When you are visiting a care home, you are bound to have lots of questions. Care home visits usually include a tour of the facilities, during which the member of staff accompanying you will share information about the home;, and will usually conclude with refreshments and a more in-depth conversation about your needs and requirements.
This visit is your best opportunity to ask for all the information you need before making your decision on whether the home is the right place for you or your loved one, so it is important to ensure you have asked everything you need to.
To help you, here is our list of the top 10 questions to ask.
- What types of care are available?
You may have already asked this before your visit but is advisable to double-check, in case the care available has changed. You should also ensure that the home can meet future care needs if you or your loved one’s condition changes. This will avoid the need to move to a different care home.
- What types of activities are organised?
A good care home will have a varied and busy activities programme to cater for different interests and physical ability. Ask to see the activities programme if it is not on display.
- What type of food is offered?
Most care homes offer residents a choice of meal and can cater for dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, or soft food. Ask to see the menu if possible.
- What is included in a care plan?
A good care home will offer care and support tailored to the needs of the resident. It will also be updated regularly.
- What is included in the fees?
Most care homes include accommodation, food, personal care and activities in their fees. However, there can be additional costs, such as:
- Larger rooms or en-suite rooms
- Television or telephone point
- Transport to appointments
- Outings
Every home will have its own policy on these, so ensure that you ask to avoid unexpected costs in the future.
- Does the home have access to additional services, such as opticians and dentists?
You or your loved one may have your own health professionals whom you wish to retain; however, if you are moving to a new area this will not be the case. If the care home does have visiting professionals, ask how often they visit and the costs.
- Can I visit at any time?
Most care homes have relaxed their visiting rules post-Covid, but it is worth asking if there is a visiting policy in place (particularly if you do not live in the local area).
- Are there facilities to stay overnight?
Some care homes have a visitors’ room which can be booked for families who are visiting from a distance, or if a resident is particularly unwell.
- Is there safe outside space for residents?
Many care homes have level access pathways for residents to use, alongside seating areas and sometimes even raised flowerbeds to tend.
- If I decide that this is the right place for me/my loved one, what are the next steps?
Every care home is different, but it is useful to understand their admissions policy. Most care homes will require an assessment to ensure that they can meet the prospective resident’s needs, and that a suitable room is available.
You may have other questions of your own, but the 10 listed above will enable you to gain a good understanding of the home you are visiting. If you return home and think of something else you wished to ask, don’t be afraid to telephone (01963 32746), as staff will be happy to help.