

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