What should I ask and look for when visiting a care home? This checklist gives suggested questions to ask and things to look for when visiting potential homes.
It’s a good idea to photocopy this checklist so you can use it for each home or scheme you visit. This list is not exhaustive and there may be additional questions you would like to ask. It may be helpful to visit the home or scheme more than once, perhaps at different times of the day. You should ask Care Quality Commission
or the individual care home that you are interested in for a copy of their latest inspection report. You can also speak to the inspector prior to visiting a home. The following are just suggestions of what to look for when you are choosing a home, but there will be other things that are important to you. Do ask about them because this will help you make the right choice. It is important to ask the residents, as well as the staff, about life in the home. Use this handy comparison table to asses which care home might be more suitable.
Name of care home Care home A:............................................................................................................................. Care home B:............................................................................................................................. Care home C:............................................................................................................................. Care home D:............................................................................................................................. Care home E:............................................................................................................................. First Impressions
A
B
C
D
E
Does it have a friendly and welcoming atmosphere?
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Do staff treat the residents in a friendly manner and respect their wishes on how they would like to be addressed (eg, as Mr or Mrs or by first name)?
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Are staff caring and attentive towards residents?
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Do the staff ask about you and your interests? Is it well decorated and well kept? Does it look and smell ok? Does it seem a comfortable temperature for you and other residents?
Are there adequate members of staff on duty to give enough individual attention? Are staff trained, experienced and qualified? Are there people of a similar age to you, with similar interests, who you will be able to get to know further? Are the other residents active and content?
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