Making the Right Choice
Making the right choice - Choosing a nursing or residential home
What do you need to consider when looking for a home?
Not all of the items listed below may be equally important to you. You should
ask about areas that you feel are most vital for your wellbeing. The questions
below are designed to help you as you look around a potential new home.
Is The Location Right:
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For relatives and friends to visit? |
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Does the home offer the type of bedroom you want? |
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Single or companion? |
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An en suite toilet/hand basin? |
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A nearby toilet/bathroom? |
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Space to have a chair, table, and television? |
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The opportunity to bring some of your own possessions? |
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A telephone or the possibility of having a telephone installed? |
Does The Home Have Suitable Facilities:
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A variety of communal areas - lounges, quiet rooms, dining room(s), hairdressing
salon, outside sitting areas? |
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A number of bathrooms with showers or specialist baths? |
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Lift(s) to any upper floors? |
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Wide corridors and doors? |
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Easy access for people in wheelchairs? |
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Handrails? |
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Gardens and outlooks from the lounges and bedrooms? |
Does The Atmosphere Feel Right:
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Is it welcoming when you enter? |
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Do the staff acknowledge you? |
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Can the staff be seen? |
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Are staff with the residents in the lounge areas? |
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Does the manager/matron give you confidence? |
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Do staff interact well with residents e.g. show respect, knowledge of
the residents? |
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Do the residents seem occupied, interested, and happy? |
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Are you encouraged to talk with residents/visiting relatives/staff? |
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Does the home feel homely? |
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Does the service seem acceptable? |
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Is the home odour free? |
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Is it clean? |
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Is there a menu and is there a choice everyday? |
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Is there a regular activities programme? |
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Is there a laundry service included in the weekly fee? |
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Are suitable pets welcomed? |
Does The Home Have Important Equipment Such As:
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Hoists? |
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Walking aids? |
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Wheelchairs? |
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Special mattresses? |
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Pressure cushions? |
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Furniture suitable for older people? |
Does The Home Have Written Down Policies
And Procedures Such As:
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Resident rights written down? |
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A philosophy of care? |
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A quality check? |
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A resident group? |
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A relatives group? |
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A brochure that accurately reflects the home? |
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A clear statement as to what is included in the fee and what items are
extras? |
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A contract between the home and the resident? |
Evidence Of Care Standards.
Most homes will have a copy of their latest Inspection Report. You are entitled
to view this important document. This document was historically
prepared by either the Health Authority (nursing homes) or Social Services
(residential homes) or both services (dual registered homes).
However, as of 1 April 2004, all inspections have been carried out
by and reports produced by the Commission for Social Care Inspection
(CSCI).
