Questions to Ask When Visiting a Care Home

Visiting a care home can feel overwhelming. This guide provides a comprehensive list of questions to ask, helping you gather all the information you need to make an informed decision.

About Care and Staff

Staff Qualifications and Ratios

• What is the staff-to-resident ratio during the day?
• What is the staff-to-resident ratio at night?
• How many qualified nurses are on duty (if a nursing home)?
• What training do staff receive?
• What ongoing training is provided?
• What is your staff turnover rate?
• Do you use agency staff, and how often?

Personal Care

• How do you approach personal care to maintain dignity?
• Can residents choose what time they get up and go to bed?
• How often are residents assisted with bathing?
• Can residents have baths or showers, and is there a choice?
• Who helps with dressing, and can residents choose their clothes?

Healthcare

• How are GP visits arranged?
• What happens in a medical emergency?
• How is medication managed?
• Are there regular health monitoring checks?
• How do you liaise with hospitals if needed?
• Do you provide end-of-life care?

About Daily Life

Meals and Nutrition

• Can we see a sample menu?
• How are special dietary needs accommodated?
• Can residents choose from different meal options?
• What are the mealtimes, and are they flexible?
• Are snacks and drinks available throughout the day?
• Can residents eat in their rooms if they wish?
• Can family join for meals?

Activities and Social Life

• What activities are organised?
• Is there an activities coordinator?
• How do you cater for different interests and abilities?
• Are there outings and external visits?
• What happens at weekends?
• How do you support residents who prefer quieter activities?
• Is there access to outdoor space?

Personal Space

• Can residents bring their own furniture?
• Is personalisation of rooms encouraged?
• Are all rooms private, or are there shared options?
• Do rooms have en-suite facilities?
• Are there call bells in all rooms?
• Can residents have personal phones and TVs?
• Is there WiFi access?

About Safety and Quality

Safeguarding

• What is your safeguarding policy?
• How are concerns reported and addressed?
• How do you prevent falls?
• What is your approach to challenging behaviour?
• Is there a complaints procedure?
• How often are care plans reviewed?

Quality and Ratings

• What is your current CQC rating?
• Can I see your latest inspection report?
• What improvements have you made since the last inspection?
• How do you gather and act on feedback?
• How do you measure resident satisfaction?

Security

• How is the building secured?
• What are the fire safety procedures?
• How do you manage visitors?
• What are the arrangements for residents who may wander?

About Residents' Rights

Independence and Choice

• How do you promote independence?
• Can residents come and go freely?
• How are residents involved in decisions about their care?
• What happens if a resident's needs change?
• How do you support residents with communication difficulties?

Visiting

• What are the visiting hours?
• Can family visit at any time?
• Is there a private space for family visits?
• Can family members stay overnight?
• Are children welcome?
• Can pets visit?

Religion and Culture

• How do you accommodate religious practices?
• Are there services held at the home?
• How do you cater for cultural dietary needs?
• How do you celebrate religious festivals?

About Costs and Contracts

Fees

• What is the weekly/monthly fee?
• What does the fee include?
• What costs extra?
• When and how often do fees increase?
• What notice is given for fee increases?
• What happens if self-funding runs out?

Contract Terms

• Can I see a copy of the contract?
• What is the notice period to leave?
• Is there a fee for a trial period?
• What happens if my loved one needs to go to hospital?
• Are fees charged during hospital stays?
• What is your refund policy?

Practical Observations

While You're There

As well as asking questions, observe:

The Environment:

• Is it clean and fresh-smelling?
• Is it well-maintained?
• Is it warm and comfortable?
• Are communal areas inviting?

The Staff:

• Are they friendly and welcoming?
• Do they interact warmly with residents?
• Are they patient and respectful?
• Do they know residents by name?

The Residents:

• Do they appear happy and content?
• Are they well-groomed?
• Are they engaged in activities?
• Is there a sense of community?

Our Printable Checklist

Download and print our care home visit checklist to take with you:

Essential Questions Checklist

• Staff-to-resident ratios (day and night)
• Staff training and qualifications
• How personal care is provided
• Meal options and flexibility
• Activities programme
• Room personalisation allowed
• CQC rating and recent inspection
• Weekly fees and what's included
• Contract terms and notice periods
• Visiting arrangements

After Your Visit

Reflect on Your Experience

Ask yourself:

1. Did you feel welcomed?
2. Would you want to live there?
3. Did staff answer questions openly?
4. Did the atmosphere feel positive?
5. Did residents seem happy?
6. Were there any red flags?

Compare Your Options

Create a comparison table covering:

• Care quality impressions
• Staff friendliness
• Cleanliness and maintenance
• Activities and engagement
• Location and accessibility
• Cost and value

Conclusion

Asking the right questions helps ensure you find a care home that truly meets your loved one's needs. Don't be afraid to ask anything – good care homes will be happy to answer all your questions openly and honestly.

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