Visit the home’s social media sites

First of all, check out the home’s social media. Their regular posts (and hopefully videos) will give you a broader understanding of what life is like in the home. They can tell you the type and frequency of activities arranged for residents. Videos can also give you a glimpse of the home’s layout and show you how staff interact with residents.

Surprise the home when you visit

Of course, nothing beats an in-person visit when you need to choose a care home. Visiting the home is always the best way to see if it’s the place for your loved one. Also, keep in mind, you don’t have to book a visit. Surprise the home. Just turn up! They’ll give you a tour, but the assessment can begin before you even step inside.

Before you walk in

Even before you walk in, have a look around. Are the grounds and surroundings well-maintained? Is long-term parking available on-site or nearby for future visits?

Trust Your Instincts and Use your Senses

Keep your five senses in mind when you enter the home.

• Scent: is the air fresh and pleasant? If you can smell food cooking, does it smell appetising?
• Sight: Does it feel homely? Is décor tasteful and cosy?
• Sounds: Is it peaceful? Can you hear gentle music or call bells? Is an activity going on?
• Feel: Is it warm inside? How do the staff treat you and make you feel?
• Taste: were you offered a drink and maybe a biscuit?

Click here to access a helpful checklist that you can print off and take with you on your visits. That way, you will be better equipped to make the right decision for your loved one.

Give Yourself Time

What’s more, this important assessment process can be even more stressful when there are time constraints on your search. Most care seekers have roughly a month to find their loved one a care home or nursing home, but sometimes that time is reduced because of a fall or hospital visit.

Making a hasty decision has led some to pick the wrong home for their loved one. This means, the whole process above is repeated. More stress. If you can, take steps now to help your loved one and your whole family be a part of the care seeking journey. For more information on broaching the subject of care with an elderly relative, read our blog on how to have the care home conversation with a loved one. For more information on where to start your care seeking journey, visit our website.