How Do You Find the Right Care Home for Your Loved One?

In this episode of the Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker sits down with Hannah Karim, a care expert and leader at Lottie, a rapidly growing later living marketplace. Hannah shares her personal journey as a caregiver for her mother and offers invaluable insights into navigating the often overwhelming world of elder care. Whether you’re just beginning the search for care options or are deep in the decision-making process, this episode is packed with practical advice and resources to help you feel informed and empowered. Resources Mentioned in This Episode 🎁 Sponsor: Carers Card UK Carers Card UK supports carers by offering discounts, a wellbeing hub, a Carers Circle tool, and an ID card for peace of mind. From gym memberships to clothing and days out, Carers Card UK helps you save while recognising your incredible work. 📲 Visit Carers Card UK to claim your exclusive benefits today. 🌐 Lottie: The Later Living Marketplace Discover Lottie’s trusted resources and verified care providers, from home care to retirement living. The platform offers step-by-step guides to funding care, advice on finding the right care home, and a library of helpful resources. 📲 Visit Lottie for more information and to contact the Care Exoert Service, click here. 📚 Andy Baker’s Book Targeting the Positive with Behaviours That Challenge provides a step-by-step guide to managing challenging behaviours with confidence. Using Andy’s six-step TARGET model, this book is an essential resource for carers, teachers, and parents. Order your copy here. 🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Insights into funding care, including non-means-tested benefits like Attendance Allowance. The importance of early conversations about care to reduce stress and preserve independence. Tips for finding the right care provider, from evaluating CQC ratings to planning care home visits. Strategies for carers to prioritise their mental health and find supportive communities. Key Messages Empowering Families Through Knowledge and Transparency Hannah explains how Lottie simplifies the care process by providing families with clear, accessible resources and verified care options. She highlights the importance of early planning to avoid rushed decisions and ensure the best outcomes for loved ones. Funding Care Without the Stress With billions of pounds in care funding left unclaimed annually, Hannah sheds light on Attendance Allowance and other support options. She shares practical advice to help families access the resources they’re entitled to, reducing the financial burden of care. Carer Wellbeing: Taking Care of Yourself While Caring for Others Drawing from her personal caregiving experience, Hannah emphasises the need for carers to prioritise their mental health. She shares the value of joining carer communities and seeking professional support to build resilience and find balance. Key Timestamps 00:00:03 – Introduction to Finding and Funding Elder Care 00:01:36 – Hannah’s Personal Journey into Caregiving 00:04:38 – Understanding Funding Options and Attendance Allowance 00:09:44 – The Importance of Early Planning and Starting Conversations 00:17:25 – Carer Wellbeing and Mental Health Tips 00:24:38 – Preparing for Care Home Visits and Key Questions to Ask 00:31:20 – How Lottie’s Care Experts Support Families Join the Conversation If you found this episode insightful, subscribe to the Able to Care Podcast for more expert advice, stories, and tools to support carers, parents, and teachers. 📲 Connect With Us: Instagram and TikTok: @abletocarepodcast LinkedIn: Andy Baker Discover additional resources, courses, and discussions tailored to carers, teachers, and parents at Able Hub. Together, let’s empower those who care for others to thrive. Navigating elder care can be overwhelming, but with the right tools and support, it’s possible to create positive outcomes for your loved ones and yourself. Let’s take the first step together.