What do you need to know from a care home when considering moving your loved one into residential care? The following list of questions is designed to help you gain deeper insight into the establishment/s so you can make a judgement and ultimate choice you’re comfortable with.
First impressions of the residential care home
First impressions, as we all know, are lasting impressions. That immediate feeling you get for a residential care home will often stay with you, but it’s also necessary to be somewhat formulaic about assessing the initial contact and viewing.
- How do you feel about the first conversation? Was the staff member polite, patient, understanding, open to answering questions?
- Are the buildings and outdoor areas in a good state of repair?
- Are there pleasant views?
- Are the rooms clean, a good size and well decorated, allowing natural light?
- Is everyone welcoming (staff, residents and visitors), happy, smiling and busy?
The local area
It’s comforting to be familiar with the area and what access your loved one has to the amenities, especially if you are visiting from a distance, or they have moved further away to be nearer to you or for the right home.
- Is there plenty of parking, or is the care home accessible by public transport?
- Can residents visit the local amenities such as parks, garden centres, libraries or churches?
- Can you take your loved one out for the afternoon with or without supervision?
- Are there green and open spaces to enjoy nearby?
Residential care staff
Assessing the suitability and personality of the people who will be taking care of your loved one.
- Are the staff available to chat with you at the time you visit?
- Do you feel welcomed?
- Are qualifications displayed and current?
- Is dementia assessment and care available?
- What is the staff turnover and ratio to residents
- What is the male/female split in case of preference? Can you state a preference?
Meeting the needs of your loved one
How does the residential care home assess the needs of your loved one? And how are those needs met?
- Does the residential care home practise person-centred care?
- Do residents have ‘key care workers’?
- Does the home offer crafting, music, games or animal experiences?
- Is the home linked with a specific GP surgery?
- How often are the needs assessed?
- Can residents go home to their families at any point?
- Can my loved one’s partner or spouse move in with them at any point?
Daily comfort and security
For your own peace of mind, it’s important to understand how your loved one and their belongings are kept safe and comfortable.
- How is the home made secure for residents?
- Are residents assisted by pictorial instruction, for example for the telephone, toilet or office?
- How much personal storage is made available?
- Can the resident have personal money in the home?
- How are valuables made safe?
- What happens during a fire drill or alarm testing?
- Can residents bring their own furniture or room accessories?
- Are pets allowed?
- How are language barriers addressed?
Dining and food
Eating can be a personal experience, with some enjoying large groups of people around a table, and others preferring their own company. How are mealtimes managed?
- Do residents eat together, family style?
- Can residents keep their own snacks or drinks in their room?
- Is alcohol allowed to be consumed?
- Can residents make their own hot or cold drinks?
- Do staff take meals with the residents?
- Can residents take part in cooking or preparation?
Life in the residential care home
How ‘normal’ can living in a residential care home be? Will it feel like home to my loved one?
- What activities are available?
- What if someone doesn’t want to join in activities?
- Are there any animals in the home?
- Can you see any staff enjoying a conversation with a resident?
- How is television or radio enjoyment made fair?
- Can you play music in your room, or have your own TV?
- Is there a library, are newspapers delivered?
- What outdoor areas are available?
- Do hairdressers, or beauty therapists visit?
- How does the home celebrate occasions such as Christmas, and notable dates like spring, autumn, Halloween, and do they make a fuss over birthdays and anniversaries?
- Are families and friends restricted to specific visiting hours?
- Can visitors spend the night?
- Are children and animals welcome?
Contracts and personal advice
Other than the standard questions of the cost and deposit required, you may find these questions useful to ask.
- Are terms and conditions made freely available and openly discussed as needed?
- Does the home offer trial stays for new residents?
- Does the home’s insurance cover all personal belongings and valuables?
- Can the home help you close contracts and accounts at home, such as broadband and telephone?
- Does the home offer introductions to services such as solicitors, dementia support and estate agents?
- Can the staff explain safeguarding procedures?
- How does the home handle grievances?
- Are the key care worker and manager freely available?
Making the move
Moving your loved one into a residential care home can be stressful for all involved, but we hope that if you have all the information, you can make a decision that everyone is comfortable with. It’s important to do some research on your options, and to visit the homes you’re considering so you can get a feel for the standard of living and how happy residents are.
If you would like to arrange a visit to Offmore Farm Residential Care Home, our manager, Sophie Campbell would be delighted to welcome you.
