Finding the right care home

We understand searching for a care home for your loved one can be a stressful time, so we have put together some guidance to help you understand what to look for when making this important decision. Once you have narrowed down your search by key factors such as location and cost, you may want to consider the key points below to help you understand what life may look like at your chosen home.

Care homes will usually invite the potential resident and their loved ones to look around their possible new home, so it’s a good idea to make the potential new resident part of the experience and the decision-making process where possible. Look out for environments that support independence, and spaces that are social but also have the option for quiet environments. Cleanliness is also key!

Choosing the right type of care

It is important to think about the type of care you or your loved one will need when looking for a home. At Brunelcare care homes, we offer the following care types.

Day and respite care can be a good opportunity for potential residents to trial life at a care home before committing to the move. You can find out more about each of these types of care by clicking the links below.

Key features to look for in a home

  • Good first impressions

    Take note of how you felt when entering the home; were you greeted at the reception? Was the waiting area clean and tidy, and did you feel welcomed?

  • Care Quality Commission rating

    All care homes are rated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator of health and social care in England. You can find out more about how the CQC rates care homes at: https://www.cqc.org.uk/about-us/how-we-do-our-job/ratings

  • Caring staff

    You should search for kind staff that are caring, skilful and experienced. Notice how the carers talk to the residents that are already there, are they compassionate and person-centred? Do they treat residents with dignity and respect?

  • Quality of accommodation

    Is their accommodation homely, spacious and clean? How do the communal areas look – are there well-maintained communal areas and outdoor spaces? Do residents have the opportunity to decorate their home with personal items to make it feel more comfortable?

  • Accessibility

    Are there easily accessible entrances, exits, and communal areas? Can residents safely navigate around the home?

  • Good activity provision

    Are residents given the opportunity to actively engaging in activities that suit their interests, and are there opportunities to take trips outside the home with adequate supervision from staff? Are residents given the choice whether to take part in these activities?

  • Promoting independence

    Do staff enable residents to explore in a safe environment? Are they encouraged to make their own decisions and do things themselves where possible? Are residents able to choose when they get up and go to bed?

  • Engaging mealtimes

    Are residents given a choice of meals, and are the meals nutritious and well-prepared? Check if there are options for residents to eat in the restaurant or in their rooms and choose their mealtimes. Can they cater for specific dietary needs?

Ask questions

While visiting the home, make sure to ask as many questions as possible about what the care the home offers. Questions such as:

  • How do you manage someone’s personal care?
  • Do the carers build good relationships with the residents?
  • Is there safe access to outside spaces?
  • What is your approach to dementia care? (if required)
  • Do you support specific eating and drinking needs?
  • Can residents welcome visitors?
  • Do the residents have a say in how the home is run?
  • What are the fees, and what is included in the fees?

Don’t forget to go with your gut feeling about a place your loved one will be living and being taken care of in. It’s okay to look around at different homes until you find the one for you and your loved one.

Explore our care homes