How to Choose the Right Care Home: 10 Things Every Family Should Look For

Choosing a care home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make for someone you love. Brochures and websites can make every home look perfect, but it’s what you see, hear and feel during a visit that really matters.

After decades working as a nurse, home manager and senior leader in care homes, these are the things I always tell families to look for.

1. Trust Your Nose

It might sound strange, but it’s the first thing I notice.

A well-run care home shouldn’t smell unpleasant. There may occasionally be an odour if someone has just needed personal care, but persistent smells of urine or faeces suggest poor housekeeping, inadequate staffing or poor care standards.

Your first impression often tells you more than any brochure ever will.

2. Ask Yourself One Question

“Would I be happy coming here every week to visit someone I love?”

If the atmosphere feels cold, rushed or uncomfortable, don’t ignore that feeling.

The best care homes feel welcoming. You should feel relaxed the moment you walk through the door.

3. Ring Before You Visit

Try calling the home before arranging a tour.

If you’re repeatedly unable to get through when they’re trying to win your business, think about what it might be like when you’re ringing to check on Mum or Dad after they’ve moved in.

Good communication is essential.

4. Ask to See Activities Taking Place

Don’t just look at a timetable pinned to the wall.

Ask:

“Could I see one of today’s activities?”

A great activities programme is happening around you—not just written on paper.

Look for residents who are genuinely engaged and enjoying themselves.

5. Ask About Agency Staff

Every home occasionally needs agency staff, but ask directly:

• How often do you use agency staff?
• Are they regular agency workers?
• What percentage of shifts are covered by agency?

Heavy reliance on agency can indicate recruitment or retention problems and means residents may see unfamiliar faces regularly.

6. Understand the Visiting Policy

Ask:

“Can we visit whenever we want?”

The best homes encourage family involvement.

While there may be sensible exceptions during personal care or overnight, restrictive visiting hours should make you ask why.

7. Check for Extra Charges

The weekly fee isn’t always the full cost.

Ask whether there are additional charges for things like:

• Hairdressing
• Chiropody
• Trips and outings
• Newspapers
• Private transport
• Toiletries
• Telephone or internet

Knowing the full picture helps avoid unexpected bills later.

8. Can the Room Feel Like Home?

Ask whether residents can:

• Bring their own furniture
• Hang family photographs
• Decorate the room
• Bring favourite chairs or ornaments

A personalised room helps people settle and maintain their identity.

9. Talk to Residents

Don’t just listen to the manager.

If appropriate, politely ask residents:

• “How do you like living here?”
• “Are the staff kind?”
• “Is the food good?”

You’ll often learn more in five minutes from residents than an hour-long presentation.

10. Watch the Staff

This tells you almost everything.

Do staff:

• Smile?
• Say hello?
• Know residents by name?
• Stop to chat?
• Look relaxed?

Or do they avoid eye contact and rush past?

Happy, confident staff usually reflect a well-led home, and good leadership almost always leads to better care.

Final Thoughts

No care home is perfect, but the right one should feel caring, welcoming and well organised.

Listen to your instincts. Ask plenty of questions. Watch what’s happening around you rather than just listening to what you’re told.

If something doesn’t feel right during your visit, it’s worth asking why—or continuing your search.

Need Independent Advice?

Choosing a care home can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never done it before.

If you’d like independent guidance from an experienced nurse and former care home manager, Carentis offers one-to-one advice to help you ask the right questions and make an informed decision before you commit.