Price
- Research the cost of care: it’s important to understand care home fees, including the type of care provided, the level of support and any additional services.
- Compare prices: Compare prices of different care homes to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.
- Consider the cost of extras: Some care homes may charge extra for services like laundry, hairdressing or transportation.
Reviews
- Check online reviews: Look up reviews on websites like Carehome.co.uk, Care Quality Commission (CQC) and other online review platforms like Google Business
- Ask for referrals: Ask friends, family, or healthcare professionals for recommendations.
- Visit the care home: Meet with staff, residents and family members to get a sense of the care home’s culture and quality of care.
Activities
- Consider the types of activities: depending on you or your loved one’s interests, you may or may not want a care home with an activity coordinator. For more active seniors, a wide range of activities like social events, exercise classes and hobbies might be preferable
- Check the schedule: depending on those interests, check what schedule of activities there is and whether they cater to your interests and abilities.
- Ask about outings: Find out if the care home offers regular outings and excursions. Our Home Care service offers assistance and companionship for day trips.
CQC Ratings
- Check the CQC rating: The CQC rating of a care home provides an independent assessment of its quality and safety standards.
- Look for a good or outstanding rating: Aim for a care home with a good or outstanding rating as this indicates a high standard of care.
- Check the report: Read the CQC report to understand the care home’s strengths and weaknesses. We’ve included links to these reports in the list below.
Location
- Consider accessibility: Ensure the care home is easily accessible with parking, public transportation and amenities nearby
- Think about proximity to family and friends: you may want to choose a care home that’s convenient for family and friends to visit.
- Check the local environment: you also may want to consider the local environment, including the surrounding area, noise levels and nearby amenities. You and your loved ones might prefer an attractive care home in a nice setting such as beautiful gardens
Staff & Staffing
- Meet the staff: If possible, meet the care home’s staff, including the manager, Care Assistants and other support staff.
- Check staffing levels: Ensure that the care home has adequate staffing levels, including a staff to resident ratio.
- Ask about staff training: Find out about staff training and development, including any specialised training for dementia care or other conditions.
Food & Nutrition
- Check the menu: When you move into a care home, you won’t have as much control over your meals. Look at the care home’s menu to ensure that it provides a balanced and varied diet.
- Ask about dietary needs: Find out how the care home accommodates dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, or other special diets.
- Check the kitchen: Ensure the kitchen is clean, well maintained and follows proper food safety guidelines.
Accommodation
- Check the rooms: Ensure you like the care home’s rooms; do they provide clean, comfortable environment?
- Look at communal areas: Check the care home’s communal areas, including lounges, dining rooms and gardens.
- Ask about storage: Find out about storage options for personal belongings and equipment. Unfortunately, care homes are unable to provide as much storage as a private home
Support for Specific Needs
- Consider specialised care: If you or your loved one has a specific need, such as dementia or mobility issues, look for a care home that provides specialised care and support.
- Ask about equipment and resources: Find out if the care home has the necessary equipment and resources to support specific needs.
- Check the care plan: Ensure that the care home has a comprehensive care plan in place to support specific needs.
Communication
- Check the communication channels: Ensure that the care home has effective communication channels, including phone, email and face to face meetings.
- Ask about updates: Find out how the care home will keep you or your loved ones informed about care and any changes.
- Check the care home’s website: You and your loved ones can look at the care home’s website to get a sense of their communication style and approach.