What should I consider when choosing a care home?

When considering a home you should consider the following things:

Friends and family

How easy will it be for friends and family to visit you? Is the home in a location that they can regularly visit? Is there somewhere you can entertain friends and family?

Immediate impressions

Consider the surroundings you will be in. If you enjoy the garden, look and see how suitable the homes garden is and whether you have easy access. Consider the atmosphere and the attitude of the staff when you visit. How content are the residents you see and meet?

The level of care

Is the home able to provide the care you need.

Specific needs

Can the home cater for any cultural, spiritual or dietary requirements that you have? Are there exercise activities? What social events are organised? Do they have a quiet and comfortable lounge?

Services and support

What are your options for seeing a GP? Will this be your GP? Do they provide additional services if you require them, such as hairdressers, chiropody, dentists etc? Are there toilets in easy reach?

Routines

Do you want a set routine or do you want to be as independent as you can. Do you want plenty of activities? How will you fit in with the people, the activities and routines? Do you decide when to get up and go to bed?

Your hobbies and social life

Will you be able to continue your hobbies in the home? What new opportunities are there? What activities are organised?

Your room

Have you seen the room you would have? How much privacy do you have? Is there a call system? What facilities do the rooms offer?

Meals

What are the meals like and do they suit you? How much importance is placed on the quality of the food? Do you have choices? Is there a dining room? Can you eat in your room if you prefer to?

Facilities

If there is a communal TV lounge, how is the TV station chosen? Is there a separate communal room where you can enjoy peace and quiet or chat with visitors? Is there a bar? Are there facilities for those who wish to smoke? Is there Internet access?

Pets

If you have a pet, will you be able to take them with you? Does the home have any pets?

Residents/relatives association or committee

Is there any regular meeting with the care home team? Is there a way of discussing any problems or ideas you might have? Will you and your family have a say in how your care home works with you?

A trial stay

Most homes will be happy for you to stay for a week just to see how you feel.

Homes Inspection Report

Have you seen the latest inspection report? Was this offered to you to read?