Questions for care homes

Are the residents involved in activities or chatting?

First Impressions

• Visit a number of homes before making a final choice. Spend enough time at the home to get a good idea of what it is like
• Ask to see a recent inspection report for the home. These often give a lot of detail on how the home operates.
• Visit the home with the person who has dementia to see what their reactions are and how they might settle in.
• Don't be afraid to ask questions and take a checklist of things you want to find out.
• First impressions are important: are you greeted in a friendly way when you arrive? Is it clean and pleasantly decorated and furnished? Are there any unpleasant smells?    
• Do residents appear happy and responsive?    
• Are they properly dressed and well-groomed?
• Do they seem alert and interested?    
• Are they involved in activities or chatting?
• Are they encouraged to do as much for themselves as they can?
• Will be easy for visitors to get to the home and are there shops, a pub or a park nearby?

Facilities

• Check whether corridors and toilets are wide enough for a walking frame or wheelchair and there are suitably adapted toilets and baths.
• Are single rooms available and are residents encouraged to bring in some of their own furniture and possessions?
• Are the bedrooms bright and pleasant?
• Can residents go to their rooms when they wish to be alone? Do staff respect the right to privacy and knock on bedroom doors?
• Check whether there are enough toilets within easy reach of the bedrooms and living areas.
• Are staff are trained to spot the signs when someone needs to go to the toilet?
• Find out whether staff are cheerful and tactful about helping residents use the toilet and changing them if they are incontinent.

Activities

• Are chairs arranged in groups to encourage talking rather than placed in a circle round the outside of the room. 
• Is there a TV or radio left on when no one is watching or listening?
• Is there more than one room where residents can sit or where they can be quiet or see visitors?
• Is there a garden where residents can walk safely?

Everyday life

• Ensure that there is good communication between relatives and the home and that phone calls and visits are encouraged.
• Are visitors welcomed at any time? Are they encouraged to take residents out or join them for a meal?
• Are there opportunities for residents to help staff with small tasks if they wish? Are activities available each day or are residents left to sit in front of the TV? 
• Are trips and outings organised and special events celebrated?
• Are residents encouraged to take exercise? Are residents able to choose and listen to a variety of music when they feel like it?

The right staff

• Do staff seem friendly and caring towards residents or talk to them while they are helping them with physical tasks such as washing and dressing?
• Do they make time to sit and chat to residents or talk to them while they are helping them with physical tasks such as washing and dressing?
• Do they have any training and experience in dementia care?
• Do they know about residents' backgrounds, habits and interests?
• Does the manager have a friendly manner with staff and residents?
• Do they answer your questions openly and seem to understand your concerns?

Medical

• Check what happens if residents are unwell or need medication. Can a relative stay overnight if necessary when a resident is unwell and are changes in medication discussed with the family carers?

Planning the move

• Is there a full assessment at home before a resident is admitted?
• Is the carer consulted about the care plan and about any proposed changes to it?
• If arranging a home independently get a contract with the home or a statement in writing. Seek advice from a solicitor or citizens advice bureau before signing any agreement.
• Be clear about: What is included in the weekly fee, what may be charged as 'extras' and how much notice is given if fees are raised?
• What happens if a resident's condition deteriorates - can they remain in the home and if not how are alternative arrangements made?