Viewing a Care Home – The Vital Checklist

When visiting a care home for the first time, remember:

1) Try to go with a friend or relative, as it’s always useful to talk through your impressions with someone afterwards.

2) If the home is for an elderly relative, bring them to view the home if possible, or include them in as much of the decision making process as possible.

3) Visit without an appointment – that way, you get to see the home in its normal day-to-day routine.

4) Try to visit as many care homes as possible. It is good to compare one home against another.

Do not underestimate your gut feeling!

The checklist

Print this page and take it with you. Tick what you see, note what you are told, and write down anything you want to ask again later.

First impressions

• Does the home smell clean and fresh throughout, not just at the entrance?
• Are residents up, dressed and doing something, or sitting unoccupied?
• Do staff greet residents by name and speak to them at eye level?
• Is the front door secure, and were you asked to sign in?
• Do corridors and shared rooms feel warm, light and well kept?

Staff and care

• How many staff are on duty during the day, at night and at weekends?
• Are staff permanent or mostly agency workers?
• Who would be responsible for your relative’s care plan, and how often is it reviewed?
• How does the home manage medication, GP visits and hospital appointments?
• Ask how the home would handle a fall or a sudden illness. Who is told, and when?

Bedrooms and bathrooms

• Can residents bring their own furniture, pictures and belongings?
• Is there an en suite, or how far is the nearest bathroom?
• Are there call bells within reach of the bed and the chair?
• Can the room be locked, and is there somewhere secure for valuables?

Food and mealtimes

• Ask to see a menu. Is there a choice at each meal?
• Can the kitchen cater for special diets, allergies and cultural or religious needs?
• Can residents eat in their room if they prefer?
• If you can, visit at a mealtime. Is help given patiently to those who need it?

Daily life

• What activities happen each week, and are they actually happening while you visit?
• Can residents get outside? Is there a garden they can use safely?
• How are visitors treated? Are there restrictions on visiting times?
• Can residents keep their own routines, such as when they get up and go to bed?
• Is transport arranged for outings or appointments?

Costs and contracts

• What exactly does the weekly fee include, and what costs extra? Hairdressing, chiropody, trips and toiletries are often extras.
• How much notice is given before fees increase?
• What happens if savings run out or funding changes?
• What is the notice period on either side, and what happens to fees during a hospital stay?

After the visit

• Write down your impressions straight away, while they are fresh.
• Read the home’s latest inspection report and compare it with what you saw.
• Visit a second time, on a different day and at a different time, before deciding.

When you are ready to book more visits, you can compare care homes near you on YourCareHome.