Finding care for someone you love feels overwhelming. There are phone calls to make, forms to complete, decisions that seem impossible. Where do you even start?
This guide walks you through arranging care at Abafields, step by step. We'll explain what happens, what we need to know, and how long things typically take. No jargon, no complications, just a clear path through the process.
Step 1: Get in touch
The first step is simply making contact. You can phone us, email, or drop by in person. There's no pressure, no obligation, just a conversation about your situation.
When you get in touch, we'll ask some basic questions:
- Who needs care, and what's their current situation?
- What type of care are you looking for (residential, dementia, respite)?
- When are you hoping care might start?
- How is care likely to be funded (self-funding, local authority, NHS)?
This initial conversation usually takes 15 to 20 minutes. We're gathering enough information to understand whether we might be able to help, and you're getting a sense of whether Abafields feels right.
If it sounds like we could be a good fit, we'll arrange a visit. If we're not the right place for your needs, we'll be honest about that and try to point you in a better direction.
Step 2: Visit Abafields
Seeing a care home in person tells you far more than any website or brochure can. We encourage families to visit during the day when residents are up and about, activities are happening, and you can see what daily life actually looks like.
During your visit, you'll:
- Tour the building, including bedrooms, communal areas and gardens
- Meet some of our residents and staff
- See a meal being served if you visit around lunchtime
- Ask any questions you have about care, costs, routines or facilities
- Get a genuine sense of the atmosphere and whether it feels right
We'll also talk through:
- What type of room might suit (single, ensuite, ground floor, etc.)
- Current availability and likely waiting times
- Weekly fees and what's included
- The admission process and timescales
Most visits last about an hour. Some families know immediately whether Abafields feels right. Others need time to think, or want to visit again. Both are completely fine.
There's no pressure to decide on the spot. This is one of the biggest decisions you'll make, and it deserves proper consideration.
Step 3: Pre-admission assessment
If you'd like to proceed, the next step is a pre-admission assessment. This is where we gather detailed information about care needs, medical history, preferences and routines.
The assessment covers:
- Physical health and mobility
- Personal care needs (washing, dressing, toileting)
- Medication and medical conditions
- Cognitive ability and any memory concerns
- Diet, nutrition and eating support needed
- Social history, interests and personality
- What matters most to the person day-to-day
We can conduct this assessment at home, in hospital, or at Abafields, whichever works best. It usually takes about an hour and involves speaking to the person who needs care (if possible), family members, and often current carers or healthcare professionals.
The assessment isn't a test. We're not looking for reasons to say no. We're making sure we understand someone fully so we can provide the right care from day one.
Step 4: Deciding if we can help
After the assessment, we'll review everything carefully. Can we meet this person's needs safely and well? Do we have the right room available? Is our environment suitable for their situation?
Usually, we can say yes. Occasionally, we have to be honest that someone needs specialist care we can't provide, perhaps secure dementia nursing or complex medical support beyond our scope.
If we can help, we'll confirm:
- That we have a suitable room available
- The weekly fee based on care needs
- A proposed move-in date
- What happens next
If there's a waiting list, we'll explain how long you might wait and keep you updated as rooms become available.
Step 5: Sorting out funding
Before admission, funding needs to be arranged. How this works depends on who's paying.
Self-funding (private payment):
We'll provide a contract setting out weekly fees, payment terms, and what's included. This is straightforward and can usually be completed within days.
Local authority funding:
If Bolton Council is contributing, they'll need to complete their own assessment and agree to fund a placement with us. This can take several weeks. We'll guide you through liaising with the council, but the process sits partly outside our control.
NHS Continuing Healthcare:
If someone qualifies for fully-funded NHS care, the Clinical Commissioning Group arranges and funds the placement. Again, this involves processes beyond Abafields, but we'll support you through it.
Top-up arrangements:
If local authority funding doesn't cover our full fees, a family member can pay the difference through a top-up agreement. We'll explain this clearly so everyone understands the financial arrangement.
More information on care funding: NHS: Paying for care and support
Step 6: Preparing for moving day
Once funding is arranged and a move-in date is set, we'll help you prepare. This is an emotional time, and practical planning helps make it smoother.
We'll discuss:
What to bring:
- Clothing (comfortable, easy to wash, labelled with name)
- Personal items (photos, ornaments, small furniture if desired)
- Toiletries and any special products they prefer
- Hearing aids, glasses, walking aids, etc.
- Paperwork (care plans, medication lists, contact details)
What we provide:
- Bed, bedding and furniture
- Towels and bed linen
- All meals and refreshments
- Personal care supplies
- Activities and entertainment
Room personalisation:
Rooms can be personalised with photos, ornaments, small pieces of furniture, bedspreads and cushions. We encourage this. Familiar items help someone settle and make the room feel like theirs.
Settling in period:
The first few days are about getting to know someone and helping them adjust. We don't expect them to join activities immediately or socialise if they're not ready. We go at their pace.
Family visits during the settling period are important. Short, regular visits often work better than long, exhausting ones. We'll guide you on what seems to help.
Step 7: Moving in
On moving day, we'll welcome you both and help get settled. There's no rush. Take time to arrange the room, meet staff, have a cup of tea together.
We'll go through:
- Medication arrangements
- Daily routines and preferences
- Emergency contact details
- How to stay in touch and when to visit
- What happens in the first few days
Many families find moving day emotional. It's the physical moment of transition, and that feels significant even when you know it's the right decision. Our team understands this and will give you space and support as needed.
The first few weeks
Settling in is different for everyone. Some residents adjust within days, others take weeks. Some experience the "honeymoon period" where everything seems fine, then feel unsettled after a week or two once the reality sinks in.
During this time, we:
- Check in regularly about how someone is settling
- Adjust routines and care as we learn what helps
- Keep families updated on how things are going
- Encourage visits but also give space for adjustment
- Watch for any concerns and address them quickly
It's normal for there to be ups and downs. Homesickness, resistance, sadness about the change, these are natural responses. They don't necessarily mean residential care was the wrong choice. Often, they're part of the process of accepting a major life change.
We'll be honest with you about how someone is really doing, not just tell you what we think you want to hear.
Staying involved
Moving into Abafields doesn't mean families step back. We actively encourage involvement in whatever way works for you.
You can:
- Visit any time (no restricted visiting hours)
- Join us for meals
- Take your loved one out for trips or home visits
- Attend activities or entertainment with them
- Bring grandchildren, pets, friends to visit
- Celebrate birthdays and special occasions here
- Stay involved in care decisions and planning
The relationship between residents, families and staff works best when everyone communicates openly. If something concerns you, tell us. If something's working well, tell us that too. We're on the same team.
More information on staying connected: Age UK: Care homes and visiting
How long does the process take?
From first contact to moving in can take anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on circumstances.
Fastest scenario (self-funding, urgent need, room available): 3-5 days
Typical scenario (self-funding, planned move): 2-4 weeks
With local authority funding: 4-8 weeks or longer
Hospital discharge: Often faster, as there's pressure to free up hospital beds
Emergency admissions are sometimes possible if someone is in crisis and we have availability. Non-urgent moves allow more time for preparation and adjustment.
What if it doesn't work out?
Occasionally, despite everyone's best efforts, a placement doesn't work. Perhaps the care needs were more complex than initially apparent, or someone is profoundly unhappy and can't settle.
If this happens, we'll talk honestly about whether remaining at Abafields is in someone's best interests. Sometimes, adjustments and more time help. Sometimes, a different environment or specialist care is genuinely needed.
We'd rather have a difficult conversation about moving someone than keep them somewhere that's making them miserable. Your loved one's wellbeing matters more than keeping our beds full.
Questions to ask during the process
As you go through arranging care, ask us anything you're unsure about. Good questions include:
- What happens if care needs increase significantly?
- How do you handle medical emergencies?
- What if someone becomes unhappy and wants to leave?
- How often do GPs visit?
- What activities happen, and is participation encouraged or optional?
- How do you communicate with families?
- What if someone doesn't get along with other residents?
- Can personal choices about food, routine, etc. be accommodated?
There are no silly questions. If you're wondering about something, ask. We'd rather explain clearly now than have confusion or disappointment later.
Getting started
If you're wondering whether Abafields might help someone you love, the simplest thing is to get in touch. We'll have an honest conversation about your situation, arrange a visit if it seems worthwhile, and guide you through whatever comes next.
The process might feel daunting, but you don't have to navigate it alone. We'll walk through it with you, step by step, and make it as clear and manageable as possible.
