RESIDENTS
The best indication of a good home is that the residents appear happy and responsive, and that individuals are treated with dignity and respect. The following points are considered to be indicators of quality care:
• Do staff speak to residents in away the residents like?
• Is there a happy atmosphere?
• Look around to see if there is information or pictures of social events.
• What activities does the home offer for those residents who wish to remain in their rooms?
• Are they properly dressed and groomed?
• Do they seem alert and interested?
• Do they talk to you as you walk around?
• Can residents go to their rooms when they wish to be alone?
• Do staff respect people’s right to privacy and knock on bedrooms doors?
• Do they haveregular religious services?
• Will friends or family be able to visit easily?
• Is there a trial period?
• What happens if a resident’s condition deteriorates – can they remain in the home and, if not, how are alternative arrangements made?
BUILDING and EQUIPMENT
• Is the home well presented in terms of cleanliness, tidiness, décor and furnishings?
• Is the home free from unpleasant odours?
• Are chairs arranged in groups to encourage talking?
• Are the living areas bright and stimulating?
• Is the garden accessible, user friendly for the elderly and safe?
• If the person is likely to need equipment or adaptions, are the corridors and toilets wide enough for a walking frame or wheelchair?
• Are residents encouraged to bring in some of their own furniture and possessions?
MEAL TIME EXPERIENCE
• Are special diets catered for, and are residents’ likes and dislikes taken into account?
• Can residents eat in their rooms or eat at different times, if they prefer?
• Are there facilities for making snacks if a resident feels peckish?
• Are staff trained to sensitively help people eat their food if necessary?
VISITORS
• During what times are visitors allowed?
• Are there quiet areas where relatives can spend time with relatives?
• Are visitors encouraged to take residents out or join them for a meal?
ACTIVITIES /MINDFULL WELLBEING
• Does the home provide personalised activities that are suitable and engaging for residents?
• Are there opportunities for residents to help staff with small tasks if they wish?
• Are activities available each day or are residents let to sit in front of the TV?
• Are trips and outing’s organised and special events celebrated?
• Are residents encouraged to take exercise?
• Are residents able to choose and listen to a variety of music when they feel able?
CULTURAL DIFFERENCES
• Are staff interested in learning about the person’s background and culture?
• Do staff show a respect for differences that might involve diet, clothing. Hygiene practices or religious observances, for example?
• Do staff find out how residents wish to be addressed, and how they prefer to relate to other people?
STAFF
• What training do the staff receive? What additional training have staff completed in relation to specialist care?
• Do they make time to sit and chat to residents, or talk to them while they are assisting them with physical tasks such as washing and dressing?
• Is knowledge displayed and evidence of staff training?
• Do they know about residents’ backgrounds, habits and interests?
• What are the staffing ratios, ask to see the staffing rota
• Are the staff attentive and polite?
• Are the staff well presented?
MANAGEMENT
• Do they answer your questions openly, and seem to understand your concerns /questions?
• Does each resident have a care plan, and are their need regularly reviewed?
• Is there a complaints procedure?
• What is included in the fee, what may be charged as ‘extras’
• How much notice has to be given on either side?
Above all, use head and heart – you will get a feel for a place the moment you walk through the door.