When visiting
a care home the first thing you are likely to consider is
its location: -
o Is the home conveniently situated, public transport, shops
etc?
o Will your family and friends find it easy to get to the home?
o Do you like the surroundings?
o Can you sit outside if you want to?
First impressions go a long way when deciding upon a care
home: -
o Was your welcome warm and friendly?
o Is there a homely and welcoming atmosphere?
o Were you offered a cup of tea when you visited?
o Is the care home nicely furnished and clean?
o Do the residents looked well cared for and do they seem happy?
o Does the care home smell nice?
Next you are likely to be concerned with what care the home
is able to offer you: -
o Can it offer you care that is appropriate for your needs?
o Will your needs be reviewed regularly and will the home be
able to provide any care needs you might have in the future?
o Will the staff allow you and your relatives to be involved
in making decisions about your care?
o Are any complementary therapies offered or arranged?
o Will you still be able to see your own doctor?
o Do opticians and dentists visit the home?
o Are other services provided – occupational therapy,
physiotherapy or chiropody, if needed?
o Does the hairdresser visit weekly?
o Are there appropriate assisted bathing facilities?
o Will you be able to go to bed at a time that suits you?
o If you become ill will your relatives be told immediately?
Not everyone wants to sit in a room with the television going
all day long, so it is only natural that you will want to consider
what communal areas are available: -
o Is there a lounge without a television?
o Is there more than one room where you can entertain your
visitors?
o Are there gardens to sit out in?
o Is there access for walking frames and wheelchairs?
o Are there toilets in all parts of the home and are they equipped
with handrails?
What your own bedroom looks like and how you are allowed to
furnish it will be very important, so you are likely to want
to ask the following questions when you visiting the care home:
-
o Did they show you the room that is available?
o Is it light, cheerful and well decorated?
o Can you bring your own possessions and furniture?
o Does it have an en-suite?
o Is there a telephone point and can you use the phone in privacy?
o Is there a television in the bedroom?
o Do all rooms have a call system?
o What happens if you decide you want to change rooms?
o Is there a lockable cabinet or drawer in the room and can
you lock your own room?
o What is the care homes policy if you have a pet?
The next
topic that you probably will want to know about is arrangements
regarding diet and mealtimes, after all most people
are used to eating what, when and where they like and you
will want to know how much this will have to change:-
o Can you choose to eat in your room rather than the dining
room and are there any other areas for this purpose?
o Are special diets catered for, and is there an alternative
menu for each meal?
o Will you be able to make yourself a drink and are snacks
available?
o Can you see a copy of a current menu?
o Are you asked your preferences and are the menus rotated?
o Can your friends or relatives have a meal with you?
o If you need help when eating, will the staff do this with
sensitivity?
This last question may lead to you to consider other aspects
of your care and the staff that will be providing this for
you: -
o Have you noticed how friendly and caring the staff are towards
the residents, and do they look like they have time to spend
with them. Are they well trained?
o Is there a staff member responsible for each individuals
care, like a key worker?
o Do they spend the time to learn about a new residents background,
likes and dislikes?
o The most important thing of all, is do you feel that this
home can meet your individual choices and needs, whether it
is a residential, respite or nursing care home?
There is no need for a list here but you will want to know
whether visitors can call at any time, the policy regarding
animals or children visiting, and whether there is somewhere
nearby that visitors that have travelled overnight can stay.
A number of questions of a general nature might include: -
o Was the homes inspection report and their statement of purpose
made available to you?
o Is there a waiting list and can a temporary trial stay be
arranged?
o What is the care homes complaints procedure?
o What is included in the weekly charge and what is considered
as an extra?
o Will my personal possessions be insured under the homes policy?
You will
want to know about activities in the home and whether there
is a weekly plan of these. If there is, it’s reasonable
for you to ask to see this. Other questions you may want to
ask include: -
o Will you be encouraged to take exercise?
o Are residents asked what interests and hobbies they have
and are they supported to continue these?
o Are special events, like birthdays celebrated, will friends
and relatives be able to participate as well?
o Does the home have transport to go to outside activities,
for days out and to go to places of worship?
o Is there access to library facilities, daily newspapers,
and what if you want to take part in daily activities, like
cleaning or gardening?
Take a good look around the home, are there photographs, which
show the residents taking in part in different activities.
This list is available in a printable version, simply click
here and then print. Why not carry a copy with you when you
visit a home and tick off or make notes of any concerns that
you might have?
