Choosing a care home is one of the hardest decisions
Moving a parent or loved one into a care home is emotional, complex, and often rushed. Families frequently have to make this decision during a crisis — after a fall, a hospital admission, or a sudden deterioration. Having a clear set of questions helps you evaluate options even when you're stressed and time-pressured.
Before the visit
- Check the CQC (Care Quality Commission) rating online — look at the latest inspection report and any conditions
- Understand the type of care offered: residential, nursing, dementia, or dual-registered
- Confirm fees upfront — what's included, what's extra (hairdressing, outings, laundry)
- Ask about availability and waiting lists
Questions about staffing
- What is the staff-to-resident ratio during the day? At night?
- Are there qualified nurses on site at all times? (Essential for nursing homes)
- What's the staff turnover rate? (High turnover means less consistency for residents)
- How are staff trained in dementia care, moving and handling, and safeguarding?
- Is there a named key worker for each resident?
Questions about daily life
- What does a typical day look like for a resident?
- What activities are available? How often?
- Can residents choose when to get up and go to bed?
- What are the meal options? Can dietary needs be accommodated?
- Can residents bring personal furniture and belongings?
- Is there outdoor space that residents can access independently?
- What are the visiting hours? Are there restrictions?
Questions about medical care
- How are medications managed and administered?
- Is there access to GP, dentist, optician, and chiropodist?
- What happens if a resident becomes unwell? When would they call an ambulance vs. manage in-house?
- How are hospital appointments handled?
Questions about safeguarding and complaints
- What is the complaints procedure?
- How many complaints have been made in the last year, and what were they about?
- How does the home prevent and respond to safeguarding concerns?
- Can family members access the care plan?
Questions about end-of-life care
- Does the home provide end-of-life care, or would a resident need to move?
- Do staff have training in palliative and end-of-life care?
- Is there access to a palliative care team or hospice liaison?
- How are family members supported during this time?
Trust your instincts
Numbers and ratings matter, but so does the feeling you get when you walk through the door. Does it smell clean? Do staff interact warmly with residents? Do residents look comfortable and engaged? Is there laughter?
Visit at different times of day if you can. A care home that looks great at 10am may feel very different at 6pm.