Choosing a Care Home

Choosing a Care Home for a loved one is one of the most important decisions you will make.

People often have to consider looking for a care home during a personal or family crisis such as a serious illness or fall requiring hospitalisation, or following the death of a husband or wife who was the main carer. Invariably this means that they have to find a home quickly and with insufficient time to research and carefully consider all of the available options. Take your time and do not be rushed into making a decision; return for further visits if you are unsure which home you should choose or to ask further questions.

• Are special diets catered for, and are residents' likes and dislikes taken into account?
• Can residents eat in their rooms, or eat at different times, if they prefer?
• Are there facilities for making snacks if a resident feels peckish?
• Are staff trained to sensitively help people eat their food, if necessary?

The best indication of a good home is that the residents appear happy and responsive, and that individuals are treated with dignity and respect. 

• Do staff speak to residents in a way the residents like?
• Are residents involved in activities or chatting?
• Is there a happy atmosphere
• Are the residents in communal lounges engaged in activities during your visit?
• Look around to see if there is information or pictures of social events.
• What activities does home offer for those residents who wish to remain in their rooms?

• Is the home well presented in terms of cleanliness, tidiness, décor and furnishings?
• Is the home free from unpleasant odours?
• Are chairs arranged in groups to encourage talking, rather than placed in a circle around the outside of the room?
• Is there a TV or radio left on when no one is watching or listening?
• Is there more than one room where residents can sit or where they can be quiet or see visitors?
• Are the living areas bright and stimulating?
• Is the garden accessible, user friendly for the elderly and safe?
• If person has to use adaptations, are corridors & toilets wide enough for walking frame or wheelchair?
• Are residents encouraged to bring in some of their own furniture and possessions?

• Does the home provide personalised activities that are suitable and engaging for residents?
• Are there opportunities for residents to help staff with small tasks if they wish?
• Are activities available each day or are residents left to sit in front of the TV?
• Are trips and outings organised and special events celebrated?
• Are residents encouraged to take exercise?
• Are residents able to choose and listen to a variety of music when they feel able?

• What training do the staff receive? What additional training have the trained nurses undertaken?
• Do they make time to sit and chat to residents, or talk to them while they are helping them with physical tasks?
• Is knowledge displayed and evidence of staff training?
• Do they know about residents' backgrounds, habits and interests?
• What are the staffing ratios, ask to see the staffing rotation.
• Are the staff attentive and polite?
• Are the staff well presented?