Once you have done your homework, you will have a pretty good idea of the strengths and weaknesses of each home on your list.

Before you go any further you really need to visit the care centres or supported living accommodation. Choosing a home is an important decision – you’ll know in a few minutes if it is for you or not.

But before you make any final decisions it is useful to ask a few pertinent questions. You need to know that the home you select lives up to your expectations in reality.

Here is a list of questions which might be useful. They are intended to cover a multitude of care options. Choose the questions that are most relevant to the type of care you are looking for.

First impressions

1. Did you receive a friendly welcome?
2. Is the atmosphere friendly/happy?
3. Is the environment homely and clean?
4. Did the people you met seem happy and well supported?
5. Does the home smell fresh and clean?

Location

1. Will the home be easy to reach for your family and friends?
2. Will you have access to shops and services?
3. Does it have somewhere where you can sit outside?

Communal Areas

1. Are they clean, tidy and nicely decorated?
2. Is there a family room?
3. Is there more than one room where service users can sit?
4. Is there easy access for people with disabilities?
5. Is there space for activities and recreation?

Bedrooms

1. Did you see the room that is available?
2. Was the room bright and welcoming?
3. Can you bring your own things into your bedroom?
4. Are you allowed to personalise the front door?
5. Did the room have an ensuite facility?
6. Does each room have a call facility?
7. Did the room have a television?
8. Is there a telephone point in the room?
9. Can you use the telephone in private?
10. Is there a lockable drawer?
11. Can you change rooms if you want to?

Food

1. Are snacks available at any time?
2. Are guests offered snacks?
3. Can service users do their own cooking?
4. Is home baking available?
5. Is there a café or bar where food is available?
6. Can you eat when you want to?
7. Can they eat in their own room?
8. Are special diets catered for?
9. Are the meals nutritionally balanced?
10. Are you involved in choosing your own menus?
11. Are you consulted on likes and dislikes?
12. Are the menus displayed each day?
13. Can relatives and friends eat with you?

Activities

1. Did you see a weekly activities plan?
2. Are you encouraged to keep up your hobbies?
3. Can you continue to attend your local social groups?
4. Are special events celebrated in the home?
5. What form of exercise are you encouraged to do?
6. Does the home have access to transport?
7. Does the home have access to a library service?
8. Can you attend your chosen place of worship?
9. Are you encouraged to have your say about the running of the service?
10. Do service users have access to community services?
11. Are activities aimed at encouraging your independence?

Staff

1. Are the staff friendly and caring?
2. Do they take a pride in the home?
3. Does each person have a key worker?
4. What training do the staff receive?

Care

1. Is the home able to provide the care/support you need?
2. Will you have a personalised care plan?
3. Are relatives allowed to be involved in making any decisions?
4. Can the you still see your own doctor?
5. Can the home provide other services such as physiotherapy?
6. Can your still use your own services such as physio?
7. Does the place provide complementary therapies?
8. How will relatives be informed if you are taken ill?

General

1. Are there set visiting times or are visitors welcome at any time?
2. Can children visit?
3. Can a trial visit be arranged?
4. What is included in the fees?
5. What isn’t included in the fees?
6. Is there a waiting list?
7. What is the complaints procedure?

And finally

1. As you walked out the door, what was your lasting impression of the home?

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