Choosing a care home is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for yourself or a loved one. A care home visit gives you the chance to see firsthand how the home operates, the standard of care provided, and whether it feels like the right environment. To make an informed choice, here’s what to look for, key questions to ask, and warning signs to be aware of.
Key Questions to Ask on a Care Home Visit
1. Cost and Fees
- What are the weekly fees, and what do they include?
- Are there any additional costs for activities, outings, or personal care?
- What happens if my financial situation changes?
- Do you charge a deposit or top-up fees?
2. Staffing and Care Quality
- What is the staff-to-resident ratio during the day and at night?
- What is your staff turnover rate? (High turnover can indicate poor working conditions, affecting care quality.)
- Do you use agency staff, and if so, how often?
- How do you train staff, and is ongoing training provided?
- How do you ensure residents’ individual needs and preferences are met?
3. Daily Life and Wellbeing
- What activities do you offer, and how are they tailored to residents?
- Can residents go outside and access gardens freely?
- Can residents keep their own GP, or do they need to switch?
- How do you support residents’ independence?
- What’s the mealtime experience like, and can I see a menu?
4. Health and Safety
- How do you handle medical needs and medication?
- What’s your procedure for handling falls, injuries, or emergencies?
- How do you prevent infections and outbreaks?
- What’s your policy on end-of-life care?
5. Visiting and Family Involvement
- What is your visitor policy? Are there restrictions?
- Can family members take residents out for the day?
- How do you communicate updates with families?
Signs of a Good Care Home
✅ Clean and well-maintained environment – No strong odours, clean facilities, and tidy rooms.
✅ Happy, engaged residents – Residents should appear comfortable, interacting with staff or engaging in activities.
✅ Friendly and attentive staff – Staff should be welcoming, patient, and responsive to residents’ needs.
✅ Dignity and respect – Watch how staff interact with residents. Do they speak kindly and listen to them?
✅ Freedom of choice – Residents should be encouraged to make decisions about their day-to-day lives.
✅ Personalised care plans – Care should be tailored to the individual, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
🚩 Unpleasant smells or unclean areas – This could indicate poor hygiene or lack of staff attention.
🚩 Staff seem rushed or disengaged – Overworked or unhappy staff may struggle to provide good care.
🚩 High staff turnover – If many staff leave regularly, it may be a sign of poor management or working conditions.
🚩 Lack of activities – A good care home should have regular activities, not just a TV in the lounge.
🚩 Limited personalisation – If all rooms look the same and residents have few personal items, it may not feel homely.
🚩 Residents left alone for long periods – Watch for residents who seem bored, isolated, or ignored.
🚩 Poor communication – If staff seem vague when answering questions, this could indicate issues with transparency.
A care home visit is your opportunity to see if a home is the ight fit for your loved one. Take your time, ask the right questions, and trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. Choosing a care home isn’t just about the facilities—it’s about the quality of care, staff attitudes, and ensuring a warm, respectful environment where residents feel valued and safe.