Questions to ask when choosing a Care Home     

Questions to ask when choosing a Residential Care Home

Once you have decided to move into a Residential Care Home or Nursing Home, your choice of home is very important.

When choosing a home you should try to:

• Look at a list of all the homes in your chosen area.
• Ask for brochures of those homes that interest you
• Visit several homes to look around and find out more about them. 
• Stay for a short while in those that you like best 
• Take your time in choosing the right home - don`t be rushed into making a decision.

We have prepared a list of questions for you to print off and take with you. When visiting homes ask a friend, family member or Social Worker to go with you.

The Home

• Would it be easy for your visitors to get to the home by car or public transport?
• Is the home convenient for shops, bus stops and local amenities? 
• How many Residents and staff does it have, and are there any vacancies?
• Does the Home look well maintained and smell clean?
• Is the home warm?
• Is there a garden?
• What security does the Home provide for its Residents?
• Is the Home accessible for wheelchairs? 
• Would you have your own front door key?
• What are the laundry arrangements?
• Does it have a lift?
• Is there more than one lounge?
• Is there a quiet area?
• Can I bring my own furniture?

The daily routine

• Are there fixed times to get up, go to bed and have meals, or are these flexible so you can choose when you do things? 
• Could you stay in bed if you wanted? 
• Would you be allowed to eat in your room or in bed? 
• Can I go out when I want?
• Are there entertainments and activities provided?

Your care

• Are special diets catered for and is the week`s menu on view? 
• Are there special facilities for people who have physical disabilities, sight or hearing difficulties? 
• If a Resident became frail, could the Home provide them with the care they need or would they have to move elsewhere? 
• What services are available to Residents and would these cost extra? These might include hairdresser, chiropodist, dentist or optician. 

Visitors

• Are visitors welcome at any time? 
• What facilities are provided for visitors, egg tea/coffee? 
• Can you see visitors in private in your own room? 

About financial and other arrangements 

• What are the fees, how are they paid and how often? 
• Would there be any extras on top of this, for example a TV in your room or outings?
• Ask for a copy of the contract. What does it include and what does it leave out? 
• When might a resident be asked to leave? 
• What happens if a Resident dies? 
• What are the arrangements to help you manage your finances? 
• Is there a formal complaints procedure 
• Do Residents have access to outside help to resolve problems? 

And finally, would you like to live there?

Navigate the Care Homes section pages with the links below:-

Introduction to Care Homes  | Types of Care Homes  | Care Home Criteria | Care Homes - Questions you should ask | Care Homes - Useful Organisations |

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