If you’re searching for a care home for your loved one, you likely have many questions you need answering. Your goal is to have as much information as possible about a care home before you settle on a decision. After all, you want what’s best for your loved one, which means picking a high-quality care home with excellent staff and a homely environment.

Some questions are more important than others, though – the ones whose answers will tell you what you need to know. So, if you’re on the search for a care home and want to be sure you make the right decisions, prioritise asking the following questions.

What Level of Care Do You Provide?

The first thing you want to understand is the level of care the home provides, as this will tell you whether the care is appropriate for your loved one (or not). While you can find this information online on a website, it’s best to ask in person, as you’ll get a more detailed answer. For example, if your loved one needs palliative care, you can look specifically for that.

What Activities Do You Offer?

Activities are essential – they ensure your loved one isn’t just living, but that they are living well. The range of activities on offer says a lot about the care home and the happiness of the residents, so ask the question sooner rather than later. Some homes, like Signature at Reigate Grange, offer a wide range of activities, from ballroom dancing to theatre trips. That is what you want to look out for! So, when visiting, ask about the activity calendar for the month.

If you’re searching for a care home for your loved one, you likely have many questions you need answering. Your goal is to have as much information as possible about a care home before you settle on a decision. After all, you want what’s best for your loved one, which means picking a high-quality care home with excellent staff and a homely environment.

How Often Can I Visit?

Naturally, you will want to visit your loved one when they are settled into the care home. Some homes allow visitors more often than others, so it’s best to ask this question before settling on your choice. Also, homes that offer regular visiting schedules are more likely to be transparent and open about their practices, so that’s something to keep in mind.

How Flexible Are Meals?

Each person has their own tastes and preferences, especially when it comes to food, so ask about how flexible meals are. Do they provide vegan or vegetarian options? Do they offer different meals each day to accommodate everyone’s tastes? It is an important one, as good food is essential for a high quality of life.

What Costs Extra?

Sometimes, the initial costs don’t tell the whole story. Care homes can be expensive, so it’s crucial to understand the overall cost early on so you can make the best decision and budget accordingly. So, when visiting, ask about what costs extra. You don’t want to be enticed by an on-site hairdresser only to realise it isn’t included in the initial cost!

Of course, there may be other questions you want to ask, but these are the ones to definitely include on your list. The more you know, the better chance of picking the perfect care home for your loved one. You want them to be safe, comfortable, and happy, after all!