Healthy living
Mind matters
Questions for care homes
When the time comes to consider a care home for a loved one with dementia, we can all ask questions to improve care homes. George Jones guides us through some key points
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?
Everday 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 and treat them with respect?
- 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 care
- Check what happens if residents are unwell or need medication. Can a relative stay overnight if necessary 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?
More on care
Reader comments
Thank you to Maria for the information about CSCI. It was very timely as we are currently trying to find a suitable care home for my father, initially for respite care but possibly for longer term care in the future. The CSCI website provided me with useful information about homes we were considering. I also ordered an up to date report on 1 of the homes which I eventually received, although it took 2 weeks to get to me via email! The good news is that the report was good and it helped us make our decision as to which care home we chose.
Posted by: Linda Whaley | 27/02/2008 19:07:18
Very useful information but how can it be used if it cannot be printed off and kept as aide memoire when visiting a home?!!!
Posted by: Tony Sawyer | 07/02/2008 19:26:14
A useful and thought provoking set of questions and very timely. They can be copied (high light, then press ctrl C together. Open a new document and paste, press trl v together).
Posted by: M Flynn | 04/02/2008 17:51:07
The information and suggested questions and points to look out for were very helpful, but I was disappointed to find I could not print out the list, as that would have been even more helpful!
Posted by: M J FERGUSON | 03/02/2008 13:43:10
I work for the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI). It might be useful to let people know that they can view, download and order official inspection reports on care homes and home care agencies from: www.csci.org.uk or by calling 0870 240 7535 There is also a wealth of information and advice on our website.
Posted by: Maria Ostoja-Starzewski | 28/01/2008 09:44:28
Information on this site is for interest only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should consult your own doctor about any specific health concerns.