Questions to Ask When Visiting a Care Home
This comprehensive guide provides families with a detailed checklist of questions to ask when visiting potential care homes. It covers essential areas from care quality and staff training to daily life, facilities, and fees, ensuring you're well-equipped to make an informed decision for your loved one. Remember to trust your instincts and utilise the provided signposting for further support.
Important
Questions to Ask When Visiting a Care Home: Your Comprehensive Checklist
Choosing a care home for a loved one is one of the most significant decisions a family can make. It's a journey filled with emotion, practical considerations, and a desire to find the very best environment where your family member will be safe, comfortable, and well-cared for. Visiting potential care homes is a crucial step in this process. It allows you to get a real feel for the atmosphere, meet the staff, and assess whether the home meets your loved one's specific needs and preferences.
This guide is designed to provide you with a comprehensive checklist of questions to ask when visiting a care home. It's structured to help you cover all essential aspects, from the quality of care and staff training to daily life, facilities, and costs. Remember, no question is too small or insignificant when you're making such an important choice. Don't be afraid to ask for clarification, take notes, and even ask to speak with residents or their families if appropriate.
The Care and Support Provided
The quality and type of care offered are paramount. These questions will help you understand how the home meets residents' health, personal, and emotional needs.
- What types of care do you specialise in (e.g., residential care, nursing care, dementia care, palliative care)?
- How do you assess a new resident's needs, and how often are these assessments reviewed and updated?
- What is the staff-to-resident ratio, particularly during different times of the day and night?
- What training do your staff receive, especially concerning specific conditions like dementia, Parkinson's disease, or complex health needs?
- How do you manage medication? Who administers it, and what are the procedures for ordering and reviewing prescriptions?
- How do you handle medical emergencies? What is your protocol for contacting GPs, out-of-hours services, or hospitals?
- Is there a registered nurse on duty 24/7, if nursing care is required?
- How do you support residents with personal care (e.g., bathing, dressing, toileting) while maintaining their dignity?
- How do you monitor residents' health and well-being, including weight, hydration, and mobility?
- What end-of-life care and support do you offer, and how do you involve families in these discussions?
Personalised Care Plans
A good care home will offer person-centred care, meaning that care is tailored to the individual.
- How are care plans developed, and how are residents and their families involved in this process?
- How often are care plans reviewed and updated?
- Can I see an example of a care plan (anonymised, of course)?
- How do you ensure residents' personal preferences and routines are respected (e.g., wake-up times, meal choices, hobbies)?
- How do you support residents to maintain their independence as much as possible?
Staff and Environment
The staff are the heart of any care home, and the environment plays a huge role in a resident's comfort and happiness.
- What is the staff turnover rate? Do you have many long-serving staff members?
- How do you ensure staff are compassionate, respectful, and understanding?
- What is the approach to staff development and ongoing training?
- How do you ensure the home is kept clean, safe, and well-maintained?
- What security measures are in place (e.g., secure entry/exit, fire safety, CCTV)?
- Are there call bells in every room, and how quickly do staff respond?
- Is the home easily accessible for those with mobility issues (e.g., ramps, lifts, grab rails)?
- Is the home designed to support residents with dementia (e.g., clear signage, memory aids, safe wandering areas)?
Daily Life and Activities
A fulfilling daily life is essential for well-being. Ask about social engagement, meals, and opportunities for enjoyment.
- What is a typical day like for residents?
- What activities and social events are organised, and how are residents encouraged to participate?
- Are there opportunities for residents to pursue their personal hobbies and interests?
- Do you have an activities coordinator? If so, what is their role?
- How do you cater to different dietary needs and preferences (e.g., vegetarian, gluten-free, cultural diets, soft food)?
- What are the meal times, and are residents able to choose what they eat?
- Can residents eat meals in their rooms if they prefer?
- Are there opportunities for residents to get fresh air and spend time outdoors (e.g., garden, courtyard)?
- How do you support residents to maintain links with their local community?
- Are pets allowed to visit, or are there resident pets?
Accommodation and Facilities
The physical environment of the care home, particularly the resident's room, is their personal space.
- What types of rooms are available (single, shared, en-suite)?
- Can residents bring their own furniture and personal belongings?
- Is there a television, telephone point, and internet access in the rooms?
- What communal areas are available (e.g., lounges, dining rooms, quiet spaces)?
- Are there facilities for visitors, such as a private lounge or guest accommodation?
- What laundry services are provided?
- Are hairdressing, chiropody, and other personal services available on-site or arranged by the home?
Visitors and Family Involvement
Maintaining family connections is vital for a resident's emotional well-being.
- What are your visiting hours and policies?
- Are visitors able to join residents for meals or activities?
- How do you keep families informed about their loved one's well-being and any changes in their condition?
- How do you handle complaints or concerns from residents or their families?
- Is there a residents' or relatives' committee, and how can families get involved?
Fees and Contracts
Understanding the financial aspects is critical to avoid any surprises down the line.
- What are the weekly or monthly fees, and what is included in this cost?
- Are there any additional charges (e.g., for toiletries, hairdressing, outings, specialist equipment, private therapies)?
- How often are fees reviewed, and how much notice is given for any increases?
- What is the notice period required if a resident needs to leave the home?
- What happens if a resident's funding situation changes (e.g., their savings fall below the local authority threshold)?
- Can I see a copy of your standard contract or terms and conditions?
- Do you accept residents funded by the local authority, NHS, or a combination (known as 'third-party top-ups')?
- What is your policy regarding personal expenses and managing residents' money?
Regulation and Oversight
All care homes in the UK are regulated by independent bodies. Knowing about their latest inspection reports is vital.
- What was the outcome of your most recent CQC (or equivalent) inspection, and where can I view the full report?
- Have there been any enforcement actions or safeguarding concerns raised against the home?
- How do you act on feedback from inspection reports, residents, and families to improve your services?
Trust Your Instincts
Beyond the checklist, pay attention to your gut feeling during your care home visit. Observe the interactions between staff and residents. Do the residents seem happy, engaged, and well-cared for? Does the home feel warm, inviting, and homely? Are staff members approachable and willing to answer your questions openly?
It can be beneficial to visit a care home more than once, perhaps at different times of the day, to see how the atmosphere changes. If possible, bring your loved one with you, or at least discuss your findings with them in detail. This decision is about their future, and their input is invaluable.
Need Further Guidance or Support?
Frequently Asked Questions
How many care homes should I visit?
There's no set number, but it's generally recommended to visit at least 3-5 care homes that broadly meet your initial criteria. This allows you to compare and contrast effectively and get a good feel for the different options available.
Can I visit unannounced?
Some care homes welcome unannounced visits, while others prefer you to book an appointment so they can ensure a senior member of staff is available to show you around and answer your questions thoroughly. It's often best to call ahead, but you can certainly ask if they accommodate impromptu visits.
What if my loved one has specific cultural or religious needs?
It's crucial to ask how the care home accommodates these needs. Discuss dietary requirements, religious observances, access to spiritual support, and how they ensure cultural sensitivity in daily care and activities. A good care home will be open and willing to discuss how they can meet these important personal aspects.
What should I do if I have concerns after my visit?
If you have concerns, first consider discussing them directly with the care home manager to seek clarification or resolution. If you remain unsatisfied or your concerns are serious, you can contact the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England (or the equivalent regulatory body in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland) to report your observations. Your local council's Adult Social Care team can also provide guidance.
Should I bring my loved one to the visit?
If your loved one is able and willing, bringing them along for at least one visit is highly recommended. Their feelings and preferences are paramount. If they are unable to visit, try to bring photos, videos, or describe the home in detail to them, gathering their input on what matters most to them.
Need More Help?
Support Organisations
- Age UK:0800 678 1602
- Carers UK:0808 808 7777
- Alzheimer's Society:0333 150 3456
- Parkinson's UK:0808 800 0303