How to choose a care home

Choosing a Care Home for a loved one is one of the most important decisions you will make. The following points are considered to be indicators of quality care. We offer them to you here as a checklist to use when considering our homes or indeed any other home.

Are you warmly welcomed? Is the home well presented in terms of cleanliness, tidiness, décor and furnishings? Are the staff attentive and polite? Are the staff well presented? Is knowledge displayed and evidence of staff training? Is the home well 'sign posted' to assist residents to live well? Does the home have a dementia care accreditation? What is the star rating with the Care Quality Commission? Is the home free from unpleasant odours? Is the home wheelchair accessible? Is the garden accessible, user friendly for the elderly and safe? Is there a choice of menu? Are specialist diets available? Are you able to request an alternative to the published menu? Are you able to bring your own items of furniture and personal belongings into the home? Does the home respect residents and families rights to make choices and safeguard your privacy and dignity? What opportunities are there to pursue your chosen activities and interests? Is there a complaints procedure? Is the admission agreement acceptable to you?