Viewing homes firsthand

Once you’ve sifted through the literature, you will start to get an idea of which care homes you may like to visit. Don’t discard homes purely on the material itself. The only way to get a real feel of a care home is by paying a visit.

• Shortlist the best homes and make appointments to see the managers.
• Do your homework – take a list of questions you want answered to the visit. It will ensure specific areas get addressed.
• Take in everything – the décor, level of staff, quality of food, facilities, activities to occupy residents and how families integrate into the home.
• Go to the ‘show round’ without your loved one initially to ensure your first impressions our good before they visit.