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Choosing the Right Care Home: A Step-by-Step Guide

  • Nov 20, 2023
  • 4 min read

Updated: Jul 1

Finding the right care home for yourself or a loved one is one of the most significant decisions you can make. The process can feel rushed and emotionally heavy.


Each care home and nursing home is unique. The best one is the one that meets the specific personal, medical, and social needs of the individual.


This guide is intended to support you with the selection process. There is information to help you to ask the right questions and capture the details that matter to you. We also share some useful resources to help you choose the best care home for you.


Portsdown View Care Home, Bedhampton
Portsdown View Care Home, Bedhampton

Stage 1: Initial Research and Creating a Shortlist


Before you visit any homes, some desk research can save you significant time and effort.


1. Define Your Needs


First, clarify the level of care required.


  • Residential Care: For individuals who need support with daily tasks like washing, dressing, and meals, but do not have specific nursing requirements.


  • Nursing Care: For people who require 24-hour medical care from qualified nurses, perhaps due to complex health conditions, disabilities, or post-operative needs.

    Consider not only current needs but also potential future requirements.


A home that can adapt to changing health needs can prevent the distress of moving again later.



2. Locate Potential Homes


Use online resources to build a list of potential homes in your desired area. Good places to start are:


  • The Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England, or its equivalents in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.


  • The NHS website provides a directory of care homes with nursing services.


  • Your local council's adult social services department can provide a list of homes.



3. Do Your Homework


For each home on your list, take the following steps:


  • Read the latest CQC report. This provides an independent and detailed assessment of the home's safety, effectiveness, and leadership. Look for the overall rating (Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, or Inadequate).


  • Review the home's website and brochure. This will give you a feel for their philosophy, the facilities they offer, and their weekly fees.


  • Call the home. Speak to the manager to get a feel for their approach, ask about current vacancies, and understand their waiting list process if they are full.



Stage 2: The Visit – What to Observe


Visiting a care home is the most critical step. Trust your instincts and pay close attention to the atmosphere. If possible, plan to visit more than once at different times of the day.


First Impressions


  • The Atmosphere: Does the home feel warm and inviting from the moment you walk in? Is it clean, well-lit, and at a comfortable temperature?


  • The Staff: Are you greeted warmly? Do staff members appear friendly, professional, and unhurried? Observe how they interact with residents—do they show respect, kindness, and genuine interest?


  • The Residents: Do the residents seem happy, calm, and engaged? Look for signs of social interaction in the common areas.


The Physical Environment


  • Bedrooms: Are the rooms clean and personalised? Can residents bring their own furniture and belongings to make the space their own? Are there options for private or shared rooms, and en-suite bathrooms?


  • Common Areas & Grounds: Are the lounges, dining areas, and gardens well-maintained, accessible, and comfortable? Are there quiet spaces for residents to relax or see visitors privately?


  • Accessibility: Is the home easy to navigate for those with mobility issues, with features like ramps, handrails, and lifts?



Stage 3: Key Questions for the Home Manager


During your visit, you will have the opportunity to ask detailed questions. Here are the most important areas to cover.


Care and Staffing


  • What is the ratio of staff to residents during the day and at night?

  • What training and specialisations do your staff have, particularly in areas like dementia or palliative care?

  • How do you assess a new resident's needs and create a personal care plan?

  • How are families involved in care planning decisions?

  • How do you manage changing health needs?

  • Is there a dedicated staff member (key worker) assigned to each resident?


Daily Life and Activities


  • How much control do residents have over their daily routine (e.g., waking up, meal times)?


  • What is the dining experience like? Can you see a sample menu? How are special dietary needs catered for?


  • Is there a dedicated activities coordinator? What kind of activities, hobbies, and outings are regularly offered?


  • What is the policy on visitors? Are there set visiting hours, or are friends and family welcome at any time?


Contracts and Fees


  • Could you provide a full breakdown of the fees? What is included, and what costs extra (e.g., hairdressing, newspapers, toiletries)?


  • How and when are fees reviewed?


  • Can we see a copy of your contract and terms of service?


  • What is the notice period if the resident wishes to leave?


Communication and Feedback


  • How do you keep families updated on their loved one's well-being?


  • What is the process for raising a concern or making a complaint?


  • How do you gather feedback from residents and their families?



Stage 4: Making the Final Decision


After your visits, take some time to review your notes and reflect.


  • Compare the homes against your initial list of needs and priorities.


  • Consider a second visit, perhaps during a mealtime or an activity, to get a different perspective.


  • Talk to residents and their families if you have the chance. They can offer invaluable, firsthand insight.


  • Trust your gut feeling. The best choice is often the place where you or your loved one felt most comfortable and at ease.


This is a significant decision, but by being thorough and thoughtful, you can find a care home that provides excellent care and a high quality of life.


Useful Resources


  • CareHome.co.uk: the most popular ranking service of care and nursing homes in the UK


  • Lottie: a newer ranking service for care and nursing homes


  • Care Quality Commission (CQC): For independent inspection reports on all care homes in England


  • Age UK: Offers free, independent advice on choosing a care home and understanding your options


  • NHS Website: Provides a directory of care homes and information on funding and assessments


  • Food Standards Agency: Check the food hygiene rating of the care home's kitchen



Get in touch


If you are would like a tour of St Annes Nursing Home or an informal discussion with our manager, please call or email us and we'd be happy to help you:



Phone: 02380 585 032


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