7 things to look for when considering a care home

Looking for a care home for a loved one can feel daunting. There is so much to consider that it can feel overwhelming both practically and emotionally and it can be tricky to know where to start. We've broken down seven of the most important considerations so you can tackle one at a time when you start researching for the right home. Download or print this checklist to help you when you begin the searching process.

At a very practical level, the first thing to consider is 'does this care home have the facilities that my loved one needs?' Here are some questions to ask a home:

• What's accessibility like? Are there lifts, and are they in good working condition?

• Is there specialist dementia care available?

• If care needs increase over time, will the care home be able to continue meeting them?

• Is there 24/7 support available?

• If your loved one needs it, is there nursing available?

Understanding the fees and other costs included is essential for successful financial planning and will also help prevent future stress. Here are some questions you can ask homes to help you plan with peace of mind: 

• What's included in weekly fees?

• What are all the additional bills/charges?

• What will your funding source be to pay for the care home?

• What funding does the care home accept?

Also think about:

• If you are using savings, how long will they last, and what will you do if they run low?

• If you plan on applying for funding from a local authority, does the care home offer advice and support on this?

• If you plan to fund things privately, does the care home require evidence of a minimum amount?

Learning about the people who will be caring for your loved one is key to understanding the quality of care. The skills, personality, and availability of staff at a care home are key considerations. Observe staff when you visit a care home:

• Are they engaged and present with the residents?

• Are interactions between staff and residents friendly, caring, and attentive?

• Do they seem too busy or overstretched?
  

Make sure to ask the managers:

• About the qualifications and experience of staff

• If staff are receiving ongoing training

• What is the ratio of staff to residents?
  

A care home should feel warm, welcoming, comfortable, and safe. It should also be clean and well-maintained. Look for natural light and communal shared spaces. You can also ask if residents can personalise their living space. When you visit a care home, tune into how it feels:

• Do residents and staff seem peaceful and positive?

• Are there residents enjoying spending time together in communal areas?

• What does the mood feel like- do the older people living in care seem engaged and content?

An engaging environment is vital for your loved one's wellbeing. What activities and social and physical opportunities are available in the care home? How will the home understand your loved one's individual needs, and will it provide ways for their unique interests to flourish and grow?

Ask about:

• Daily activity schedules

• Social events and outings

• Hobbies, clubs, and exercise programs

• Opportunities for family involvement
  

Care homes in the UK are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which inspects and rates services. The CQC Fundamental Standards are the minimum requirements a care home must meet and are part of the Health and Social Care Act 2008. You can also ask to see any local authority reports on the care home. 

Check:

• The most recent inspection report

• Overall rating and scores for different categories

• Online reviews and testimonials

• Word-of-mouth reputation and recommendations

One of the first things to consider is where the care home is located, and how far this is from other family members. Maintaining family connections is important when considering a care home, and you can also research the area where the care home is located:

Think about:

• Proximity to family and friends

• What are the visiting hours?

• Are there rooms for relatives to stay overnight?

• Can family and friends join residents for lunch and is there a cost?

• Is there support available for relatives at end of life?

Choosing a care home is a big decision, but asking the right questions can make the process less overwhelming. By carefully considering the quality of care, staff, and activities, and by finding practical information about location, reputation, and costs, you can feel better equipped to find the right care home where your loved one will thrive, feeling safe, supported, and valued.

When visiting potential homes, why not take this checklist with you, and don't be afraid to ask all of the above questions. The more informed you are, the more confident you'll feel in choosing a home that meets your loved one's needs.