n What to look for when choosing a residential or nursing home

1. Is there a current Registration Certificate prominently displayed? 2. Is the home clean and well decorated?

Are the furnishings adequate and comfortable?

Are residents allowed to bring and use their own furniture? 3. Is there a telephone where residents can take calls in private and comfort? 4. Is the proprietor or manager available at all reasonable times? 5. Are the bedrooms pleasant and properly equipped?

Are they spacious?

How far is it from bedroom to the nearest bathroom and/or WC?

Can residents choose to bath or shower?

Can residents lock the doors to their rooms? 6. Are rooms such as lounge and dining room pleasantly furnished?

Are there rooms available with radio or television for people to sit quietly if they wish?

Are there smoking and non-smoking areas? 7. Are wheelchairs, walking frames and other mobility aids readily available?

Is there easy access for their use throughout the home, for example lifts if appropriate? 8. Do residents have access to a garden or other private outdoor area with or without benefit of seating and tables?

Are there any steps in or around the home? 9. Is the home near to family and friends? 10. Is it convenient for shops and public transport? 11. What are the surroundings like?

1. Were you made welcome on arrival?

Is there a fresh and welcoming atmosphere?

Does it seem a happy place? 2. Are residents treated with respect, consideration and affection?

Do they have a degree of privacy if they wish it? 3. Are residents allowed to choose where to be and what to do?

Are there any restrictions on visiting times for family, friends and other guests?

Can visitors stay overnight?

Are between meals refreshments readily available to residents and/or their guests?

Can you choose what time to get up and go to bed? 4. Do residents enjoy the benefit of visits from hairdresser, chiropodist, dentist, physiotherapist and

other support agencies? 5. Are trips and excursions arranged for those able to enjoy them? 6. Are you satisfied with arrangements for spiritual needs? 7. Is the food wholesome, varied and interesting?

Have you been provided with copies of typical menus?

Can your diet be catered for? 8. Are drugs and medicines adequately stored and their issue supervised?

Can you have a choice of GP? 9. Does the home provide a brochure accurately describing its facilities, services, aims and objectives? 10. Will you be offered a formal and comprehensive contract of residence which allows, among other things, for a one month assessment before financial commitment and which makes provision for the continuation of care should a move of home become necessary following a change in physical or mental state? Note how much notice is required on either side to cancel the contract. 11. Are hobbies and activities catered for and encouraged?

1. Do the staff appear to have a caring attitude towards residents? 2. Does the staff duty rota provide continuous 24-hour cover by competent staff? 3. Does the home operate a standard procedure to assess the care needs of the potential resident? 4. Is information on residents stored confidentially? 5. Were you permitted/encouraged to talk in private to existing residents to seek their views on the suitability of the home?

Do the residents look happy and well cared for? 6. Does the home make provision for short-term accommodation for relatives of seriously ill residents?

1. Can you afford the fees on a long term basis? 2. How often does the home increase the fees?

Will you be able to afford regular increases?

Will you have to move if you can’t? 3. Are the fees payable in advance? If so, is there a refund if you leave? 4. What do the fees include?

Is there an extra charge for:- laundry, hairdressing, chiropody, extra care, incontinence pads and sheets, newspapers, toiletries, physiotherapy? 5. What proportion of the fees are payable in the case of temporary absence (such as holidays or hospital admission)?