Questions To Ask When Considering A Care Home

• Is the home conveniently situated, public transport, shops etc?
• Will your family and friends find it easy to get to the home?
• Do you like the surroundings?
• Can you sit outside if you want to?

• Was your welcome warm and friendly?
• Is there a homely and welcoming atmosphere?
• Were you offered a cup of tea when you visited?
• Is the care home nicely furnished and clean?
• Do the residents looked well cared for and do they seem happy?
• Does the care home smell nice?

• Can it offer you care that is appropriate for your needs?
• Will your needs be reviewed regularly and will the home be able to provide any care needs you might have in the future?
• Will the staff allow you and your relatives to be involved in making decisions about your care?
• Are any complementary therapies offered or arranged?
• Will you still be able to see your own doctor?
• Do opticians and dentists visit the home?
• Are other services provided occupational therapy, physiotherapy or chiropody, if needed?
• Does the hairdresser visit weekly?
• Are there appropriate assisted bathing facilities?
• Will you be able to go to bed at a time that suits you?
• If you become ill will your relatives be told immediately?

• Is there a lounge without a television?
• Is there more than one room where you can entertain your visitors?
• Are there gardens to sit out in?
• Is there access for walking frames and wheelchairs?
• Are there toilets in all parts of the home and are they equipped with handrails?

• Did they show you the room that is available?
• Is it light, cheerful and well decorated?
• Can you bring your own possessions and furniture?
• Does it have an en-suite?
• Is there a telephone point and can you use the phone in privacy?
• Is there a television in the bedroom?
• Do all rooms have a call system?
• What happens if you decide you want to change rooms?
• Is there a lockable cabinet or drawer in the room and can you lock your own room?
• What is the care homes policy if you have a pet?

• Can you choose to eat in your room rather than the dining room and are there any other areas for this purpose?
• Are special diets catered for, and is there an alternative menu for each meal?
• Will you be able to make yourself a drink and are snacks available?
• Can you see a copy of a current menu?
• Are you asked your preferences and are the menus rotated?
• Can your friends or relatives have a meal with you?
• If you need help when eating, will the staff do this with sensitivity?

• 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?
• Is there a staff member responsible for each individuals care, like a key worker?
• Do they spend the time to learn about a new residents background, likes and dislikes?
• 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?

• Will you be encouraged to take exercise?
• Are residents asked what interests and hobbies they have and are they supported to continue these?
• Are special events, like birthdays celebrated, will friends and relatives be able to participate as well?
• Does the home have transport to go to outside activities, for days out and to go to places of worship?
• Is there access to library facilities, daily newspapers, and what if you want to take part in daily activities, like cleaning or gardening?