Everyone has different views about what makes a ‘good’ care home and each person’s needs are different. Questions to consider include:
Does the home encourage you to do as much as possible yourself and to make choices about as many aspects of your daily lives as you can?
Can you bring personal possessions – pictures, plants, furniture?
Can the home meet your communication needs – for example, a language other than English, sign language, or large print?
Do you choose what and when to eat? How are special diets catered for? Can you eat privately with guests from time to time? Can you prepare food and drinks yourself?
Are you free to see visitors when and where you choose?
Can you use a telephone in privacy, for incoming and outgoing calls?
Do you get up and go to bed when you choose? If not, do you consider the arrangements to be reasonable?
What provisions does the home make for outings to the shops, the theatre, place of worship, or entertainment?
Is there a weekly activities plan designed around residents’ needs and wishes, and is it proactively provided?
Is there more than one living room, so there is a quiet room as well as one with a television?
Are there books, newspapers available?
Do the managers of the home ask about how you would like to handle money or medicines?
How does the home ensure valuable items are kept secure?
Do you have your own GP?
How will the home let you or friends know if you are taken ill?
Does the home encourage you to say how you feel about living there, and provide written information about how to discuss a problem or make a complaint?
Are toilets available in all parts of the home, fully equipped with handrails and other helpful equipment?
Can wheelchairs go everywhere within the home and easily in and out? Is there a lift?
If you need help bathing, does the home have suitable facilities? Who helps with bathing, and can you choose how often to bath or shower?
