Council and democracy

Other things to look for when choosing your care home

You will know instinctively if the care home has a pleasant atmosphere and the person in charge makes you feel welcome. You should also look at:

Facilities - are the rooms comfortable, are there enough bathrooms and toilets, are the communal and dining rooms pleasant and well furnished?

Meals - can you choose what and when you will eat and are special diets catered for? Can you prepare food and drink yourself?

Activities - are outings and social events regularly organised? Are you encouraged to take up hobbies and educational interests? Is there a residents committee?

Visitors - can people visit you without prior notice? Can visitors stay overnight?

Health - can you keep your own GP if you want to? What arrangements are there for any regular medication needed? Is there a visiting hairdresser or chiropodist?

Staffing - what is the ratio of staff to residents during the day and night?

Financial and legal - what are the charges for extras? Do you get a statement with details of all items charged for? Do you keep your own pension book? What are the conditions in which your stay may be terminated by either side? Is there a retaining fee if you are on holiday or in hospital?

You might want to ask if it is possible to arrange for a trial stay of several days or even a few weeks before making a final decision.