What to Look for in a Care Home

Care homes have to abide by care standards which cover all aspects of living in a care home. These standards include rights to privacy and dignity, how staff handle medicines, heating and lighting levels and handling residents' money.

Your library should have a copy of these minimum care standards or ask one of the care homes that you are interested in for a copy. If you live in Northern Ireland, contact the Northern Ireland Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority to find out about care standards.

Once you've found out about care homes in your area, get in touch with a few and ask them to send you a brochure. Then arrange to visit those that appeal to you so that you can get an idea of what is available. You might want to take a member of your family or a friend along; a second opinion can be very useful.
If it is impossible for you to get to the various homes, ask if someone from the home can come to you. You can then ask questions and get some idea of what the home is like.

You could also ask someone whose judgement you trust to visit on your behalf and report back. Make sure they have a good idea of what you are looking for, and of your care needs.

When you visit a care home there are lots of things you might want to look out for and ask about. Make a list before you go of things you want to know. If you have strong religious beliefs you might want to ensure that the home will accommodate these or find a home which is run by people who share your beliefs.
Don't be embarrassed about asking lots of questions. It is sensible to do as much research as you can when you're making such an important decision about your future. If you can, speak to people who already live in the home to give you an idea of what it's really like there.

Everyone has different ideas about what they want from where they live. What is especially important to you? Below are examples of questions that you might want to ask and things to look out for.

General rules

When you are choosing a home, it is important to make sure you know exactly where you stand.

Will there be a contract between you and the home?

What exactly will your fees cover and what extras will you be expected to pay for? For example, will you have to provide your own toiletries, cosmetics or continence pads?

Will your place in the home be secure - could you be asked to leave at short notice?

In the event of the home having to close, or be transferred to another provider, how would the home ensure your interests are a priority?

How does the home handle problems and complaints?

Is there a residents' committee and a relatives' group?

What would happen if you fell ill and needed more care - would you have to move?

Is there a policy on smoking?

Staff
You might find it useful to watch how staff behave - are they always rushing around or do they spend time talking to individual residents? Are people encouraged to do what they can for themselves, or do staff take over? Are members of staff friendly and helpful?

Meals
Are you offered a choice of meals and can you choose when and where you eat? Do they cater for special diets? Do they vary the menus? Are the meals nutritious and are the servings generous? Are there facilities for you to make a snack as and when you want?

Location
Do you like to visit the shops, social club, library, park or any other places? If so, you will want to ensure that the home you choose is within walking distance or that transport is available.

Pets
You may have a pet that you wish to bring with you; will this be possible? If not, do they allow people to bring animals into the home when they visit? The Elderly Accommodation Counsel keeps details of homes that allow you to take pets, or the Cinnamon Trust can help to re-home your pet if you are unable to take it with you.

Visitors
Are there set 'visiting times' or are visitors welcome any time? Is there anywhere for visitors to stay overnight? Are children welcome?

Atmosphere
You will often be able to get an idea of how well a home is run just by your first impressions. Does it smell clean and fresh? Is there a homely feel or does it seem formal and institutional? Do you like the decoration? Do people seem alert and occupied or are they just dozing in chairs with the TV on in the background?

 
Activities
A good home will provide a range of activities and they will often have a particular member of staff responsible for organising events for residents. They might have visitors that come in to arrange activities or they might organise day trips out. If you have a particular interest make sure the home you choose will provide for this, or maybe you can set something up yourself. If you enjoy gardening you might want to choose a home with a garden. Age Concern, Counsel and Care and the National Association for the Providers of Activities for Older People (NAPA) can all provide information on arranging activities in care homes.

Your room
Will you have your own bathroom or do you have to share? It may be important to you to be able to entertain visitors in your own room - can you have your own kettle or tea making facilities? Can you have a phone in your room or is there a private room where you can make and receive phone calls? Can you bring your own furniture? Will you be able to decide for yourself what time you get up and go to bed?

Facilities
It is very important to make sure that the care home you choose can meet all your care needs. If you have been assessed as needing care in a home by your local authority you may want to take a copy of the assessment with you when you visit the home, so that staff understand what sort of help you will need. If you have any particular needs and require special equipment such as bath aids, a special bed, a stair lift or wheelchair access, check that these will be available.

Inspection reports
Before making a final decision on a home, you may want to look at a recent inspection report. These often contain a lot of information about how the home operates. For copies of inspection reports contact the manager of the care home or the care standards authority for your country.

This article came from AgeUK

AgeUK