Essential Questions to Ask When Visiting Care Homes: Complete Checklist 2025

Visiting care homes is a crucial step in choosing the right place for your loved one. But what should you ask? This comprehensive guide provides 60+ essential questions organized by category to help you evaluate care homes across Cheltenham, Gloucester, and the Cotswolds effectively.

Before Your Visit

Print This Checklist:
Bring a notebook or use your phone to record answers. Visit with a family member or friend - two perspectives are better than one.

Best Visiting Times:
- Mealtimes (12-2pm, 5-7pm): Observe food quality and dining atmosphere
- Activity times (10-11am, 2-4pm): See engagement and stimulation
- Unannounced visits: See normal operations (second or third visit)

Questions About Care Quality

Daily Care and Support

1. "What is your staff-to-resident ratio during the day and night?"
- Good daytime: 1:6 or better
- Good nighttime: 1:10 or better
- Ask specifically about your loved one's required care level

2. "How do you assess care needs when someone moves in?"
- Pre-admission assessment process
- Care plan development timeline
- Family involvement in planning
- Review frequency

3. "How often are care plans reviewed and updated?"
- Minimum quarterly reviews
- More frequent if needs change
- Family invited to participate
- Resident input included

4. "What happens if care needs increase significantly?"
- At what point can they no longer provide care?
- How much notice would we receive?
- Help with transition to higher care level?

5. "How do you support residents with dementia?"
- Staff training specific to dementia care
- Approaches used (validation, reminiscence, etc.)
- Secure outdoor space available
- Specialist activities

6. "How do you manage challenging behavior?"
- Approach to distress and agitation
- Use of medication vs. non-pharmacological approaches
- Staff training in dementia behavior
- Family communication

7. "How do you maintain dignity during personal care?"
- Privacy during bathing and toileting
- Choice of same-gender carers
- Preserving independence where possible
- Respectful communication

Staffing

8. "What qualifications do your care staff have?"
- NVQ Level 2 minimum expected
- Percentage with NVQ Level 3+
- Registered nurses on staff (nursing homes)
- Specialized training (dementia, end-of-life, etc.)

9. "What is your staff turnover rate?"
- Below 30% is good
- High turnover affects continuity of care
- Reasons for departures

10. "Do residents see the same care staff regularly?"
- Consistent staffing builds relationships
- How often does the team rotate?
- Named key workers assigned?

11. "How much agency staff do you use?"
- Occasional use acceptable
- Regular heavy reliance concerning
- Do agency staff receive orientation?

12. "Is the registered manager present and available?"
- Meet the manager during visit
- How accessible are they to families?
- How long have they been in post?

Questions About Daily Life

Activities and Engagement

13. "What activities are offered daily?"
- Request weekly schedule
- Mix of group and individual activities
- Stimulating and age-appropriate
- Tailored to interests

14. "How do you accommodate different interests and abilities?"
- Activities for those with limited mobility
- Options for those who prefer quiet
- Cultural and religious activities
- Men's activities specifically

15. "Do you arrange outings and entertainment?"
- Shopping trips
- Scenic drives
- Garden center visits
- Visiting entertainers
- Frequency and cost

16. "How do you support residents who prefer solitude?"
- Respect for introverts
- Quiet spaces available
- No pressure to join activities

17. "Is there access to outdoor space?"
- Garden accessible year-round
- Seating areas
- Secure for dementia residents
- Gardening opportunities

Food and Dining

18. "Can I see this week's menu?"
- Variety and balance
- Home-cooked or pre-prepared?
- Looks appealing and nutritious

19. "What choices are available at each meal?"
- Minimum two main courses
- Vegetarian options daily
- Cultural and religious diets catered for
- Preferences accommodated

20. "Can I observe or join a mealtime?"
- Atmosphere during dining
- Assistance provided as needed
- Residents given adequate time
- Dignity maintained

21. "How do you support residents with eating difficulties?"
- Trained staff for feeding assistance
- Adapted utensils and crockery
- Pureed/softened food options
- Hydration monitoring

22. "Are snacks and drinks available 24/7?"
- Tea/coffee whenever wanted
- Snacks between meals
- Nighttime refreshments
- Alcohol policy (if relevant)

23. "Can residents eat in their rooms if preferred?"
- Flexibility for those who wish privacy
- Not isolated if they don't want to be

Accommodation

24. "Can I see the specific room available?"
- Not just "a typical room" - see the actual room
- Condition and cleanliness
- Size and layout
- Natural light

25. "What furniture and belongings can residents bring?"
- Favorite chair or small furniture items
- Photos, artwork, ornaments
- TV, radio, personal electronics
- Storage available

26. "Are rooms ensuite or shared facilities?"
- Ensuite preferred for dignity
- If shared, how many share?
- Adapted for disabilities?

27. "Can couples share a room?"
- Double rooms available
- Pricing for couples
- What if one requires more care than the other?

28. "How do you maintain privacy and dignity?"
- Knock before entering policy
- Curtains/screens during personal care
- Lockable storage for valuables
- Respect for personal space

Questions About Health and Medical Care

Healthcare Services

29. "How do residents access GP services?"
- GP visits to home or residents travel?
- Frequency of routine health reviews
- How are appointments arranged?

30. "What happens in a medical emergency?"
- Staff trained in first aid and CPR?
- Ambulance calling protocols
- Family notification procedures
- Hospital liaison

31. "How are medications managed?"
- Qualified staff administering meds
- Medication audit systems
- Error reporting and learning
- Medication reviews

32. "What other healthcare professionals visit?"
- Dentist, optician, chiropodist
- Physiotherapist, occupational therapist
- Speech and language therapist
- Mental health support

33. "How do you support end-of-life care?"
- Experience with palliative care
- Relationships with hospice services
- Family accommodation overnight
- Sensitive, dignified approach

Questions About Communication and Family Involvement

Staying Connected

34. "What are the visiting hours?"
- Unrestricted is gold standard
- Flexibility for working families
- Ability to visit during mealtimes

35. "Can family members stay overnight?"
- Guest accommodation available?
- During illness or end-of-life
- Any charges?

36. "How do you keep families informed?"
- Regular updates on wellbeing
- How are concerns or changes communicated?
- Frequency of communication
- Preferred methods (phone, email, app)

37. "Can families be involved in care?"
- Help with meals if desired
- Accompany to appointments
- Participate in activities
- Respected as care partners

38. "Do you have family meetings or events?"
- Residents' family committee
- Social events for families
- Opportunity to meet other families
- Christmas and special occasions

39. "How do you handle complaints?"
- Clear complaints procedure
- How quickly are they addressed?
- Can you see your complaints log?
- Learning from feedback

Questions About Costs and Contracts

Financial Matters

40. "What exactly is included in the weekly fee?"
- Personal care
- Nursing care (if applicable)
- All meals and snacks
- Activities and entertainment
- Laundry
- Toiletries and continence products
- What ISN'T included?

41. "What additional costs should I expect?"
- Hairdressing
- Chiropody
- Newspapers
- Outings
- Private physiotherapy
- Any other extras

42. "How often do fees increase?"
- Frequency (annual typical)
- Average increase percentage
- How much notice given
- Is it written in contract?

43. "What is the notice period if we want to leave?"
- Typically 4-8 weeks
- Do we pay for notice period even if room is empty?
- Any circumstances with shorter notice?

44. "What happens if we run out of money?"
- Do you accept council-funded residents?
- Would you help us apply for funding?
- Would they need to move?

45. "Do you accept top-up fees?"
- If council funding doesn't cover full cost
- Who can pay the top-up?
- What if top-up payer can't continue?

46. "Can I see a sample contract before deciding?"
- Review terms carefully
- Seek legal advice if needed
- Understand all clauses

Trial Periods

47. "Do you offer respite or trial stays?"
- Short-term stay before committing
- Cost per day
- Same room and care standards
- Minimum/maximum duration

Questions About Facilities and Environment

Safety and Security

48. "How do you ensure residents' safety?"
- Call bell systems
- Response time monitoring
- Staff visibility
- Risk assessments
- Falls prevention

49. "What security measures are in place?"
- Entrance security
- Visitor signing in
- Prevention of wandering (dementia)
- CCTV (where and why?)
- Safeguarding of belongings

50. "How do you prevent and manage infection?"
- Infection control procedures
- Recent outbreaks and handling
- COVID-19 policies
- Isolation facilities if needed

General Facilities

51. "What communal areas are available?"
- Lounges (more than one type?)
- Dining room(s)
- Activities room
- Quiet room
- Smoking area (if relevant)

52. "Is there a hairdressing salon?"
- On-site salon
- Visiting hairdresser
- Frequency and cost

53. "Can residents bring pets or are there resident pets?"
- Pet visiting policy
- Animals in the home (therapy pets?)

54. "Is there Wi-Fi and can residents have phones/tablets in rooms?"
- Keeping connected with technology
- Help with video calls if needed

Questions About Policies and Procedures

Important Policies

55. "What is your safeguarding policy?"
- How do you protect vulnerable adults?
- Staff training in safeguarding
- Reporting procedures
- Transparency about concerns

56. "How do you respect residents' choices and independence?"
- Resident involvement in decisions
- Risk vs. independence balance
- Advance care planning
- Advocacy services

57. "What is your policy on restraint?"
- Physical or chemical restraint used?
- Only in exceptional circumstances?
- Safeguards and oversight

58. "How do you handle residents' finances?"
- If you manage personal allowances
- Audit and transparency
- Family oversight

59. "What is your alcohol policy?"
- Can residents have a drink if they wish?
- Sensible, person-centered approach?

60. "Do you support religious and cultural needs?"
- Access to faith leaders
- Dietary requirements
- Cultural celebrations
- Respect for beliefs

During Your Visit - What to Observe

Watch For These Positive Signs:

✅ Staff interactions: Warm, unhurried, respectful, calling residents by name
✅ Residents' appearance: Clean, well-dressed appropriately, hair brushed
✅ Atmosphere: Calm but not silent, sounds of conversation and activity
✅ Environment: Clean, fresh-smelling, homely not institutional
✅ Activities happening: Residents engaged, not just sitting idle
✅ Call bells: Answered promptly (within 5 minutes)
✅ Mealtimes: Pleasant, social, residents enjoying food
✅ Manager visible: Present, knows residents, engaged

Watch For These Warning Signs:

❌ Staff seeming rushed or stressed
❌ Residents looking unkempt or in nightwear midday
❌ Unpleasant odors
❌ Residents calling out for attention
❌ TV as only activity
❌ Institutional feel - all identical rooms
❌ Manager unavailable or evasive
❌ Defensive responses to questions

After Your Visit

Reflection Questions

Ask Yourself:
- Could I imagine my loved one happy here?
- Did residents look content?
- Was the atmosphere warm and welcoming?
- Did staff seem caring and capable?
- Were my questions answered honestly?
- Do I trust the manager?
- Would I feel comfortable visiting regularly?

Next Steps

1. Visit 2-3 more homes for comparison
2. Make a second visit at different time of day
3. Speak to other families if possible (with home's permission)
4. Check CQC report online
5. Request a trial stay if possible
6. Review contracts carefully
7. Make decision with your loved one if possible

Using This Checklist Effectively

Don't Feel You Must Ask Everything:
- Focus on your priorities
- Ask follow-ups based on responses
- Trust your observations as much as answers

Take Notes:
- You'll visit multiple homes - details blur
- Record first impressions
- Note any concerns

Involve Your Loved One:
- Their comfort and preferences matter most
- Observe their reactions
- Respect their wishes

Conclusion

Choosing a care home is one of the most important decisions you'll make. These questions help ensure you gather comprehensive information to compare homes effectively.

Key Takeaways:

- Visit at least 3-4 homes before deciding
- Ask about staff ratios, training, and turnover
- Observe actual care, don't just listen to promises
- Understand exactly what's included in fees
- Check CQC ratings alongside personal visits
- Trust your instincts - atmosphere matters
- Involve your loved one in the decision

Ready to start visiting?

Browse our directory of 24 CQC-registered care homes across Cheltenham, Gloucester, Cirencester, Stroud, and Tewkesbury. Filter by care type, location, and CQC rating, then contact homes to arrange visits.

Armed with these questions, you can confidently evaluate care homes and find the right place for your loved one.