Step 3 Viewing Care Homes

It is a good idea to view as many homes as possible in order to compare what each has to offer.  Make an appointment to view the Home Manager so that they can answer all your questions.  When visiting the home, chat to residents, relatives and staff to get their views.  Remember, regardless of who is paying for your care, you have the right to choose which home you prefer.  If your care is funded by the NHS or Local Authority this is still true provided your choice of home accepts NHS and Local Authority funded residents.  You can’t be forced to go to a Local Authority chosen home.  Our homes accept both NHS and Local Authority funded residents.

To assist you we have provided a checklist of questions and things to look for while you are viewing the home. 

GENERAL:

• Does the home have a good inspection report?
• Does the home have a good reputation?
• How long has the home been established and run by its current owners?

THE LOCATION:

• Is the home in the right location for you?
• Can relatives and friends easily visit?
• Is the home easily accessible by public transport?
• Is there a car park for you to use?
• Does the setting of the home suit you e.g. close to shops / rural location?

FIRST IMPRESSIONS:

• What are your first impressions of the home as you arrive?
• Is the outside area well kept and tidy?
• Is the home and reception area welcoming when you first enter?
• Is the home odour free?
• Is the home clean and well maintained?
• Are staff friendly and welcoming?

THE ATMOSPHERE:

• Does the atmosphere feel right?
• Do the staff acknowledge you?
• Are you offered refreshments?
• Are you offered a trial stay e.g. to visit for lunch or to spend an afternoon at the home?
• Is there evidence of independence being maintained where possible?
• Is everyone's dignity and privacy being respected?
• Are relatives and friends encouraged to visit?
• Are visitors welcome at anytime?
• Does the home feel homely?
• Are you encouraged to talk with residents/visiting relatives/staff?

THE FACILITIES

• Does the home offer the type of bedroom you want?
• Does the home offer single and shared rooms?
• Are you able to look at an available bedroom?
• Is the bedroom clean and bright?
• Does the bedroom have ensuite facilities?
• Is there a nearby toilet and bathroom?
• What furniture is provided by the home?
• Are residents encouraged to bring some of their own possessions?
• Is there an option for telephone and television access in the bedrooms?
• Does each room have a nurse call system?
• Can residents change rooms if they want to?

THE STAFF

• Does the home have suitable facilities for your needs?
• Is there a variety of Living Spaces e.g. - lounges, garden rooms, dining room(s), outside areas?
• Does the home have a number of bathrooms with showers or specialist baths?
• Is there a lift to any upper floors?
• Are the corridors and doorways wide?
• Does the home provide easy access for people in wheelchairs?
• Are there handrails around the home?
• Are there accessible gardens and outlooks from the lounges and bedrooms?

THE CARE

• Does the home provide the right type of care for your needs?
• Can the home cope with any future changes in needs?
• Are residents registered with the local GP Surgery / dentist / optician?
• Are residents and relatives encouraged to contribute to care plans?
• Are care plans reviewed regularly?
• Are you encouraged to contribute to any decisions made about the care of a resident?

THE BEDROOM

• Does each resident have one member of staff (key worker) who are responsible for aspects of their care from the moment they move into the home?
• What training do the staff receive?
• What qualifications do the staff have?
• What is the staffing ratio on each shift?
• Does the Home Manager give you confidence?
• Can the staff be seen around the home?
• Are staff with the residents in the lounge areas?
• Do staff interact well with residents e.g. show respect, knowledge of the residents?
• Do the residents seem happy

EQUIPMENT

• Does the home have important equipment such as:
  
  • Hoists?
  • Walking aids?
  • Wheelchairs?
  • Height adjustable beds?
  • Pressure relieving mattresses? 
  • Furniture suitable for older people?

DINING SERVICES

• Is there a current menu on display?

• Is there a choice of menu at all meal times?

• Can meals be taken in a resident's room?

• Are there snacks and drinks available at all times?

• Is food freshly prepared in the kitchen?

• Does the chef speak to the residents regularly to discuss their preferences?

• Are special diets catered for?

• How are residents who need help with eating assisted?

ACTIVITIES

• Is there a regular activities programme?

• Did you see a current copy of the planned activities?

• Does the home have staff with responsibility for organising activities?

• Are residents consulted on the activities programme?

• How do staff find out about residents' hobbies and interests?

• Are there individual activities for people who are not able to join in group activities?

• Are there any outings for residents?

• Does the home have access to a mini bus?

• Are external groups and entertainers invited to the home on a regular basis?

• How are residents' religious needs met?

• Are special events such as anniversaries and birthdays celebrated by the home?

• Are there exercise opportunities for residents?

• Are relatives and friends encouraged to participate in activities?

• Does the home display details and photographs of recent activities?

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

• Does the home have written policies and procedures?

• Is the home's statement of purpose available?

• Is there an admissions pack for new residents?

• Does the home have a philosophy of care?

• Are quality audits carried out in the home?

• Is there a regular relatives meeting?

• Did you see an example of a contract between the home and the resident?

• Is it clear what is included in the fee and what items are extras?

• Does the home make available their latest inspection report?

 

We have included the above details in an easy to use PDF. You can download the PDF here.

 

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