Ten top tips for viewing a care home
Tip 1
Never make an appointment to view a Home just turn up, anyone can show you around. This way you can see the home as it is on a normal occasion.
Tip 2
An appointment should only be made for an assessment when you have decided that this is the type of Home you are looking for.
Tip 3
Avoid Homes that have odours.
Tip 4
Avoid Homes whose staff are not friendly and welcoming.
Tip 5
Avoid Homes whose residents appear to be bored or lacking stimulation.
Tip 6
Always check how the home did in its last Care Quality Commission inspection.
Tip 7
Ask about staff training, especially Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults training. All care staff must have regular refreshers.
Tip 8
Find out what’s on offer for residents on a day to day basis. Are activities available? What sort of food is on offer?
Tip 9
Ask to see the Service Users Guide/Statement of Purpose. This is a legal document that all Homes should have and includes a lot of information including the size of rooms, staffing and staff training.
Tip 10
Find out about the staff turnover. A care home is just that, a home, and an unusually high turnover can be disruptive to the residents of that home.