Choosing a Care Home

The best indication of a good home is that the residents appear happy and responsive, and that individuals are treated with dignity and respect. The following points are considered to be indicators of quality care –

• Do staff speak to residents in a way the residents like?
• Are residents involved in activities or chatting?
• Is there a happy atmosphere; Are the residents in communal lounges engaged in activities during your visit?
• Look around to see if there is information or pictures of social events.
• What activities does home offer for those residents who wish to remain in their rooms?
• Are they properly dressed and well groomed?
• Do they seem alert and interested?
• Do they talk to you as you walk round?
• Can residents go to their rooms when they wish to be alone?
• Do staff respect people’s right to privacy, and knock on bedroom doors?
• Do they have regular religious services?
• Will friends or family be able to visit easily?
• Is there a trial period?
• What happens if a resident’s condition deteriorates?

Is the home well presented in terms of cleanliness, tidiness, décor and furnishings?

• Is the home free from unpleasant odours?
• Are chairs arranged in groups to encourage talking, rather than placed in a circle around the outside of the room?
• Is there a TV or radio left on when no one is watching or listening?
• Is there more than one room where residents can sit or where they can be quiet or see visitors?
• Are the living areas bright and stimulating?
• Is the garden accessible, user friendly for the elderly and safe?
• If person uses equipment or adaptations, are corridors & toilets wide enough for walking frame or wheelchair?
• Are residents encouraged to bring in some of their own furniture and possessions?

Are special diets catered for, and are residents’ likes and dislikes taken into account?

• Can residents eat in their rooms, or eat at different times, if they prefer?
• Are there facilities for making snacks if a resident feels peckish?
• Are staff trained to sensitively help people eat their food, if necessary?

• During what time visitors are allowed?
• Are there quiet areas where relatives can spend time with residents?
• Are visitors encouraged to take residents out, or join them for a meal?

Does the home provide personalised activities that are suitable and engaging for residents?

• Are there opportunities for residents to help staff with small tasks if they wish?
• Are activities available each day or are residents left to sit in front of the TV?
• Are trips and outings organised and special events celebrated?
• Are residents encouraged to take exercise?
• Are residents able to choose and listen to a variety of music when they feel able?

• Are staff interested in learning about the person’s background and culture?
• Do staff show a respect for differences that might involve diet, clothing, or religious observances?
• Do staff find out how residents wish to be addressed, and how they prefer to relate to other people?

• What training do the staff receive? What additional training have the trained nurses undertaken?
• Do they make time to sit and chat to residents, or talk to them while they are helping them with physical tasks?
• Is knowledge displayed and evidence of staff training?
• Do they know about residents’ backgrounds, habits and interests?
• What are the staffing ratios, ask to see the staffing rotation
• Are the staff attentive and polite?
• Are the staff well presented?

• Do they answer your questions openly, and seem to understand your concerns?
• Does each resident have a care plan, and are their needs regularly reviewed?
• Is there a complaints procedure?
• What is included in the fee, what may be charged as ‘extras’?
• How much notice has to be given on either side?