This checklist covers everything worth considering before making a decision on a care home, from the quality of care to the feel of the building and the culture of the staff team.
Before You Visit
Do your research before stepping through the door. A little preparation means you will get more from every visit and ask the right questions at the right time.
- Check the home’s most recent CQC inspection report at cqc.org.uk. Look at the ratings for Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-led
- Note whether any areas were flagged for improvement and whether there is evidence those issues have been addressed
- Read recent reviews on carehome.co.uk or Google
- Check whether the home specialises in the type of care your relative needs, such as dementia, nursing or residential care
- Confirm the home has availability, or ask to be added to a waiting list if not
Location and Environment
The practical basics matter as much as anything else. A well-located, well-maintained home makes life easier for families and more comfortable for residents.
- Is the home within a reasonable distance for regular family visits?
- Is there parking available for visitors?
- Are the grounds and communal areas well maintained?
- Does the building feel clean, warm and welcoming rather than clinical or institutional?
- Are residents’ rooms a good size, with space for personal belongings and furniture from home?
- Is there outdoor space that residents can access safely?
The Quality of Care
This is the heart of the decision. The care being delivered should be personalised, consistent and genuinely attentive to each resident’s needs.
- Ask how care plans are created and how often they are reviewed
- Ask how staff communicate changes in a resident’s health or wellbeing to families
- Find out what the staffing levels are, both during the day and overnight
- Ask about staff turnover. High turnover can be a sign of poor management or low morale, both of which affect care quality
- Ask how the home handles residents with complex or changing needs
- Find out whether the home can support end of life care, or whether residents would need to move elsewhere
“At Blissful Care Homes, we focus on the preferences, desires, goals and aspirations of the individual. Choosing a care home should feel like finding the right fit, not just filling a space.”
Blissful Care Homes
Staff and Culture
The people who work in a care home define the experience far more than the building itself. Pay attention to how staff behave during your visit, not just what they say.
- Do staff greet residents by name and interact warmly with them?
- Do they knock before entering residents’ rooms?
- Do they seem rushed, or do they take time with people?
- Ask about staff training, particularly around dementia, mental health and moving and handling
- Ask whether there is a consistent key worker system so residents build relationships with familiar faces
- Is the atmosphere calm and positive, or does it feel tense or chaotic?
Activities and Daily Life
A good care home is not just a place to be looked after. It should be a place where residents have a life worth living.
- Ask to see the activities programme. Is it varied and does it cater to different interests and abilities?
- Are activities genuinely optional, or do residents feel pressured to participate?
- Is there a mixture of group and individual activities?
- Can residents bring personal items, choose their own décor and maintain their own routines?
- Is there access to a hairdresser, podiatrist or other visiting services?
- Ask how the home supports residents who prefer to spend time quietly or alone
Food and Nutrition
Mealtimes are a significant part of daily life in a care home and should be something residents look forward to.
- Can you see a sample menu? Is it varied, nutritious and appealing?
- Are dietary requirements, allergies and personal preferences catered for?
- Can residents choose where they eat, whether in their room or in a communal dining area?
- Are snacks and drinks available throughout the day?
- Ask how the home monitors and responds to changes in a resident’s appetite or weight
Dementia-Specific Considerations
If your relative has dementia, there are additional factors worth exploring. Our article on understanding the different stages of dementia can help you think about the level of support that may be needed now and in the future.
- Is there a dedicated dementia unit or are dementia residents integrated with the wider community?
- Has the environment been designed with dementia in mind, for example with clear signage, contrasting colours and memory aids?
- How does the home manage distressed or anxious behaviour? Ask specifically about their approach to de-escalation
- Are staff trained in dementia care, and to what level?
- How does the home involve families in care decisions for residents who lack capacity?
Costs and Funding
Understanding the financial picture is essential before making any commitment. Our guide to who pays for care homes in the UK covers the funding landscape in detail.
- What is the weekly fee and what does it include?
- Are there additional charges for services such as hairdressing, trips out or certain therapies?
- What happens to fees if a resident’s needs increase significantly?
- Does the home accept local authority funded residents, and if so, is there a top-up fee?
- Ask for a clear written breakdown of all costs before signing anything
Contracts and Practicalities
- Ask for a copy of the resident contract before committing. Read it carefully and seek independent advice if needed
- Check the notice period required if you wish to move your relative to a different home
- Ask about the home’s complaints procedure and how concerns are handled
- Find out how the home manages a resident’s personal finances and belongings
- Ask whether the home has a residents’ or relatives’ forum or committee
During Your Visit: What to Trust
Checklists can only take you so far. Pay attention to your instincts during a visit. Ask yourself:
- Would I be comfortable living here?
- Do the residents I see appear content and well cared for?
- Does the home feel like it is run with genuine care, or does it feel transactional?
- Are my questions being answered openly, or does the home seem evasive?
“Our ultimate goal for everyone at Blissful is happiness. When families visit our homes, we want them to feel it, not just hear it.”
Blissful Care Homes
A good care home will welcome your questions, invite you to visit more than once and encourage you to speak to existing residents and their families. If a home seems reluctant to allow that, take note.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many care homes should I visit before deciding? There is no fixed number, but visiting at least two or three gives you a basis for comparison. Even if the first home feels right, seeing others confirms your instincts.
Can I visit unannounced? You can ask to, and a home’s response to that request is itself informative. Some homes prefer appointments for safeguarding reasons, which is reasonable. What matters is whether you are made to feel welcome when you do visit.
What if my relative lacks capacity to be involved in the decision? If your relative cannot express a preference, decisions should be made in their best interests with input from those who know them well. If you hold lasting power of attorney, you will have a formal role in this process.
Is a good CQC rating enough to rely on? CQC ratings are a useful starting point but inspections are periodic. A home rated Good may have changed since its last inspection. Always combine the CQC report with a personal visit and recent reviews.
Ready to Find the Right Home?
If you are beginning the search for a care home and would like to find out more about what Blissful Care Homes offers, we would love to hear from you. You can also read our practical guide to choosing the right care home for further guidance on the process.
