Making your Choice
"The family wishes to express gratitude for all the kindness and care showed to my father. It is great support to know he is in good hands and being looked after with compassion and kindness."
Your first port of call when choosing a Care Home will normally be your GP or your local Council’s Social Services team. They will be able to provide you with a list of all the Care Homes in your chosen area and help with the decision about which type of care is best suited to your needs.
All Care Homes can send you brochures, and it is useful to have a look through them before going for a visit. We recommend that you visit at least three homes, so that you can get an idea of the different services and facilities on offer. Feel free to ask as many questions as you like when going round a home, so you can find out what their approach to care is.
Choosing a Care Home is an important decision and it helps to have a second opinion. We recommend you take a care worker, friend or relative with you who will be able to talk through the different homes and help you decide which one best suits your needs.
It is also useful to compare a few homes just in case the one you like is full. If a home that you really like is full, you can always put your name on a waiting list.
When you first move to a Care Home there is always a trial period to allow you to change your mind. After this you may need to provide some notice if you want to try a different home. Some homes also offer a trial day or half day before you make your decision.
When choosing a care home it is helpful to consider the following points:
Points to Consider - Choosing a Care Home:
- How many residents are there?
- Are the staff friendly, welcoming and interested?
- Are the residents relaxed, content and occupied?
- Does the home look well maintained and have a pleasant ambience?
- Would it be a reassuring place for you/your relative to live?
- Are residents encouraged to bring their own furniture, pictures and personal items?
Points to Consider – The Daily Activities:
- Do residents have control over their own lives? Can they get up and go to bed when they want to?
- Is there a choice of menu, catering for special requirements?
- Are drinks and snacks made available at all times?
- Are visitors welcome at all times? Can they stay for a meal?
- Which activities and outings are available to residents? Are the activities organised by a dedicated coordinator whose focus is activities?
- Can residents continue any interests or regular activities such as attending church or clubs?
Points to Consider – Home Facilities:
- Is there easy access to the gardens?
- Is the home able to meet your cultural and spiritual needs?
- Is there a lift to access any upper floors?
- How many living spaces are there? Are there quiet rooms as well as TV lounges?
- Do residents have a choice of single or shared rooms?
- Are the rooms en-suite?
- Are you able to change rooms?
Remember your Rights – Every person who lives in a Care Home should expect the following rights to be respected:
- To be treated politely and with dignity
- To have privacy for yourself, relatives and friends when they visit
- To deal with your own finances and spend your money in the way you choose
- To have the freedom to express your spiritual needs; for some people, this can take the form of religious worship, but for others it can be a special place or something with a special meaning.
- For staff to acknowledge and respect your personal and cultural beliefs and values
- To choose the food that you wish to eat and be given the time and space to relax and enjoy your meal. We cater for all types of special diets to meet individual needs.
- To choose what time you get up in the morning and what time you go to bed
- To be able to complain if you are not happy with the care you receive
