05 Aug How to Choose a Care Home
A step-by-step guide to finding the right care home for your loved one
Choosing a care home is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make for a family member. It can feel overwhelming with so many options and factors to consider. This guide breaks down the process into manageable steps, helping you find a care home where your loved one will be safe, happy, and well-cared for.
Quick Checklist: Essential Things to Look For
Good CQC rating (Good or Outstanding preferred)
Clean, well-maintained facilities with a homely atmosphere
Qualified, friendly staff who seem to genuinely care about residents
Varied activities programme keeping residents engaged and active
Flexible visiting arrangements welcoming families
Transparent pricing with clear explanation of what’s included
Good location accessible for family visits
Appropriate level of care for current and future needs
Step 1: Understand Your Care Needs
Assess Current Requirements
Personal Care Needs:
- Help with washing, dressing, or using the toilet
- Mobility support and walking assistance
- Medication management and health monitoring
- Special dietary requirements or feeding support
Medical and Health Needs:
- Ongoing health conditions requiring monitoring
- Dementia or memory-related care requirements
- Physical disabilities or mobility limitations
- Mental health support needs
Social and Emotional Needs:
- Level of social interaction preferred
- Interests and hobbies to maintain
- Religious or cultural requirements
- Preferred daily routines and lifestyle
Consider Future Needs
Progressive Conditions: If your loved one has dementia or other progressive conditions, choose a care home that can adapt as needs change.
Increasing Care Requirements: Look for facilities that offer different levels of care, from residential to nursing care, so moves aren’t necessary as needs increase.
Specialist Services: Consider whether specialist services like physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or palliative care might be needed in future.
Step 2: Research Care Homes in Your Area
Start Your Search
Online Research:
- Use the CQC website to find registered care homes near you
- Check recent inspection reports and ratings
- Watch videos and read care home websites to understand their approach and facilities
- Look at online reviews, but remember these may not tell the whole story
Get Recommendations:
- Ask your GP, social worker, or other healthcare professionals
- Contact your local authority adult social services for suggestions
- Speak to friends or family who have experience with care homes
- Contact local Age UK or similar organisations for advice
Create a Shortlist: Aim for 3-5 care homes that seem suitable based on:
- Location convenient for family visits
- Appropriate level of care offered
- Good CQC ratings
- Fees within your budget range
Understanding CQC Ratings
Outstanding: Exceptional care that significantly exceeds expectations
Good: Care meets expectations and legal requirements
Requires Improvement: Care doesn’t meet all standards but isn’t unsafe
Inadequate: Significant concerns about safety and quality
What to Look For: Focus on care homes rated Good or Outstanding, but don’t dismiss a home solely on ratings if everything else seems right. Check when the inspection was carried out and read the full report, not just the rating.
Step 3: Make Initial Contact
Phone Calls to Care Homes
Questions to Ask:
- Do you have availability for the level of care needed?
- What are your current fees and what’s included?
- Can you arrange a visit to see the facilities?
- Do you have experience with specific conditions (e.g., dementia, diabetes)?
- What’s your approach to activities and social interaction?
Red Flags During Phone Calls:
- Reluctance to arrange visits or answer questions
- Pushy sales tactics or pressure to decide quickly
- Vague answers about care approaches or costs
- Unwelcoming attitude or seeming too busy to talk
Arrange Visits
Best Times to Visit:
- Weekday mornings or afternoons when normal routines are happening
- Meal times to see the dining experience
- Activity periods to observe social interaction
- Different times of day to get a fuller picture
Who Should Visit:
- The person who will be living there (if possible)
- Main family decision-makers
- Anyone else who will be regularly involved in their care
Step 4: Visit Care Homes
What to Observe During Your Visit
First Impressions:
- Is the building clean, well-maintained, and welcoming?
- Does it smell fresh and pleasant?
- Is the atmosphere calm and friendly?
- Do staff seem approachable and unhurried?
Interaction Between Staff and Residents:
- Do staff speak to residents respectfully and warmly?
- Are residents’ names used rather than terms like “love” or “dear”?
- Do staff seem to know residents individually?
- Are residents engaged and content, or do they seem bored or distressed?
Quality of Care:
- Are residents well-dressed and groomed?
- Do they seem comfortable and at ease?
- Are call bells answered promptly?
- Is personal care provided with dignity and privacy?
Facilities and Environment:
- Are communal areas comfortable and inviting?
- Are bedrooms a good size with space for personal belongings?
- Are bathrooms clean and equipped with safety features?
- Are outdoor spaces accessible and well-maintained?
Questions to Ask During Your Visit
About Daily Life:
- What does a typical day look like for residents?
- How flexible are meal times and daily routines?
- What happens if someone doesn’t want to join in activities?
- Can residents choose when to get up and go to bed?
About Care:
- How do you develop individual care plans?
- How often are care plans reviewed?
- What happens if care needs change?
- How do you handle medical emergencies?
About Staff:
- What qualifications do care staff have?
- What ongoing training do staff receive?
- What are your staff turnover rates?
- How many staff are on duty during different shifts?
About Activities and Social Life:
- What activities are available daily?
- Are activities tailored to individual interests?
- How do you help new residents settle in?
- Are there opportunities for outings and entertainment?
About Family Involvement:
- What are your visiting hours?
- Can families join residents for meals?
- How do you keep families informed about their loved one’s wellbeing?
- Are families involved in care planning decisions?
Red Flags to Watch For
Environment Concerns:
- Strong unpleasant odours that suggest poor hygiene
- Residents left unattended for long periods
- Dirty or cluttered communal areas
- Broken equipment or poor maintenance
Staff Behaviour:
- Rushed or impatient interactions with residents
- Staff who seem overwhelmed or stressed
- Lack of interaction between staff and residents
- Reluctance to answer questions or show you around
Resident Wellbeing:
- Residents appearing neglected, distressed, or isolated
- Poor personal hygiene or inappropriate clothing
- Lack of stimulation or activities
- Residents calling for help without response
Step 5: Consider Practical Factors
Location and Accessibility
Distance from Family:
- How easy will it be for family and friends to visit regularly?
- Are there good transport links if some visitors don’t drive?
- Is the location familiar to your loved one?
Local Amenities:
- Are there shops, parks, or other amenities within walking distance?
- Is the area safe and pleasant for outdoor activities?
- Are local healthcare services easily accessible?
Costs and Funding
Understanding Care Home Fees:
- What exactly is included in the weekly/monthly fee?
- Are there additional charges for extras like hairdressing or outings?
- How often do fees increase and by how much typically?
- What notice is given for fee increases?
Funding Options:
- Self-funding: Paying privately from savings, property sale, or income
- Local authority funding: Means-tested support for those with limited assets
- NHS Continuing Healthcare: Full funding for those with significant health needs
- Mixed funding: Combination of sources including family contributions
Financial Planning:
- How long will your loved one’s money last at current fee levels?
- What happens if funds run out before local authority support becomes available?
- Are there fee protection schemes or insurance options?
Trial Periods and Contracts
Trial Stays: Many care homes offer trial periods (typically 2-4 weeks) allowing:
- Assessment of how well your loved one settles
- Evaluation of care quality and suitability
- Time to make adjustments to care plans
- Confidence building for families
Contract Terms:
- What notice period is required to leave?
- Are fees payable during hospital stays?
- What happens if care needs change significantly?
- Are there any hidden costs or additional charges?
Step 6: Make Your Decision
Comparing Your Options
Create a Simple Scoring System: Rate each care home (1-5) on factors most important to you:
- Quality of care and staff interactions
- Cleanliness and environment
- Activities and social opportunities
- Location and accessibility for family
- Value for money
- Overall feeling and atmosphere
Trust Your Instincts: While practical factors are important, don’t underestimate your gut feeling about whether a place feels right for your loved one.
Involving Your Loved One
When They Can Participate:
- Take them to visit their preferred options
- Discuss what matters most to them
- Respect their preferences where possible
- Include them in the final decision
When Capacity Is Limited:
- Consider what you know about their values and preferences
- Think about what would have mattered to them previously
- Focus on their best interests for safety and wellbeing
- Consult other family members who know them well
Final Checks Before Deciding
References:
- Ask for contact details of current residents’ families (with permission)
- Speak to healthcare professionals who know the care home
- Check if there have been any recent changes in management or ownership
Documentation:
- Ensure the care home is properly registered with CQC
- Check their insurance and registration certificates
- Review their statement of purpose and residents’ guide
- Understand their complaints procedure
Step 7: Preparing for the Move
Making the Transition Easier
Before Moving Day:
- Visit again with your loved one if possible
- Meet key staff members who will be providing care
- Discuss care plans and any specific needs or preferences
- Plan what personal belongings to bring
What to Bring:
- Comfortable, familiar clothing
- Personal items like photographs, books, or small furniture
- Medical information and current medications
- Insurance details and important documents
- Comfort items like favourite blankets or cushions
Making the Room Feel Like Home:
- Arrange furniture in a familiar way if possible
- Display family photographs and personal treasures
- Bring favourite books, music, or hobbies
- Include religious or cultural items if important
Supporting the Adjustment
First Few Weeks:
- Visit regularly but allow time for settling in
- Be patient as adjustment takes time
- Communicate with care staff about how things are going
- Maintain normal routines and relationships where possible
Ongoing Support:
- Stay involved in care plan reviews
- Attend events and activities when invited
- Maintain regular contact and visits
- Address any concerns promptly with care home staff
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Rushing the Decision
Take Time: This is too important a decision to rush. Visit multiple homes and ask lots of questions before deciding.
Focusing Only on Cost
Consider Value: The cheapest option isn’t always the best. Focus on quality of care and whether your loved one will be happy there.
Not Involving Family
Include Everyone: Make sure key family members are involved in visits and decisions to avoid conflicts later.
Ignoring Red Flags
Trust Concerns: If something doesn’t feel right during visits, investigate further or look elsewhere.
Not Planning for Change
Future Needs: Choose a care home that can adapt as care needs change, or has clear pathways for different levels of care.
When You Need Help
Professional Support Available
Social Workers: Can help assess needs, explain funding options, and provide lists of suitable care homes.
Independent Financial Advisers: Can help with funding planning and understanding care fee implications.
Care Home Specialists: Some organisations offer free advice on choosing and funding care homes.
Family Liaison Services: Many care homes have staff dedicated to helping families through the selection and transition process.
Getting Additional Advice
Citizens Advice: Free advice on care funding and legal rights.
Age UK: Information and support for older people and their families.
Carers UK: Support and advice for family carers.
Local Authority Adult Services: Information about care options and funding in your area.
Choosing the right care home takes time and research, but it’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your loved one. Focus on finding somewhere that feels right, provides good quality care, and where your family member will be treated with dignity and respect.
Remember that no care home will be perfect, but the right one will feel like a place where your loved one can be safe, comfortable, and continue to enjoy life. Trust your instincts, ask plenty of questions, and don’t settle for anything that doesn’t feel right.
Ready to Start Your Search?
If you’re looking for quality care homes that prioritise individual needs and family involvement, Living Developments can help guide you through the process.
Contact us today to discuss your care needs and arrange visits to our care homes.
Our experienced team can help with:
- Assessing care needs and matching to appropriate homes
- Understanding funding options and financial planning
- Arranging visits and trial stays
- Supporting families through the transition process