Before you take an elderly relative to look around a potential care home, print off our handy checklist to help you make the right decision.
Arriving at the Home
- Were you and they welcomed when you arrived?
- Are the furnishings and decorations in good condition?
- Is the home fresh, clean and welcoming?
- Does it smell?
- Is the outside well maintained and tidy?
- Do the residents seem active and content?
- If there are visitors there, do they seem comfortable and happy?
- Are the residents dressed nicely with clean shoes and neat hair?
Communal Facilities
- Are there sitting rooms with and without TV?
- Is there a separate dining room?
- Are there toilets near the lounge?
- Are there separate menโs and womenโs toilets?
- Are there books, magazines and newspapers available?
- Are the gardens attractive and well maintained?
- Are the gardens accessible with plenty of places to sit?
- Can the residents get involved with the gardening if they wish?
Life in the Home
- Can they make or take phone calls at any time in private?
- Are there any rules about going out and returning?
- Are there smoking and non-smoking areas?
- Is there a residentsโ committee?
- How involved can residents be in the running of the home?
- Is alcohol served or permitted?
- Are there facilities to make a cup of tea or a snack?
- What arrangements are there for religious observance?
- Can they bring pets to stay or visit?
- What are the arrangements for handling their own money?
Accessibility
- Are wheelchairs available to borrow?
- Are all areas accessible for wheelchairs?
- Is there adequate provision for people with sight or hearing loss?
Health
- Can they keep their own GP?
- Can they continue to administer their own medication if they want to?
Meals
- Are special dietary needs catered for?
- Can they have meals or snacks in their room?
- Can they choose when and where they eat and who they sit with?
- Are there any self-service snacks available during the day?
Visitors
- Are visitors welcome at all times?
- Can visitors stay for meals?
- Can visitors stay overnight?
- Is there somewhere private where they can talk with their visitors?
Staff
- Are the staff friendly and welcoming?
- Do the staff chat to the residents? Are they respectful?
Activities
- Does the home have its own transport?
- Can they get out to the shops or other amenities?
- Are escorts available if necessary?
- Is there a good range of activities/entertainment organised?
- Is there a library service available?
- Can they pursue your own hobbies?
- Do they have to take part in the activities?
Bedrooms
- Is there a choice of single or shared rooms?
- Are the rooms light and attractive, with nice views from the window?
- Can they adjust the heating or open a window?
- Can they bring their own furniture or personal effects?
- Can they re-decorate or re-carpet the room?
- Can they have a TV and telephone in their room?
- Is there a call button for help or emergencies?
- Can they lock your room, or keep valuables locked away?
Bathrooms
- Are the bathrooms en-suite or shared?
- Are the baths/showers adapted and bathrooms properly equipped?
- Are the bathrooms clean and hygienic?
Personal Care
- Can the home meet their personal and cultural needs?
- Will they have a nominated carer?
- Can they choose when to get up and when to go to bed?
- Can they have a bath/shower when they wish?
- How can you get involved in your relativeโs care?
Information/Your Welcome
- Have you/they been offered helpful written information?
- Did you/they get a good โfeelโ about the home?
Have you got experience of checking out care homes? ย Please go to our forum and tell us how you got on and what your top tips are.