Choosing the right care home for a loved one is one of the most important decisions you’ll make, but with so many homes offering similar services, it can be difficult to know where to start or what to look for.
Visiting a care home can be an emotional experience, and it’s easy to forget the questions you wanted to ask. Going prepared with a list of questions will help you make the most of your visit, giving you the confidence that you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.
To help you prepare, we’ve drawn on our experience to put together 11 essential questions to ask when viewing a care home, covering everything from the level of care provided and daily activities to staffing, visiting arrangements and fees.
1. What level of care do you offer?
One of the first things to establish is whether the care home can meet your loved one’s individual needs, both now and in the future. Ask what types of care the home provides, such as residential, nursing or dementia care and whether staff have the appropriate training and experience to deliver the support required.
If your loved one is living with dementia, you may want to ask whether members of the care team have received specialist dementia training in this area.
2. How are care plans created?
Every resident should have a personalised care plan outlining their individual needs, preferences and support they require on a day-to-day basis. This helps ensure that care is consistent and tailored to the individual.
Ask how care plans are created and whether your loved one will be involved in the process. It’s important that their wishes, routines and preferences are considered.
You should also find out how frequently care plans are reviewed, how changes are implemented and how families are kept informed.
3. What happens if my loved one’s care needs change?
Your loved one’s care requirements may change over time, so it’s worth understanding how the home would manage this, particularly if their health deteriorates or they require additional medical support.
Find out whether the home has the staff, training and facilities to accommodate changing needs or whether a move to another care setting might become necessary.
4. What are your staff-to-resident ratios?
Staffing levels can vary between care homes, so ask how many members of staff are typically on duty during the day and night as well as at weekends and bank holidays.
It’s also worth asking about the experience and qualifications of the care team and how long staff have worked at the home.
You may also want to establish whether the home primarily employs permanent staff or regularly relies on agency workers. Continuity of care can help residents build trusting relationships with familiar faces, which can be particularly beneficial for people living with dementia.
5. What does a typical day look like?
Understanding what daily life looks like can help you decide whether the home will suit your loved one’s personality, routines and preferences. Ask about mealtimes, daily activities and whether residents have the freedom to choose when they get up, go to bed or spend time in their rooms.
6. What activities and enrichment opportunities are available?
Activities and opportunities for socialising can play an important role in residents’ wellbeing and quality of life. Ask to see an activities programme to get a feel for what’s on offer and try to establish whether the home organises regular entertainment, welcomes external activity providers or arranges outings and days out.
If your loved one has a particular hobby or interest, find out whether they’ll be encouraged and supported to continue enjoying it.
7. What food is on offer?
Food is an important and often overlooked aspect of choosing a care home. Enjoyable, nutritious meals can make a real difference to your loved one’s daily routine and overall wellbeing.
Ask to see a sample menu to see whether the home offers meals your loved one will enjoy. You may also want to find out whether food is freshly prepared on-site or provided by an external catering company.
Find out whether residents have a choice at mealtimes, can suggest their favourite dishes or request an alternative if they don’t like what’s on the menu. You should also ask whether the home can accommodate special dietary or religious requirements and whether snacks are readily available outside of mealtimes.
8. Can my loved one personalise their room?
Having a familiar, comfortable space to call their own can help residents feel settled – this is especially true for those living with dementia, who may find a change of environment unsettling. Ask the team whether your loved one can personalise their bedroom with photographs, furniture and soft furnishings from home.
You should also ask to see an available bedroom to get a better idea of the space, layout and facilities. This will help you plan what to bring and understand any restrictions before moving day.
9. How can family and friends stay involved?
Maintaining regular contact with friends and family can help your loved one feel connected, supported and settled in their new home. Ask about the home’s visiting arrangements, including whether there are set visiting hours and whether family members can join residents for meals, events or special occasions.
If family members live further away, ask whether Wi-Fi is available and whether staff can help residents make video calls.
It’s also worth establishing how the home communicates with families and how you’ll be kept informed about your loved one’s wellbeing and any changes to their care.
10. What is your CQC rating and when was the last inspection?
Care homes in England are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), an independent body that assesses the home and makes recommendations for improvements.
You can find published inspection reports on the CQC website. It’s worth reading the whole report to get a better understanding of the strengths and any concerns raised.
11. How much does it cost and what’s included?
Care home fees can vary considerably, so it’s essential to understand the full costs involved before making a decision. Ask for a clear breakdown of exactly what’s included. If applicable, you should also establish whether the home accepts local authority funding.
Finally ask how often fees are reviewed, what circumstances might lead to an increase and how much notice you’ll receive of any changes.
Arrange a Visit to Our Care Homes in Weymouth
We hope this guide has helped you feel more confident about viewing care homes and knowing which questions to ask.
If you’re considering care for a loved one in Dorset, we’d be delighted to show you round our Weymouth care homes. Get in touch to arrange a visit meet our team and ask questions you may have.
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