HOW TO...
REFURBISH A CARE HOME ON A BUDGET Amidst the financial constraints of care home management, Jay and Palvi Dodhia at Serene Care share their thoughts on transforming care homes on a budget with residents in mind.
A welcoming, homely environment is paramount for care home residents. It fosters wellbeing, improves quality of life and attracts potential residents. However, maintaining and upgrading care homes can be financially daunting, especially for smaller providers. With all of our care homes purchased as loss-making turnarounds, budget constraints could have posed a significant hurdle to realising our vision of warm, supportive 'homes away from home' at Serene Care. Yet, our team embraced resourcefulness and creativity, not just working within budget limitations, but putting residents at the heart of every decision as we transformed our homes.
Why carry out refurbishments? Most importantly, we prioritise changes that significantly impact residents' lives and are readily noticeable to inspectors and visitors. But before embarking on a refurbishment journey, we also always carry out a Costbenefit analysis. We ask ourselves, if this will this investment yield financial returns. We analyse potential benefits like increased occupancy rates, improved CQC ratings (leading to higher occupancy and funding) and enhanced reputation, especially with the local community.
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Planning and design Meticulous planning is key to avoiding budget overruns. Involve staff in identifying problem areas and desirable changes early (even prior to completion). Design enhancements should prioritise mobility and accessibility with familiar, homely decor and easy-to-clean furnishings. Furthermore, ensure everything that is done is dementia friendly as well.
Use technology/smart solutions for comfort and connection Being budget-conscious doesn't have to mean being tech-averse and we firmly believe that investing in the right technology from day one can help turn the care homes around even quicker, especially digital care management systems, which are now considered essential for any provider. Smart technology can be your budget-friendly ally, enhancing resident comfort and fostering social connection. Picture residents enjoying a comfortable temperature year-round thanks to smart thermostats adjusting to changing seasons and individual preferences. These automated systems not only offer comfort but also contribute to significant energy savings,
Care England