Questions to Ask when Choosing a Care Home
When choosing a care home, a viewing (preferably with friends or relatives) is vital.
Ask if you can stay overnight or at least have a meal to get a better feel for how the care home operates. Turn up 15 minutes early for a viewing so that you can sit and make some initial assessments – is the décor well maintained? Does it smell clean and fresh? Are the staff rushing about? What are the residents doing – are they active and occupied or are they left to sleep in armchairs with the TV on in the background?
Talk to the staff, including the housekeepers and chefs if possible – is there a relaxed, caring approach?
Talk to the residents – are they relaxed and happy? Do they take part in activities? How flexible is the home in catering for their different needs and wishes?
If you have difficulty travelling to visit care homes, contact a local Age Concern or Citizens Advice Bureau, who may have details of transport schemes in your area.
Legals
Will the home give you a contract which will legally protect you and the home and which clearly states the terms and conditions of the care services provided?
Ask to see a copy of the home’s Service User Guide (a brochure setting out aims, objectives, facilities and services) and a copy of the most recent CQC report (which evaluates how the home operates)
Fees
Do you have to pay fees in advance?
How often does the home increase the fees?
What happens if you go on holiday or spend time in hospital?
What happens if you can no longer afford the fees?
Accommodation
Can you have your room redecorated? If so, who pays?
Can you bring your own furniture?
Has the home got the correct equipment to fulfil your needs? (lifts, hand rails, hoists etc)
Is there a policy on smoking?
Can you bring pets?
Do you have your own phone / internet line if needed?
How are your valuables kept safe?
Meals
Are all dietary preferences catered for?
Is there a menu from which you can choose and if so, how often does it change?
Is there an alcohol policy?
Are there tea and coffee making facilities?
Staff and care practice
What is the ratio of staff to resident?
Does the home employ additional housekeeping staff?
Looking to the future, can the staff cope with higher dependency (loss of sight, lack of mobility etc)
Recreation
Is there a daily routine or can you get up and go to bed as you like?
Can you follow your own hobbies and interests?
Can you have visitors at any time?
Can visitors stay overnight?
Are outings, activities and holidays arranged? What extra costs are involved?
Is transport available readily?
Is there a residents committee?
Do you have the freedom to come and go as you please throughout the day and evening?
Mark Sadler
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