When you have gathered together a list of the care homes that meet your initial criteria then telephone each home to obtain more information. Ask to speak to the home's manager. Here are some suggestion as to the sort of questions you should be asking.
Admission Criteria
Do you need a referral to be admitted to the home?
What is the admission process?
Are there any specific admission criteria to the home?
What levels of care are provided at the home?
Costs
Is a deposit required?
What is the fee per week?
How is the fee level for each care-package assessed?
How often can the fees change? How much notice is given to the client?
What services are included in the basic fee?
What services are considered extra to the care-package and what do they cost?
Are there any hidden cost?
Making visits to care homes
Once you have spoken to the home's care manager, you are ready to make your first series of visits. Be sure to talk to staff and residents during your visits. Ask a lot of questions and trust your own feelings about the places that you visit.
Meals
Are meals eaten in a dining room?
Is the dining room attractive, clean and welcoming?
What are the mealtimes
Can family members eat with the resident?
What is the cost for an additional meal?
Does mealtime seem pleasant for residents?
Are there well-balanced, varied and tasty meals served?
Are the meals attractively served?
Can special diets be catered for? Is there an additional cost?
Is a tray available if the resident can't get to the dining room?
Policies
Is a Service Users Guide available?
Are pets allowed? If so, what kinds?
Is smoking allowed? If so, where?
Can a resident bring furniture and other personal possessions
In the case of a temporary absence, will the resident's room be available on their return?
Are there any restrictions on visiting? Is a guest room available for overnight stays?
Under what circumstances would a resident be asked or forced to move? How much notice is given? What about fee refunds?
What is the home's complaints procedure?
Physical Environment
What are the sizes of the rooms? Are there different options available?
Is there adequate storage space?
Is there adequate ventilation, heating and lighting?
Are both single and shared rooms available?
Is the entire home accessible for residents using canes, walking frames or wheelchairs?
What kind of security and medical emergency systems are in place?
To what extent does the home assume responsibility for personal safety and the security of personal belongings?
Is the Certificate of Registration on Display?
Is the home's most recent inspection report available
Staff
Who are the primary staff members?
How many staff are employed in the home? What are their responsibilities?
Who would be your primary contact person for questions or concerns?
What standards are in place regarding staff qualifications and experience?
What is the staff turnover rate?
What staff ratios are in operation?
Do the staff seem open, friendly, professional about the residents and the home? Do they seem to enjoy their work?
Do staff knock before entering rooms?
Is every call bell answered promptly?
Activities and Social Care
What social, therapeutic, recreational and spiritual activities are available to residents?
Do residents and family members have access to a schedule of activities? Are there any additional costs?
How are families involved?
How does the home communicate with residents and their family members?
Is there a residents' forum or other organised means for gaining input from residents?
Transport
What types of transportation are available for the residents? Is there an additional charge for these services?
Are staff available for hospital escorting residents to hospital or medical appointments? Is there an additional charge for this service?
Care Home Vacancies 