1. Make a list of your most important features for a care home, think about what your relative likes and doesn’t like – remember they are the person who will be living there.

2. Check that you know what level of care your relative needs . If their condition is likely to deteriorate quickly, consider looking at dual registered homes.

3. Check how it will be funded. If you are unsure, ask for advice from your allocated social worker or ring social services for advice. Other organizations like Age Concern are really helpful for giving advice. You will need to know this as social services will only fund to a certain level depending on the assessment they have carried out – for example it would be a waste of your time to view a home that costs £1000 per week if the funding available is only £500, unless you are in a position to pay the difference. If you are paying privately, remember to check what would happen if your relative becomes unable to pay for themselves. Ask “Do they have to move?”

4. Think about where the location of the home should be – can family and friends visit easily?
You can find care homes by type of care (Residential Care Homes, Nursing Care Homes or dual registered Residential and Nursing Care Homes) on yourcarehome.co.uk or get a list from your social services department.

5. Ring the homes you would like to view and get as much information as you can and ask for a brochure to be sent. Check the home can cater for any special needs your relative has, so you don’t waste your time visiting homes that can not provide the level of care you need.

6. Make a a short list of homes to view. 3 – 4 is a good starting point.

7. Visit the home without making an appointment as this will give you a good idea about what the home is really like. Make notes on each home and take photos if possible, to help you make your decision later.

8. If your relative is able, arrange for them to visit the home All homes should offer a trail visit when the person is fit enough or when it is practical to do this.

9. Once you have decided on a home, ring and find out out about availability then contact your social worker if you have one and make them aware of your choice.

10. Next you need to ask the home to assess your relative. All homes are required to do a pre-admission assessment to ensure they can meet the persons needs. (This may not happen until the home has a vacancy.) Once the home has made the assessment and if applicable the trial visit has taken place, arrange a moving in date.

by Debbie McHugh, Manager, Southdown Care Nursing & Residential Home, Wanborough in Wiltshire.