Questions to Ask When Viewing a Care Home
Topic cluster: Finding & Choosing a Care Home | Reading time: 7 min
A care home visit can feel overwhelming. You are trying to take in the atmosphere, observe staff interactions, and assess whether this could become your parent's home — often all in under an hour. Having a list of questions prepared means you leave with real information rather than a general impression.
Before the Visit: Questions to Ask When Booking
When you telephone to book a viewing, ask:
- Do you have availability now, or what is the likely waiting time?
- Are you registered for [specific care type — dementia, nursing care, etc.]?
- What is the weekly fee range, and what is and isn't included?
- Are there any additional charges I should know about?
- Can I bring my parent for a visit?
- Can I visit at mealtimes to see the food?
About the Care Your Parent Will Receive
These questions go to the heart of whether the home can meet your parent's needs:
1. How will my parent's care plan be created? A good answer involves a detailed assessment of your parent's needs, wishes, and history — with family input.
2. How often is the care plan reviewed? It should be reviewed at least every six months and after any significant change in health.
3. What is the staff-to-resident ratio during the day? And at night? There are no legally mandated ratios in England, but a ratio of around 1:5 or 1:6 during the day and 1:8 or 1:10 at night is common. If a home cannot tell you, or the numbers seem very high, that is a concern.
4. Will my parent have a key worker? A key worker is a named member of staff responsible for coordinating your parent's care and being the primary family contact. This is good practice.
5. How are medical appointments managed? Find out how the home arranges GP visits, specialist appointments, and dental and optician care.
6. What happens if my parent becomes more unwell? Can they remain here? Ask specifically whether the home can manage palliative and end-of-life care on site, or whether a move would be required.
About Staffing
7. What is your staff turnover rate? High turnover is one of the biggest warning signs in care home quality. Staff who stay understand residents and build real relationships. If the manager seems uncomfortable answering this, take note.
8. What training do staff receive? Ask about dementia training (if relevant), moving and handling, safeguarding, and first aid. Regular, ongoing training is a hallmark of a well-managed home.
9. Are agency staff used? If so, how frequently? A care home that routinely relies on agency staff struggles to provide the consistency that residents need.
10. Who is the registered manager? How long have they been in post? A stable, experienced manager is strongly associated with good outcomes.
About Daily Life
11. What does a typical day look like for residents? Listen for a balance of structure and flexibility — not a rigid programme that suits the staff more than the residents.
12. What activities are available? Ask to see the actual activities schedule, not just a list. Are activities adapted for residents with different cognitive abilities? Are outings available?
13. Can my parent choose when to get up, go to bed, and eat? Person-centred care means respecting individual preferences. Homes that force early rising or rigid mealtimes are not person-centred.
14. What are the visiting arrangements? Most good homes allow visitors at any time and do not restrict family access. Any policy that limits visiting should be questioned.
15. Can my parent bring a pet? Some homes accommodate pets — particularly cats — which can be important for some residents.
About the Food
16. Can I see a sample menu? Inspect it for variety, nutrition, and cultural sensitivity.
17. How are dietary needs and preferences accommodated? Vegetarian, halal, kosher, modified-texture — can the kitchen genuinely cater?
18. Can I visit at a mealtime? Ideally yes — mealtimes reveal a great deal about a home's approach to care.
About Finances and Contracts
19. What exactly is included in the weekly fee? Get a written breakdown. Common extras that are NOT included: hairdressing, chiropody, newspapers, personal toiletries, outings, and some therapies.
20. How are fee increases handled? Ask about the notice period for fee rises and how they are communicated.
21. Is there a top-up arrangement? If your parent is council-funded and the home charges above the council's rate, who pays the top-up? Make sure this is clearly documented in the contract.
22. What is the notice period if we need to leave? And conversely, on what grounds can the home ask your parent to leave?
During the Visit: What to Observe
Beyond questions, observe what you see and feel:
| What to notice | Positive sign | Concern |
|---|---|---|
| Smell of the home | Fresh, clean | Urine, heavy bleach, stale food |
| Residents' appearance | Dressed, groomed, engaged | Dishevelled, bored, vacant |
| Staff behaviour | Warm, unhurried, calling residents by name | Rushed, task-focused, dismissive |
| Common room | Welcoming, residents present | Empty, institutional |
| Outdoor space | Accessible and maintained | Locked, neglected |
| Noise level | Calm, occasional laughter | Very loud, distressed voices |
After the Visit
Make notes immediately while your impressions are fresh. Score each home on the things that matter most to your parent. If possible, visit each shortlisted home more than once — including once unannounced.
Search and compare care homes by CQC rating, location, and care type at homeformum.com
Related articles: How to Choose a Care Home | Understanding CQC Ratings | What Is Good Care? Standards to Expect | How to Complain About a Care Home