Questions to Ask When Visiting a Care Home

If you are moving into a care home, or helping a loved one, it's always important to visit the residence first. Immersing yourself in residents' day-to-day lives will help you decide whether it is the right fit for you.

While there, you should ask the carers plenty of questions. It can be helpful to bring along a list of things you’d like to find out. Take some time to consider what is most important to you based on your interests, preferred lifestyle and needs.

At KYN, we encourage prospective residents to visit our homes to experience what life here is like. In this guide, we'll share some of the most important questions to ask when choosing a care home.

Questions about Care

The first thing to establish is whether the care home is able to meet your needs. These are some of the most important questions to ask when looking for a care home. For example:

• Is the care home dual-registered (meaning it can provide nursing care)?
• Is the home registered to meet specialised care needs (e.g. physical disabilities, sensory impairments or dementia)?
• Do all staff have relevant care qualifications and training?
• How are residents' care plans tailored to their specific needs?
• Does the home offer holistic care, taking into account mental and spiritual wellbeing as well as physical health?
• How are residents, and their families, involved in making decisions about their care and life within the home?
• How do carers support residents’ independence and dignity?
• Can I stay registered with my current GP, or is there a GP linked to the home?
• Does the home offer palliative or end-of-life care?
• Will there be a specific member of staff who will be primarily responsible for my care?
• What is the ratio of carers to residents?
• How are complaints and incidents dealt with?
• What was the result of the home’s most recent CQC inspection?

The types of things you ask will largely depend on your own needs and abilities. If you have any specific health conditions, ensure the home is adequately equipped to provide the help you need.

Questions about Daily Life

Next, you can ask questions about every aspect of day-to-day living, from recreational activities to mealtimes. This will help give you a realistic picture about what it would be like to live there. Some key daily life questions to ask at a care home include:

• Do residents have a say in their routine? For example, can I choose what time to get up, how I spend my time and when to go to bed?
• How will carers help me with my daily activities, such as bathing and getting dressed?
• Would I have my own en-suite bathroom?
• What kind of food is served? Is it made on-site with fresh ingredients? What are the choices, and can I eat at any time I choose? Are there choices regarding dining areas?
• Can the care home cater for my dietary requirements and preferences?
• Are residents allowed to bring in outside food?
• What kinds of organised educational, cultural and social activities do you offer?
• Is there a designated activities coordinator?
• Do residents have opportunities to go on outings and day trips?
• Are residents free to enjoy the grounds and gardens at their leisure?
• Are there communal areas for residents to relax and socialise?
• What additional facilities are there (e.g. a spa, salon or games room)?

Think about what aspects of life matter to you most, and tailor your questions accordingly. For example, if you enjoy reading, you might ask whether there is a library (or opportunities to visit one).

Questions about Visitors

Good care homes should always encourage residents' family and friends to visit often and remain an important part of your life. Here are some examples of questions to ask a care home manager about their visitation policy.

• Can friends and family visit the home anytime, or are there set visiting hours?
• Are there any restrictions on the number of visitors I can have at once?
• Can visitors stay for as long as they like?
• Are pets (e.g. dogs) allowed to visit the home?
• What do they do to help residents' loved ones feel welcome?
• Are visitors encouraged to stay for lunch or dinner and can I entertain them privately?
• Can my friends and family join in with organised activities and classes?
• Can residents go out with family and friends whenever they like?
• What security measures are in place (e.g. CCTV, coronavirus measures) to keep everyone safe?

Spending time with your loved ones is crucial, both for your wellbeing and theirs. Make sure that the care home you're considering can accommodate your needs in this regard.

Questions about Moving In

If the care home feels like a good match for you, it’s time to ask about the moving in process. This includes enquiring about the fee structure and other important terms and conditions. For example:

• What are the weekly/monthly fees? What do these cover?
• How will my care needs and preferences be assessed and how will I be involved in this?
• Are there additional services which will cost extra (e.g. hairdressing)?
• How often are the fees reviewed?
• Can I stay at the home for a respite break before deciding whether to move in permanently?
• Are there any current vacancies, or is there a waiting list?
• When would be the earliest date I could move in?
• Is a deposit required to reserve a room?
• Are the bedrooms furnished?
• What kinds of personal possessions can I bring with me?
• Does the care home have insurance which would protect my valuables?
• Does the home offer any help with moving in, such as providing transport?
• If I decide to move out, how much notice do I have to give?
• Can I see a copy of the full contract?

If this is a nursing home or dual-registered home, check whether the fee structure accounts for NHS-funded nursing care. This is a type of government support which may cover the nursing component of your care home fees.

Become a KYN Resident

At KYN, we are passionate about enriching the mind, body and spirit of our residents. We truly get to know each individual who stays with us, treating their mental and physical health as a whole. Our unique household system helps to foster relationships between like-minded residents and carers, creating an environment that truly feels like home.

Every KYN resident has the opportunity to personalise their daily routine and take part in a wealth of social, cultural and intellectual activities. Our care homes are beautiful, relaxing spaces, with landscaped gardens perfect for soaking up the beauty of nature.

If you are interested in becoming a KYN resident, enquire today to request a brochure or visit. You can also call us on +44 (0) 20 3535 1923 or email enquiries@kyn.co.uk.