10 Questions to Ask When Visiting a Care Home
You’ve whittled down care homes in Derby for your loved one and now you are ready to see them in person. While visiting care homes offers the best representation of what to expect, asking the right questions can help in making the final decision.
Knowing What to Ask a Care Home
Knowing what to ask is the first step. With over 30 years as an established care home in Breaston, Derby, we used our experience, as well as research from authoritative sources including the NHS and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to put together this blog post on key questions for care homes.
1. What Experience and Training Does Your Staff Receive?
The quality of care in any home is closely linked to the experience, training, and dedication of its staff. By finding out what qualifications and training staff members receive, and if they are given background checks before hiring, you can better understand the priorities of the care provider.
Care providers in England must ensure staff have the appropriate skills, competence and safeguarding training to protect people using their services, as outlined in the Care Act statutory guidance. Asking this will help you understand how the home invests in its team and ensures residents are supported by capable, compassionate professionals.
2. How Do You Assess Whether Someone’s Needs Can Be Met Here?
Every resident has unique care needs, which may include physical assistance, medical support, emotional needs, or specialised care such as dementia support. Before moving in, most care homes will carry out a comprehensive assessment to ensure they can provide the appropriate level of care.
Ask how this assessment works and whether family members are involved in the process. Understanding how the home evaluates needs will help you determine whether they take a personalised, person-centred approach.
It is also important to ask what happens when needs inevitably change over time. A good care home should be able to adapt care plans and increase support where necessary.
3. How Are Care Plans Created and Reviewed?
Individual care plans are essential for delivering personalised care. These plans typically outline a resident’s medical needs, personal preferences, daily routines, and any mobility or dietary requirements.
When visiting a care home, ask how care plans are developed and how often they are reviewed. Ideally, residents and their families should be involved in these discussions, so the care team fully understands preferences.
Regular reviews ensure that care remains appropriate as circumstances change, helping residents maintain the best possible quality of life.
4. What Is Your Latest CQC Rating?
In England, all registered care homes are inspected by the Care Quality Commission, which evaluates services based on five key areas: Whether they are safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led. These inspections result in ratings such as Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, or Inadequate.
Asking about the home’s most recent inspection is a great starting point. While you can read reports online, speaking with the manager during your visit can provide valuable context. If the home has received recommendations for improvement, ask how these have been addressed.
A transparent care provider will be open about inspection results and happy to discuss how they maintain high standards of care.
5. What Does a Typical Day Look Like for Residents?
Understanding daily life in the home can give you valuable insight into whether it will feel comfortable and engaging for your loved one.
Ask about daily routines, including mealtimes, activities, and social opportunities. Some homes follow structured schedules, while others allow residents more flexibility in how they spend their day.
For example, at The Firs, residents enjoy an array of activities from arts and crafts to seated exercises, live performances, group games, and outings.
While a vibrant activities programme plays a crucial role in maintaining physical health, mental stimulation, and emotional wellbeing, we believe that taking individual interests into account and providing flexibility, ensures the best quality of life.
6. How Are Medical Needs Managed?
Healthcare needs often increase with age, and it’s important that a care home has clear procedures in place for medical support.
Ask how the home coordinates with healthcare professionals such as GPs, nurses, opticians, or physiotherapists. Many care homes have established relationships with local medical services to ensure residents receive prompt care.
You may also want to ask about medication management, health monitoring, and how emergencies are handled. A well-organised system can provide reassurance that residents’ health needs will be properly met.
7. What Are the Living Arrangements Like?
When visiting a care home, take the time to look closely at the accommodation and rooms. The environment should feel safe, comfortable, and homely.
Some care homes, like The Firs, allow residents to bring personal furniture and belongings, which you can ask about. Other areas of the home such as bathrooms, should be accessible and equipped with mobility aids, and communal areas should feel welcoming and look well-maintained.
Features such as handrails and accessible bathrooms can make a significant difference to residents’ independence and safety.
8. How Do You Encourage Family Involvement?
Maintaining strong relationships with family and friends is vital for emotional wellbeing. Care homes should make it easy for loved ones to stay connected and involved.
The Care Quality Commission emphasises that care homes are residents’ homes, and people should be able to welcome visitors and maintain relationships with those close to them.
Ask about visiting hours and arrangements, and how families can stay informed about a resident’s wellbeing. Some homes provide regular updates, meetings with staff, or opportunities to participate in events and activities.
A supportive and open approach to family involvement often reflects a caring, transparent culture within the home.
9. How Do You Handle Feedback and Complaints?
Even the best care homes can encounter challenges from time to time. What matters most is how they respond to concerns.
Ask how residents and families can provide feedback, and what the complaints process looks like. Care providers are expected to have clear procedures for handling complaints and making improvements when issues arise.
Knowing that concerns will be taken seriously and addressed promptly can provide peace of mind.
10. What Are the Costs and What Do They Include?
Care home fees can vary significantly depending on the type of care required, the location, and the services provided. It is essential to fully understand the financial arrangements before making a decision.
Ask for a clear breakdown of costs, including:
- Weekly or monthly fees
- What services are included in the base price
- Additional charges for services such as hairdressing or outings
- How often fees change
Families should also review the contract carefully to ensure they understand the terms and any notice periods required.
Having transparent financial information allows you to plan effectively and avoid unexpected expenses later on.
What to Look for in Care Homes Beyond the Questions
While asking questions is important, it’s equally valuable to observe the atmosphere during your visit.
Take note of:
- How staff interact with residents
- Whether residents appear comfortable and engaged
- The cleanliness and condition of the home
- The overall atmosphere and sense of community
Sometimes these subtle details can reveal more about a care home than any brochure or website.
Making the Right Choice for Your Family
Choosing a care home shouldn’t be a quick decision. It should involve research, visiting several homes, asking detailed questions, and carefully considering what environment will best support your loved one’s wellbeing.
By asking the right questions during your visit, you can gain a deeper understanding of how each home operates and whether it aligns with your expectations.
A high-quality care home should feel welcoming, transparent, and genuinely committed to the wellbeing of its residents. When staff are open, knowledgeable, and willing to discuss every aspect of care, it’s a strong sign that the home prioritises trust and person-centred support.
Ultimately, the goal is to find a place where residents feel safe, respected, and truly at home. Got questions for us? We’re happy to answer any and all of your questions and encourage you to book a tour if you’re interested in The Firs.