Choosing a Care Home

Where to start?

Choosing a care home for a loved one is one of the most important decisions you will make.

People often have to consider looking for a care home during a personal or family crisis such as a serious illness or fall requiring hospitalisation, or following the death of a husband or wife who was the main carer. Invariably this means that they have to find a home quickly and with limited time to research and carefully consider all of the available options.

Take your time and do not be rushed into making a decision; return for further visits if you are unsure which home you should choose or to ask further questions.

Make arrangements to visit at least three care homes, if possible more than once, before making any decisions. Sample the food and observe what is going on in the home and talk to the residents. Watch interaction between the staff and residents. Meet the home manager, as they will be setting the standards by which the home runs.

Questions to Consider

Residents

The best indication of a good home is that the residents appear happy and responsive, and that individuals are treated with dignity and respect. The following points are considered to be indicators of quality care:

Do staff speak to residents in a way the residents like?
Are residents involved in activities or chatting?
Do they seem alert and interested?
Do they talk to you as you walk round?
Can residents go to their rooms when they wish to be alone?
Do staff respect people’s right to privacy, and knock on bedroom doors?
Do they have regular religious services?
Will friends or family be able to visit easily?
Is there a trial period?
What happens if a resident’s condition deteriorates?
Is there a happy atmosphere? Are the residents in communal lounges engaged in activities during your visit?
Look around to see if there is information about or pictures of social events.
What activities does the care home offer for those residents who wish to remain in their rooms?
Are they properly dressed and well-groomed?

Building and equipment

The way facilities and equipment are maintained in a nursing home are a very good indicator of how the residents will be treated.

During your visit, ask yourself the following:

Is the home well presented in terms of cleanliness, tidiness, décor and furnishings?
Is the home free from unpleasant odours?
Are chairs arranged in groups to encourage talking, rather than placed in a circle around the outside of the room?
Is there a TV or radio left on when no one is watching or listening?
Is there more than one room where residents can sit, or where they can be quiet or see visitors?
Are the living areas bright and stimulating?
Is the garden accessible, user-friendly for the elderly and safe?
If person has to use adaptations, are corridors and toilets wide enough for walking frames or wheelchairs?
Are residents encouraged to bring in some of their own furniture and possessions?

Meals

Are special diets catered for, and are residents’ likes and dislikes taken into account?
Can residents eat in their rooms, or eat at different times, if they prefer?
Are there facilities for making snacks if a resident feels peckish?
Are staff trained to sensitively help people eat their food, if necessary?

Visitors

During what times are visitors allowed?
Are there quiet areas where relatives can spend time with residents?
Are visitors encouraged to take residents out, or join them for a meal?

Activities

Does the home provide personalised activities that are suitable and engaging for residents?
Are there opportunities for residents to help staff with small tasks if they wish?
Are activities available each day or are residents left to sit in front of the TV?
Are trips and outings organised and special events celebrated?
Are residents encouraged to take exercise?
Are residents able to choose and listen to a variety of music when they feel able?

Cultural differences

Are staff interested in learning about the person’s background and culture?
Do staff show a respect for differences that might include diet, clothing, or religious observances?
Do staff find out how residents wish to be addressed, and how they prefer to relate to other people?

Staff

What training do the staff receive? What additional training have the trained nurses undertaken?
Do they make time to sit and chat to residents, or talk to them while they are helping them with physical tasks?
Is knowledge displayed, as well as evidence of staff training?
Do they know about residents’ backgrounds, habits and interests?
What are the staffing ratios, ask to see the staffing rotation
Are the staff attentive and polite?
Are the staff well presented?

Administration / Head of home

Do they answer your questions openly, and seem to understand your concerns?
Does each resident have a care plan, and are their needs regularly reviewed?
Is there a complaints procedure?
What is included in the fee, what may be charged as ‘extras’?
How much notice has to be given on either side?

Above all, use head and heart – you will get a feel for a place the moment you walk through the door.

Useful links

Care Quality Commission
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent national regulator for all care homes in England. You can access CQC reports about every registered care home via their website at: www.cqc.org.uk

Age UK

Age UK (the charity combining Age Concern and Help the Aged) has a fact sheet entitled “Finding Residential and Nursing Home Accommodation” which is available on their website at www.ageuk.org.uk

Counsel and Care
Counsel and Care is an independent national charity providing help and advice to older people, their families and carers: www.independentage.org

Care Info
www.careinfo.org

Contact the Elderly
Contact the Elderly groups organise gatherings for frail, elderly people who live alone: www.contact-the-elderly.org.uk

Healthcare Improvement Scotland
Healthcare Improvement Scotland is the newly formed care regulator for independent care homes in Scotland (replacing the Scottish Care Commission). www.healthcareimprovementscotland.org

Care Home Resource
www.carehome.co.uk

The Alzheimer’s Society
www.alzheimers.org.uk