Questions to Ask Care Home Providers

Selecting a care home is a significant decision, and asking the right questions can make all the difference. This guide provides essential questions to consider when evaluating care homes, empowering you to make an informed choice for yourself or a loved one.

By exploring key areas such as the home’s environment, staff qualifications, care services, and resident well-being, you can ensure that the chosen care home aligns with your specific needs and preferences.

Care Quality and Approach

Understanding a care home’s approach to care delivery is essential. Quality care should be person-centred, maintaining dignity while meeting individual needs. At Lidder Care, we believe in transparent communication about our care practices and welcome questions about our approach.

Questions to Ask:

• What is your staff-to-resident ratio during day and night?
• How do you assess and plan individual care needs?
• How often are care plans reviewed and updated?
• How do you handle medical emergencies?
• What training do your staff receive?
• How do you manage complex care needs?
• What is your approach to end-of-life care?
• How do you monitor and maintain care standards?

Daily Life and Activities

The quality of daily life significantly impacts resident wellbeing. Understanding how the home supports both structured activities and personal interests helps ensure a fulfilling lifestyle.

Questions to Ask:

• What regular activities do you offer?
• How do you cater to individual interests and hobbies?
• Can residents help with daily tasks if they wish?
• How do you celebrate special occasions?
• What outdoor activities are available?
• Are there regular outings or day trips?
• How do you support residents to maintain their independence?
• What entertainment do you provide?

Accommodation and Facilities

The physical environment plays a crucial role in comfort and wellbeing. Understanding the available facilities helps you picture daily life in the home.

Questions to Ask:

• Can residents bring their own furniture?
• Are there private spaces for family visits?
• What communal areas are available?
• Are there secure outdoor spaces?
• What security measures are in place?
• Is there WiFi throughout the building?
• Can residents have phones in their rooms?
• Are there en-suite facilities?

Meals and Nutrition

Good nutrition is essential for health and wellbeing. Understanding how meals are managed helps ensure dietary needs will be met.

Questions to Ask:

• How do you cater for special diets?
• Can residents eat in their rooms if preferred?
• What are meal times?
• Are snacks available between meals?
• How do you monitor nutrition?
• Can families join for meals?
• How often does the menu change?
• What happens if someone doesn’t like the meal options?

Family Involvement and Visiting

Maintaining family connections is vital for resident wellbeing. Understanding visiting policies and family involvement helps maintain these important relationships.

Questions to Ask:

• What are the visiting hours?
• Can families stay for meals?
• How do you involve families in care planning?
• How do you communicate with families?
• Can families participate in activities?
• Are there private spaces for family visits?
• How do you handle family concerns?
• What support do you offer to families?

Health Management

Understanding how the home manages health needs and coordinates with healthcare providers is essential for ongoing wellbeing.

Questions to Ask:

• How do you manage medications?
• Which healthcare professionals visit regularly?
• How do you handle medical appointments?
• What happens if someone becomes ill?
• How do you monitor residents’ health?
• What is your relationship with local GPs?
• How do you handle emergency situations?
• What specialist equipment is available?

Staff and Training

The quality of care often depends on the staff providing it. Understanding staffing arrangements helps ensure confidence in care delivery.

Questions to Ask:

• What qualifications do your staff have?
• How do you select and screen staff?
• What ongoing training is provided?
• Do you use agency staff?
• How long have your key staff been with you?
• Who manages the home day-to-day?
• What specialist training do staff receive?
• How do you ensure staff continuity?

Costs and Contracts

Clear understanding of financial arrangements helps avoid future complications.

Questions to Ask:

• What’s included in the basic fee?
• What additional costs might arise?
• How often do fees increase?
• What notice periods apply?
• What happens if funding runs out?
• Are there any upfront fees?
• How are fees calculated?
• What insurance is in place?

Moving In and Settling

Understanding the admission process helps ensure a smooth transition into care home life.

Questions to Ask:

• How do you help new residents settle in?
• Can we have a trial period?
• What should we bring?
• How do you assess new residents?
• What support do you offer families during transition?
• How do you introduce new residents to others?
• What happens in the first few days?
• How do you handle homesickness?

At Lidder Care’s Newgate Lodge care home, we welcome all these questions and more. We believe in complete transparency and are happy to discuss any aspects of our care provision in detail. We encourage prospective residents and their families to visit us, meet our team, and experience our warm, welcoming atmosphere firsthand.

Contact us today to arrange a visit and discuss how we can meet your care needs. Our experienced team is ready to answer all your questions and help you make an informed decision about your care journey.

Remember, choosing a care home is an important decision, and there are no wrong questions. Take your time, make notes, and ensure you feel completely comfortable with all aspects of the care provision before making your choice.