The choice of a residential or nursing home for oneself, a relative or a valued friend can be one of the most difficult decisions a person must face but what are some of the practical points to look out for? Listed below are questions that we feel should be asked when visiting a potential residential or nursing home:
- Is there anyone living in the home that you already know?
- On entering the home, do you immediately feel welcome?
- Do the staff greet you or smile at you when they pass?
- Do the residents generally look happy?
- Do some of the residents smile at staff or visitors?
- Do residents have their own room and washing facilities? If not, is sharing organised to your satisfaction?
- Can residents bathe when they choose?
- When you are shown a room, do staff ask the resident's permission (Residents should be allowed to deny access to their room to strangers)
- Do all the rooms look the same?
- Are the communal sitting rooms large enough? Does the seating arrangement look as if it encourages residents to talk to each other?
- Is the home clean and free of smells?
- Is there a variety of activities available e.g. music programmes, games, outings?
- Is sufficient medical help available?
- Does the resident's day start and end at a reasonable hour?
- Are visitors welcome whenever, and in as large a group as they wish? Are there suitable facilities to receive them in private, if so desired?
- Are there interesting and varied meals?
- Can residents have their own doctor?
- If appropriate, can residents have control of their financial affairs?
- Does the home comply with the fire regulations? Is provision made for wheelchairs in the event of fire?
- Can residents have personal mementoes and small items of furniture in their rooms?
- Can a trial stay be arranged?
- Will a resident be able to stay if his or her mental or physical condition deteriorates? If not, are you satisfied with the home's arrangements?
- Can the home care for residents until death? Some homes require residents to go to hospital towards the end and this will need full clarification.
- Do the staff fully understand the potential resident's medical history?
- Does each resident have his or her personal care plan?
- Does the home have equipment such as hoists, lifts and specially equipped bathrooms?
- Does the home belong to any professional bodies or associations?
- Does the home provide support for the relatives?
- Does the home provide services such as hairdressing, chiropody or physiotherapy? Is there a scale of charges available?
- If a resident is seriously unhappy with the services, is there a structured Complaints Procedure?
- Are there Resident's Contracts?
- Are the fees affordable on a long term basis?
- Have you clarified how often the home increases fees?
- Is it clear exactly what is included in the weekly charges?
- Are the fees payable in advance?
- Have you checked if you or your relative will be expected to make up any difference between the fees of the home and the Local Authority contribution?
- Is a percentage of the fees payable in the case of temporary absence?
There may be other questions that you wish to ask and the home should supply answers that satisfy your every doubt or uncertainty. There should be no trace of secrecy or evasiveness if the home is being run properly.
