Choosing the right Care Home

After all, you want to be sure that the home offers everything you or your loved one needs and is a happy, safe and comfortable place to live. Finding out as much as you can about a care home, its facilities and the staff, will help you make an informed choice.

At Wolfeton Manor our main focus is the welfare of our residents and we fully appreciate that our home is not always the best fit for everyone. Before coming to stay at Wolfeton Manor one of our Management Team will come to visit you to discuss what support we can give you, and the support you feel that you need to maintain or improve your quality of life. If you decide to come stay with us we will then agree a care plan that is tailored to your needs.

When living at Wolfeton Manor you will have your own dedicated Team Leader that will oversee all aspects of your care and support. We will invite you (and your family if you wish) to actively contribute to your care plan on a regular basis, enabling you to continue to make decisions about your life.

As a lot of people like to have a look around before choosing a care home we’ve created this handy checklist for you to take with you when visiting:

Location & building

• Is it easy to get to the home by public transport?
• If you visit by car, is there plenty of parking?
• Is the approach to the care home tidy and well-kept?
• What kind of shops and amenities are there close by?
• Were you made to feel welcome upon entering the home?
• Are entrances and rooms in the home easily accessible?

Day-to-day life

• Is the care home clean and well looked after?
• Do the staff seem engaged and attentive?
• Do the residents appear happy?
• Do health care professionals such doctors, opticians, chiropodists and physiotherapists visit the care home?
• Are complementary therapies available?
• Does the care home have suitable equipment for people with mobility issues?

Staff

• Do the staff interact well with the residents?
• Do staff members respect the privacy and dignity of the residents in their care?
• Is there a key worker for each resident?
• Do staff get to know residents personally?
• Can staff be seen around the care home?
• Is the care home manager approachable?

Communal areas

• Do residents have a variety of communal areas to choose from?
• Is there easy access to all communal areas?
• Is there an accessible and safe garden?
• Do the lounges or other sitting rooms have pleasant views?
• Are there lifts in the home?

Dining

• Can residents choose where they eat, e.g. in a dining room or in their room?
• Do residents have a choice of menu?
• Can special dietary requirements be catered for?
• Does the chef discuss meal choices with the residents?
• Do residents receive assistance with eating if required?
• Can residents make drinks for themselves and have access to snacks?

Bedrooms

• What is the overall impression of the bedrooms?
• Do the bedrooms have en-suite facilities?
• Can residents bring their own furniture and personal items?
• Is there an emergency pull-cord available?

Activities

• Do staff encourage residents to continue with their hobbies and interests?
• Are there dedicated staff members for coordinating activities?
• Do the staff organise activities outside the care home?
• Is there access to transport for activities outside the care home?
• Are special events, such as birthdays and religious holidays celebrated?
• Do the staff give residents the opportunity to help with activities within the care home, e.g. gardening or cooking?
• Do the staff arrange entertainers and groups of interest to visit?
• Do the staff give residents regular exercise opportunities?
• Do staff consult with residents on the types of activities planned?

Visits from family & friends

• Does the care home welcome visitors at any time?
• Are children allowed to visit?
• Does the care home allow family pets to visit?
• Can visitors dine with their relative/friend?

The staff at Wolfeton Manor will be more than happy to answer any of your questions!

Please feel free to print and take a copy of this care home checklist with you when visiting prospective care homes - PDF here.