Checklist before choosing a care centre for older people

We recommend that you visit the residential centre in advance of moving in. Use our checklist and useful questions to make sure you have all the information you need.

Arranging a visit
We would suggest that you, a relative or friend arrange to go and see the care service in advance of moving in.

Any good care provider will be more than happy to answer all your questions. It is also helpful to talk to some of the people using the care service you are interested in and see what they have to say about it.

Useful questions to ask
You might want to ask the following questions:

  1. Can residents have personal possessions in their rooms such as pictures, plants and furniture?
  2. Are you allowed to take your pet?
  3. Do you have a choice of what and when to eat every day? Are special diets catered for?
  4. Can you invite your relatives and friends to come and have a meal with you, as you would do at home?
  5. Can you prepare food or drink yourself if you get hungry or thirsty in the middle of the night?
  6. Will you be free to have people visit you at any time, as they would be able to if you were living at home?
  7. Will you be able to come and go as you please, for example, to the shops or to the pub in the evening?

If the answer to any of these questions is 'no', think about how this would impact on your life.

Checklist: Do I have all the information I need?
Consider these questions before you speak to any care provider and think about their answers after any discussions or visits have taken place:

  1. Were the staff helpful in setting out exactly what services they provide?
  2. did they explain their costs and charges properly (if applicable)?
  3. If you are going to pay for your own care, were they willing to give you a blank copy of their contract for you to look at after your visit?
  4. Were they confident to let you meet and talk to existing clients?
  5. did they offer to show you their latest inspection report?
  6. Did they ask many questions about you - your likes and dislikes?
  7. Did you get the impression that you would be living your life the way you choose instead of having to fit into their routine?
  8. Did they seem happy to answer all your questions?

If the answer is 'no' to any of these questions, think about why this is so. Don't be afraid to go back to the care provider and ask as many questions as you want.