What Questions Should You Ask When Visiting a Care Home?
Visiting a care home for the first time can bring a lot of thoughts and questions. You may be wondering whether your loved one would feel comfortable there, how they would be cared for and whether it is somewhere they could truly feel at home.
It can also be difficult to know what to ask. With so much to take in during a visit, from meeting the care team to looking around the bedrooms and communal spaces, it’s easy to leave and realise there were things you meant to discuss.
Preparing some questions beforehand can help you make the most of your visit. It can also give you a clearer picture of what everyday life could be like for your loved one and whether the care home is right for their individual needs.
Does the Care Home Provide the Right Type of Care?
One of the first things to consider is whether the home can provide the level and type of care your loved one needs, both now and as their circumstances may change in the future.
Before visiting, it can be helpful to think about the support they currently need with everyday life. This might include help with personal care, mobility or medication, as well as more specialist support for conditions such as dementia.
Care homes may have varying approaches to a new resident’s individual care needs, personalised care plans and how they are reviewed as time goes on. Ask about how families are involved in the creation of care plans and decisions in the future of care.
What Is Everyday Life Like in the Care Home?
A care home is not simply somewhere your loved one receives support. It will also become their home, so it is important to understand what an ordinary day looks like.
While looking around, take time to notice how residents are spending their time. Find out if there are opportunities to socialise, pursue hobbies, spend time quietly or get involved in activities if they choose. Some people may want to stay connected to the local community, so asking about outings and travel could help.
Each resident’s preferences should be considered in daily life at the care home, and it’s important there’s a variety of options to suit each lifestyle.
Will My Loved One Feel Comfortable in Their New Surroundings?
The first impression of a care home can tell you a lot, but it is worth taking time to look beyond the décor and facilities. Amenities like a salon, cinema or sensory room can add an special touch to daily life.
Think about where your loved one would spend their time each day. See whether they would have a private space where they can relax, as well as welcoming, accessible communal areas where they could spend time with others. Ask about outdoor spaces and if the gardens have seating areas to enjoy in the fair weather.
Many care homes also allow rooms to be made to feel familiar with personal belongings and photographs, so you could find out whether your loved one can bring their favourite items when moving in.
What Are the Care Team Like?
For many families, meeting the people who will be caring for their loved one is one of the most important parts of a care home visit.
Take the opportunity to speak with the manager and care team. You may also notice how staff interact with residents as you look around. Listen to whether conversations feel respectful and natural, and if the staff appear to know the residents as individuals.
Try to speak to managers, staff and residents when visiting a care home. Taking a relative or close friend with you can also be helpful, so you can compare your impressions after the visit.
What Are Mealtimes Like?
Mealtimes can be an important part of everyday life, particularly for someone who enjoys the social side of sitting down to eat with others.
When visiting a care home, ask about the food but also think about the wider dining experience. Ask if there is a choice of meals, how dietary requirements and personal preferences are considered, and if family and friends can join residents for special occasions.
How Will My Loved One Stay Connected to Family and Friends?
Moving into a care home does not mean a loved one has to lose contact with the people who are important to them.
You may want to understand how visiting works and whether there are comfortable spaces where you can spend time together. It can also be useful to ask about family involvement in activities, celebrations and other parts of life at the home.
Consider asking about visiting times and if there’s a particular process for visiting notice. Care homes should also be able to tell you how families are kept informed of their loved one’s wellbeing, care and any events or activities they’ve been involved in.
What Practical Questions Should You Ask?
There are also practical details that can be easier to discuss while you are visiting. These may not be the first things you think about when looking around the home, but having a clear understanding of them can help you compare your options later.
You could ask about:
- What is included in the weekly care fees?
- Are there any additional charges we should be aware of?
- How are medical appointments and healthcare needs supported?
- What happens if our loved one's needs change?
- How does moving into the care home work?
It can also be useful to research the home's latest CQC inspection report before or after your visit. These questions do not need to be asked all at once. A good care home visit should give you time to take things in and ask about the areas that matter most to your family.
Trust Your First Impressions, but Take Time to Think
After visiting a care home, you may have a strong feeling about whether it could be right for your loved one. You may also need more time to think about what you have seen and discuss it with your family.
Consider how the home felt during your visit. Could you imagine your loved one living there? Did the care team take time to understand their needs? Were there opportunities for them to continue enjoying the things that matter to them?
There is no need to make a decision immediately. Visiting more than one care home and taking someone with you can help you compare different homes and talk through what you noticed.
The right choice will depend on your loved one's individual care needs, personality, interests and the environment where they are most likely to feel comfortable and supported.
Frequently Asked Questions Before Touring a Care Home
Should I take my loved one with me when visiting a care home?
Where possible, involving your loved one in visiting care homes can help them understand the options available and share their own thoughts about what feels right. However, every situation is different, and this may not always be practical. You can also discuss the visit with them before and after, and consider the things that are most important to their comfort, routines and care needs.
How many care homes should I visit before making a decision?
There is no set number of care homes you need to visit. Seeing more than one home can help you compare the care, environment and facilities available, but the most important thing is finding a home that feels suitable for your loved one's individual needs. Taking notes after each visit can make it easier to compare your thoughts later.
Can I visit a care home more than once before deciding?
You can ask the care home whether you can arrange another visit before making a decision. A second visit may give you an opportunity to see things you missed the first time, ask further questions or bring another family member with you. It can also help you gain a clearer picture of whether the home feels like the right place for your loved one.
Visit Kiwi House Care Home in Derby
Choosing a care home for someone you love can feel like a significant responsibility, and it is natural to have questions before making a decision.
A visit gives you the opportunity to explore the home, meet the team and see what everyday life could be like for your loved one. At Kiwi House Care Home in Alvaston, families can discuss their loved one's individual needs, explore the facilities and learn more about the residential, dementia and respite care available.
If you are looking for a care home in Derby, arranging a tour of Kiwi House can help you take the next step at your own pace and decide whether the home feels right for your family.
