Choosing a Care Home
At the Red House we understand that the decision to place a relative or loved one into a residential care home may be a very difficult one. We therefore want to help and support you through that decision making process.
There are a number of significant factors to take into consideration, from the emotional, health and well-being of your elderly relative through to the financial implications. At The Red House we have a team of highly qualified and experienced staff that are on hand to help answer any questions you may have, and provide you with all the information you may need to help choose the right care home.
There are also several useful websites with advice about things to think about and to check with questions to ask before choosing the right care home for yourself or your relatives.
Please visit: www.ageuk.org.uk/home-and-care/care-homes and read their guides on "Finding the right care home" and "care home check list".
We would also recommend that you have a look at the Care Quality Commission's latest report. The CQC make their reports based upon five essential questions that focus on whether a residential care home is:
Safe
Caring
Effective
Responsive
Well-led.
Once you have done your initial research and had a look at our web site, we would like you to come and see us. Please get in touch to arrange a visit, and speak to our staff.
The Red House operates as a charity. We do not cut corners or lower standards to make more profit. Our constitution expressly forbids us from distributing profit and capital to our members. Any profits generated are invested back into the upgrading of facilities and improvements to the building.
Funding Care Home Fees
Every family at some point will face the issue of an elderly relative needing the security of a care home. The weekly costs vary according to area and the particular requirements of the person needing the care. If intensive nursing is called for then the costs will increase markedly as you would expect.
The method of funding will vary depending on several points. They are principally: -
Does the person have sufficient funds to pay for the care entirely and become a 'Self Funder'? If this is the case there is unlikely to be any support from either the local authority or NHS. The basic consideration is whether they have more than £23,250 of assets. If so, they will be expected to pay some, or all of the care home fees.
Once the available money has reduced to the £23,250 figure then support is given. Bear in mind that receipt of pensions and any benefits such as attendance allowance will constantly top up the amount.
If the person owns any property they would be expected to arrange to release funds from that in order to support the fees. This can be done by sale of the property, and in some cases a local authority will place a charge on the property so that fees paid by the council can be recovered from the sale proceeds or upon the subsequent death of the person in care and eventual sale of the property.
It can be tempting to dispose of the property and distribute the funds to the family members to try and circumvent the charge, but this is deliberate deprivation of the councils due income and is a serious offence.
If the property is suitable it can be rented out and the monthly income used to pay the care home fees. In some cases a lump sum can be released to provide a reserve, with the interest payments being covered from the rental and the remainder being paid towards the fees. A specialist broker will advise on what are known as "Buy to Let" mortgages.
If a couple are involved with only one needing care then an Equity Release mortgage can be used to release a lump sum, or to draw down an annual sum to be used towards fees. You should discuss this type of mortgage with a qualified specialist in Equity Release.
All funding from either the local authority or the NHS is subject to a 'Care Assessment as this is a first step towards applying for any benefit. More information can be viewed at which.com.
Our Charges
Our charges vary according to which room you take and they cover all basic services and provisions. The fees are subject to increase, however, notice of any changs will be notified to the resident in writing.
Click here to contact us about the current rates.
We can put you in touch with a financial adviser to help you decide how to find the funds to pay for your stay with us.
Selling your home
Advantages
You get full sale value immediately which you can use for funding care home fees or you may need to buy a care fee insurance policy.
Proceeds from the sale of your own home are not normally subject to tax, although this benefit will probably not be available to your estate.
Disadvantages
You may have to wait some months to sell if the market is slow, you may not get the value you would in a more buoyant market. However, a short term mortgage can be arranged to release funds more quickly with the mortgage being redeemed from the proceeds of the eventual sale.
The benefit of future property inflation is not available to you or your estate.
Renting out your home
Advantages
You and your Estate keep the property within the family and retain both the net rental income and the benefit of future property inflation
There may be tax and estate planning benefits from letting your property, if the net rent is applied to offset care fees. If the net rent is sufficient then, over a number of years, it will be possible to redeem the loan taken out on the security of the property to meet the ongoing cost of care fees, or the cost of a care fees insurance policy. Your family may then be able to inherit your property debt free once the loan taken out to pay for your care fees has been repaid. Moreover, your family may have the benefit of any property inflation being included into the value of the property.
Disadvantages
Normally you can usually only raise part of the value of the home (usually a maximum of 75%) on a mortgage, if you need capital to fund care fees or to buy a care fees insurance policy, or other financial product.
You may need to do work to your home to bring it to a suitable condition to let. The costs of this need to be set against any capital you plan to raise from the release of any Equity in the property.
There are risks relating to choosing a good tenant and recovering the rent due, so we recommend using an established letting agent to manage the property.
General
The potential income from any buy to let property will depend on the size and condition of the residence, and in particular the area. Any home near a good school, or a station suitable for commuting, or with easy access to a main road network will command a higher rental than would otherwise be the case. Any established estate agent will give an expected rental estimate in advance of any decision being taken. Homes in sheltered accommodation areas are not usually suitable for renting due to the restrictions imposed on the development.
Testimonials
We really value what our residents and their family think about the service we provide at The Red House. Please read below some of feedback we have received.
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I moved here in May 2021 during a Covid Pandemic. With my children living abroad, painful arthritic hands and my advanced age, I was feeling vulnerable.
Moving into residential care was discussed with my family and the suggestion I should investigate local homes was approved.
Red House was familiar to me having spent time here in respite care after minor operations and I had felt very comfortable. There have been no regrets about my decision to sell my home and move here with everyone involved now having peace of mind.
The Red House is Georgian with many of those aspects prevailing but it also feels immediately comfortable, well-furnished and welcoming. All the Staff, some of whom have been here for many years, are very discreet, caring and obliging. The rooms are adequately furnished to suit all needs with the option of bringing items of one’s own furniture to provide a familiar feel to one’s new home.
There are two pleasant lounges, a dining room with an adjoining kitchen and very helpful staff who do their best to provide appetising meals and snacks to suit all diets and requirements, making adjustments to every need. Meals are also delivered to resident’s rooms when required.
Activities are available for all abilities and interests and there is a beautiful well -stocked and cared for garden with pleasant walks and plentiful seating for weary bodies. The fit and able are permitted to leave the Home as long as the dates and times are recorded in the Visitor's Book. The Covid Pandemic has curtailed many outings and visits which have previously been available and which will be resumed when allowed.
After sixteen months as a resident I am still very content to be here in my home from home.
Barbara Rea
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Some years ago my mother spent some time living in The Red House where she was well looked after. So now when I needed more permanent care, I had no hesitation in moving to The Red House. The Red House has a deservingly high reputation. It’s a homely and welcoming place, surrounded by a beautiful garden, with caring and friendly staff in a relaxed but safe environment.It has been a satisfactory move for me.
Mrs Carol Kirk.
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"My husband has been a resident in the Red House for over three years. He has dementia. He is lovingly cared for. The standard of care and cleanliness is excellent. The catering is of a high standard and there are many stimulating activities for the residents."
"The whole of our family wanted to let you all know how very much we are in your debt. Your consideration of our dear papa was evident every day and we bless the moment he arrived within your care. There are various reports written by regulatory authorities and agencies and none adequately reflects or appropriately identifies the soaring heights of kindness, patience and gentle good humour every single member of staff shows each hour of the working day.
Some of us have spent many hours sitting quietly in The Red House simply being in the company of our papa; in spending such time we have witnessed the numerous daily interactions of staff and residents in many settings. There have been sometimes rather difficult situations for staff to deal with, awkward and trying circumstances: what is of very great note is that not on a single occasion under significant duress has there been the raising of a voice or murmur of discontent or impatience, not even the twitch of an eyebrow, to betray any lessening of kindness and care, only a stream of warmth and patience. That is quite remarkable and is evidence of the atmosphere created both by the ethos set by 'management', {the expectation of empathetic response), but also a reflection of the inherent qualities of each of the staff. Training is useful and sets a benchmark for supervision but to have all your staff singing lustily from the same hymn sheet hour after hour, day after day, is a feat indeed.
In the time papa spent with you all each of you contributed to his life, from garden, and cake, polished hall to clean clothes and paperwork, medicine and outings, he was cared for daily with very great compassion, by each of you and goodness we were glad for it, you have helped both him and all of us, thank you.
We will spread the word of your good work and send you our best wishes that you remain strong and healthy in all that you do for the Red House community, you should be deeply proud of what you achieve each day."
Kindest regards
Calum and Fiona Muskett on behalf of the whole Muskett family.
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"My Father in Law was a resident for over 2 years and was looked after very well. The staff were brilliant as it was not always easy with some residents but they always (the staff) had a smile and sense of humour.
My Father in Law (Ted) enjoyed having a laugh with them all and they were very patient with him.
The home is so clean, which impressed me when I first came to visit. There were no 'smells' that you get in some homes.
There was also lots of things going on, coffee mornings etc. Cream teas in the lovely garden. I have not got a negative about the home at all. The staff are all friendly and cheerful and I would recommend The Red House to anyone".
Mrs Whybrow
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"Mrs Thomas 'Gwen' to all her friends seems happy and content and I think I know why.
The staff are kind, considerate and very helpful. Her room is small but comfortable and is very suitable for someone of limited mobility.
The gardens here are beautiful as is the elegant Georgian exterior with a welcoming feel. Inside the atmosphere is warm and friendly.
The food is good (as are the cakes!) Overall, mother seems settled and is certainly secure in this environment. My brother and I are really pleased with how mother has settled at The Red House and would be pleased to recommend The Red House Residential Home, and our only question to you is - when can we move in?".
Mr Thomas
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"My mother stayed at The Red House for just over a year before she sadly passed away at 91 years of age. We know for sure that she "Loved Red House" because she often said so. She loved the staff, the food, the room where she stayed and the whole atmosphere of the care home because it was "homely". She loved the social activities too - with there always being something for her to look forward to - and the beautiful garden where she would often sit in the summer, chatting to others reading her book.
It was so reassuring - it really was knowing that mum spent her final year genuinely happy and a genuinely well looked after. A big thank you to Carol and all her staff for all the loving care that you gave".
Mr Turner
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"We couldn't have chosen a better home for our mum (Beryl Rennie).
Thanks to the kindness and caring of your staff she settled in quickly and joined in with all the many activities that you offer. She especially enjoyed cards and bingo, and sitting in the sun in your beautiful gardens!
She had a lovely comfortable room with her own bathroom. She enjoyed good health for most of her stay, but when she became poorly, the compassion and caring of your wonderful nursing staff was such a comfort to us all. We continue to support The Red House by attending your coffee mornings and garden party as a 'Thank you' for the wonderful care she received".
Mrs Stebbing
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"There are so many reasons why The Red House is the care home of choice in the Sudbury area:
The carers are other staff are kind, friendly and helpful.
The food is good and the rooms are comfortable.
There is a beautiful and spacious garden for residents and their visitors to enjoy.
There are frequent entertainments and activities for the residents.
Spiritual care is available, with regular visits from several churches. Because it is not too large, The Red House has a personal and homely feeling, and the staff are cheerful".
Miss Mathias
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"We have been really thrilled and more than satisfied each time David has gone into The Red House for respite care. The welcome is always great with staff remembering David's name (and mine).
The rooms are very well furnished and everything is spotlessly clean. We have never experienced any unwelcome smells, as I know we have found in other care homes. Apart from the individual's rooms, the two lounges are bright and homely and there are frequent activities for the residents to join in with. Visitors are encouraged to go in to the home to be with residents. The garden is the envy of many of us home owners!
Lastly the food is excellent. I enjoy having Sunday lunch with David.
Our sincere thanks to Carol and all the staff for their welcome, care and love".
Mrs & Mrs Culmer
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"Sadly we lost our dear brother - brother in law, Joe last year.
We have the highest regard for everyone at The Red House. For many years we enjoyed your friendliness whilst visiting Joe. The times we came to the functions i.e. garden parties, Christmas and the Queen's Celebrations were all very enjoyable.
Joe never had a bad word or complaint and loved being part of The Red House family".
Mr & Mrs Kirkman
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"When my parents needed respite care and the Sue Ryder Home in Cavendish let them down at the last minute, The Red House stepped into the breach, doing the review on the spot and accepting them on the same day. For this I was, as their son, and remain intensely grateful.
Making the transition from independence in your own home to having a room in a residential place must be incredibly hard, from the start staff were very supportive, generally kind and usually cheerful. I don't know how The Red House used to be, but it seems now to be very patient-centred. The trips out for coffee or lunch are a lifeline to those having difficulty settling in, and an invaluable part of the house's running".
Mr Walker
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"The Red House is set in nice gardens away from the hustle and bustle of Sudbury, but not too far to be isolated.
The communal rooms are large and comfortable, as are the bedrooms.
The Red House has a large and caring staff who do a wonderful job in sometimes quite difficult situations.
The food is prepared and cooked on the premises and according to my mum, the meals were very tasty.
Communal activities are arranged on a daily basis which the residents were and are encouraged to join in.
Several times a year outdoor excursions are made which takes some tricky organising.
After mum died several of the staff came to mums funeral which was much appreciated. The Red House is probably the best care home in the area.
Thank you Carol for running such a nice place".
Mr Hutchinson
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"My father-in-law spent a fortnight in The Red House in March 2015. He received excellent respite care. He has dementia and is rather deaf, the staff were very kind to him, and he told me that he particularly enjoyed the food!"
Mrs Wright
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"My husband spent some time in The Red House. It was a very pleasant stay, he was well looked after, always clean and well dressed, which I have since found out does not apply to all homes!
The food was always very well presented and tasty. Myself and his visitors were always treated with much respect and kindness. I would like to take this time to say a big Thank You to Carol Vaughan who runs The Red House so well, for her cheerful and jolly demeanour".
Mrs Thompson
