Care homes

Overview Types of care home Choosing to stay in a care home Getting a place in a care home Arranging your own place in a care home Find out more about the care home What to look for Care home costs Moving to a care home on a temporary basis Moving to a care home in a different area of Scotland Cross-border rules Further information

What to look for

You have the right to visit a care home at least once before moving in, to help you decide if you want to move in permanently.

You should think about the following things during your trial visit:

Location

When deciding the location of your care home, bear in mind the following points:

• Is the care home near enough to your family and friends?
• Does it have easy access or local transport to shops and leisure activities?
• Will you have access to a local GP, medical centre or other healthcare services like the dentist? Will your GP visit the care home?

Facilities

All care homes must give you a room of your own. Double-rooms are available in some private care homes for single-occupancy by paying an extra charge. Double-rooms – where available – can be provided for couples.

Other facilities to consider:

• What is provided in the room? Can you bring some of your own furniture and possessions?
• Does the care home have visiting services like hairdressers, chiropodists or library services?
• Does the care home have flexible meal times? What are the meals like? Are special dietary needs catered for?

Maintenance

Are the rooms and communal areas clean and well-cared for? Are the grounds or garden well-maintained? Is the furniture and equipment in good repair and suitable for your needs?

Staff

Staff should be friendly and helpful and welcome your questions.

• Are they happy for you to talk to the other residents?
• Do they offer you a copy of their latest Care Inspectorate inspection report?
• Do they provide evidence of staff training to meet the National Care Standards?

Read Age UK’s Care Home Checklist (PDF, 227 KB)

Watch the College of Occupational Therapists’ video on choosing a care home.