How many homes should I visit?
Ideally you should visit as many homes as possible so that you can make comparisons and find the right home for you.
When should I visit a care home?
To ensure you have the opportunity to meet the Manager of the care home, it is advisable to call to make an appointment. You should be invited to visit for lunch or afternoon tea. However, we would also encourage you to visit at any time to get a true feel of the home.
Who should I meet when visiting the home?
When visiting a home, try to ensure you meet the General Manager as well as the Head of Department for the type of care you are interested in. You should also try to meet the Activities Coordinator as well as some of the caring and nursing staff.
Speak to other residents and relatives or visitors to gain their view of the home also.
What do you need to look for when visiting a home?
It is sometimes difficult to remember all the things you want to ask when visiting a care home so the list below can be used as a guide to prompt you. You should ask about areas that you feel are most vital for your wellbeing. The questions below are designed to help you as you look around a potential new home.
| The Location | The Staff |
| First Impressions | Equipment |
| The Atmosphere | Dining Services |
| The Bedroom | Activities |
| The Facilities | Policies and Procedures |
| The Care |
- Is the home in the right location for you?
- Can relatives and friends easily visit?
- Is the home easily accessible by public transport?
- Is there a car park for you to use?
- Does the setting of the home suit you e.g. close to shops / rural location?
- What are your first impressions of the home as you arrive?
- Is the outside area well kept and tidy with flowers, hanging baskets or pots?
- Is the home and reception area welcoming when you first enter?
- Is the home odour free?
- Is the home clean and well maintained?
- Are staff friendly and welcoming?
- Does the atmosphere feel right?
- Do the staff acknowledge you?
- Are you offered refreshments?
- Are you offered a trial stay e.g. to visit for lunch or to spend an afternoon at the home?
- Is there evidence of independence being maintained where possible?
- Is everyone's dignity and privacy being respected?
- Are relatives and friends encouraged to visit?
- Are visitors welcome at anytime?
- Does the home feel homely?
- Are you encouraged to talk with residents/visiting relatives/staff?
- Are suitable pets welcomed?
- Does the home offer the type of bedroom you want?
- Does the home offer single or shared rooms?
- Are you able to look at an available bedroom?
- Is the bedroom clean and bright?
- Are bedrooms redecorated before new residents arrive?
- Does the bedroom have ensuite facilities?
- Is there a nearby toilet and bathroom?
- What furniture is provided by the home?
- Are residents encouraged to bring some of their own possessions?
- Is there a telephone and television in the bedroom or the possibility of having a telephone or television installed?
- Does each room have a nurse call system?
- Can residents change rooms if they want to?
- Does the home have suitable facilities for your needs?
- Is there a variety of Living Spaces e.g. - lounges, quiet rooms, dining room(s), hairdressing salon, outside sitting areas?
- Does the home have a number of bathrooms with showers or specialist baths?
- Is there a lift to any upper floors?
- Are the corridors and doorways wide?
- Does the home provide easy access for people in wheelchairs?
- Are there handrails around the home?
- Are there accessible gardens and outlooks from the lounges and bedrooms?
- Does the home provide the right type of care for your needs?
- Can the home cope with any future changes in needs?
- Are residents registered with the local GP Surgery / dentist / optician? How often do they visit?
- Are residents and relatives encouraged to contribute to care plans?
- Are care plans reviewed regularly?
- Are you encouraged to contribute to any decisions made about the care of a resident?
- Does each resident have one member of staff (key worker) who are responsible for aspects of their care from the moment they move into the home?
- What training do the staff receive?
- What qualifications do the staff have?
- What is the staffing ratio on each shift?
- Does the Manager / Head of Department give you confidence?
- Can the staff be seen around the home?
- Are staff with the residents in the lounge areas?
- Do staff interact well with residents e.g. show respect, knowledge of the residents?
- Do the residents seem occupied, interested, and happy?
- Does the home have important equipment such as:
- - Hoists?
- - Walking aids?
- - Wheelchairs?
- - Electrically operated beds?
- - Pressure relieving mattresses?
- - Pressure cushions?
- - Furniture suitable for older people?
- Is there a current menu on display?
- Is there a choice of menu at all meal times?
- Can residents choose the time they have their meals?
- Can meals be taken in a resident's room?
- Are there snacks and drinks available at all times?
- Is food freshly prepared in the kitchen?
- Does the chef speak to the residents regularly to discuss their preferences?
- Is there a licensed bar?
- Are special diets catered for?
- Can family and friends join the resident for a meal?
- How are residents who need help with eating assisted?
- Is there a regular activities programme?
- Did you see a current copy of the planned activities?
- Does the home have dedicated Activities staff?
- Are residents consulted on the activities programme?
- How do staff find out about residents' hobbies and interests?
- Are there individual activities for people who are not able to join in group activities?
- Are there any outings for residents?
- Does the home have a mini bus?
- Are external groups and entertainers invited to the home on a regular basis?
- How are residents' religious needs met?
- Are special events such as anniversaries and birthdays celebrated by the home?
- Are there regular exercise opportunities for residents?
- Are relatives and friends encouraged to participate in activities?
- Does the home display details and photographs of recent activities?
- Does the home have written policies and procedures?
- Is the home's statement of purpose available?
- Is there a welcome booklet for new residents?
- Does the home have a philosophy of care?
- Are quality audits carried out in the home?
- Is there a resident group that meets regularly?
- Is there a regular relatives meeting?
- Did you see an example of a contract between the home and the resident?
- Is it clear what is included in the fee and what items are extras?
- Does the home make available their latest inspection report?
Can I choose the home I want?
Regardless of how you are paying for care, you can choose the care home you prefer. The vast majority of care homes are run by independent companies and often people think that these homes are only available to those who can afford them. The majority of residents within these types of homes have either all or a proportion of their fee paid for by their local authority.
If you are paying for yourself, you can choose your preferred home that provides the type of care you need within your price range.
If your local authority is contributing to your fee, you can choose a home that provides the type of care you need that accepts residents funded by the local authority. You don't have to go to the home chosen or run by the local authority.
If your chosen home costs more than the local authority usually pays for that type of care, you can top up their contribution from another source.