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GuidesGuides for families, written plainly
What we wish every family knew before their first visit to any care home. Written by the team at Stronvar for people doing this for the first time.
How to choose a care home
What to look for, what to ask, and how to tell a good home from a brochure.
Read the guidePaying for care
Local authority funding, NHS continuing care, self-funding, and what happens when savings run down.
Read the guideMoving into a care home
What to bring, what the first week is really like, and how to help someone settle.
Read the guideWhen is it time for care?
The signs families notice, the conversation nobody wants to start, and why sooner is usually kinder.
Read the guideUnderstanding respite care
A short stay so the usual carer can rest, recover or go away knowing their person is looked after.
Read the guideQuestions families ask
The short answers: ringing out of hours, visiting, fees, nursing and dementia care, food, rooms and where we are.
Read the answersA note on what these are. We are a care home, not advisers. Where money or the law is involved we say what we know from doing this every week, and point you at gov.uk, Essex County Council, Age UK and Citizens Advice for anything that depends on your own circumstances. Figures are checked at the date on each guide.
Or just ring and ask
Most families find a ten minute phone call answers more than an afternoon of reading. Ring Stronvar and a real person will answer, any hour of any day.
Or ring 01206 304007, any hour of any day.