Health and social care

Tips on choosing a care home

Always ask for a copy of the home's statement of purpose and guide for residents and the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) report.  We would also encourage you to look at the 'complaints' book that should be on display at the home.
 
Use the link to go directly to the Commission for Social Care Inspection website where you can search for a home by need, location and star rating.

First impressions

On arrival, you should be made to feel welcome and the atmosphere should be friendly.  Consider the following:

• Is the manager available to talk to?
• Does there appear to be an acceptable number of staff on duty?
• Do the staff appear caring and efficient?
• Would you feel comfortable living there?

Surroundings

The home should be fresh, clean, well decorated and heated to a level acceptable for the time of year. The furnishings should be adequate and comfortable.

The bedrooms should be pleasant and properly furnished, spacious, lockable and be close to bathroom/toilet facilities. 

Consider the following:

• Are residents allowed to bring their own furniture and personal items including televisions and radios into the home?
• Is there a lift?
• Are there smoking and non-smoking facilities?
• Is there a telephone that residents can use in private?
• Is there a garden or other private outdoor area with adequate access?
• Is there easy access to shops and public transport?
• Are there an adequate number of wheelchairs, walking frames and additional mobility equipment available?

Amenities

Menus should be available on request and displayed on a notice board. Meals should be wholesome, varied and interesting and should cater for various medical needs and cultural and personal preferences e.g. vegetarian. Refreshments should be available to residents between meals.

Residents should be clean, tidy and appropriately dressed for the time of day.

What are the arrangements for personal laundry?

Personal care

Whilst visiting the home, you should observe how staff interact with the residents. Residents should be treated with respect and dignity, with personal tasks being carried out in the privacy of their own room.

• Can residents choose to bath or shower?
• Can residents choose when they get up or go to bed?
• Are residents able to spend time in private with friends and relatives?
• Are there any restrictions on visiting times?
• Are pets allowed?
• What arrangements are there for religious worship, cultural and spiritual needs?
• What arrangements are there for: dentists, opticians, chiropodists and hairdressers?
• Residents' personal valuables and money should be kept in a safe place in the home and a record of transactions should be kept.

Independence

Residents should be able to exercise some control over their daily activities. An activity programme should be available and displayed on a notice board. 

• Can residents choose where to be and what to do?
• Are they encouraged to learn new skills and pursue individual hobbies and interests?

Some residents may require medication.

• Are drugs and medicines adequately stored and their issue supervised or if appropriate can residents handle their own medication?
• Can residents have a choice of GP or retain their own GP where practicable?
• If a resident needs medical attention, what is the procedure?
• Are residents accompanied on visits to their GP or hospital?

Residents' needs should be reviewed and assessed on a regular basis.

• Who will do the review and how often?

If you choose to place your friend or relative in a residential or nursing home you will be offered a formal contract of residence. Make sure that the room you select is identified in the contract and that you will be notified of changes before they take place.

Value for money

With regard to the fees:

• What do they include - hairdressing, chiropody, incontinence pads etc?
• Are the fees payable in advance and still applicable in the case of a temporary absence e.g. hospitalisation?
• How often does the home increase the fees?

We have a booklet called "Choosing and Paying for a Care Home" which is available from our One Stop Receptions, by calling Social Services for Adults or via your care manager or health professional.

See council care homes and private and voluntary care homes.

Contact Details

Contact name

Social services for adults

Department

Department for Adult Services and Housing

Telephone

020 8726 6500

Minicom

020 8760 5797

Email

Referral.team2@croydon.gov.uk

Address

Taberner House
Park Lane
Croydon CR9 3JS