Choosing the right care home
We've been providing outstanding care in our homes across the UK since 1943 so we know what makes our residents happy.
We understand how hard it can be to hand over the care of a loved one to others, so here are our top eight tips on what to look for when choosing a care home.
1. Ratings and reviews
Independent regulators the Care Quality Commission (CQC) regularly inspect and grade homes as 'Outstanding', 'Good', 'Needs Improvement', or 'Inadequate' so check on those.
In Wales, homes are inspected by the Care Inspectorate Wales and in Scotland, the Care Inspectorate Scotland.
Carehome.co.uk is the leading care home review site based on reviews by relatives and friends who have first-hand experience of the care they're receiving. It's worth checking a home's score and reviews on there as they are likely to be the most honest reviews and give a true idea of what it's like in the home.
2. Varied activities schedule
Some care providers have an Activities Coordinator to provide a wide range of person-centered activities and group activities enabling care home residents to socialise and feel part of a community.
3. Keeping you in touch with your family
When you're enquiring about a care home, ask them what they do to keep you in touch with your loved ones. Some care providers will have family meetings where you can give feedback and stay in touch with what the home is up to. Thanks to video calling technology like Skype and Zoom, families can easily stay in touch online. Other initiatives used in care homes are newsletters, Famileo and regular visits.
4. Buddying System
Some care homes pair a new resident with an individual or group to help them settle in with ease, giving them peace of mind.
5. Chaplaincy support
Chaplains are there to listen and build meaningful relationships with residents and their families. They are there to ensure that the spiritual needs of residents are met for those with or without faith.
6. Creating meaningful memories
Special memories are important to both residents and their families and friends. Some care homes are able to provide residents with a day to remember, fulfilling long-held wishes, such as MHA's Seize the Day initiative.
7. High-quality meals
Food is an important part of daily life so it's key to check on the variety of the menu available in the home and if your loved one has any dietary requirements, to make sure their kitchen can provide the right food, safely. Check the care home's food hygiene rating standards which gives an indication of the quality of food and preparation.
8. Specialist support for people living with dementia
Specialist dementia care homes will not only have facilities and an environment tailored to people's needs but also have tailored activities, including music therapy. Music therapy research shows that music accesses different parts of the brain and can stimulate memories. Music therapy can also be used to communicate or engage with someone who is living with dementia, even if they are no longer able to speak.
As well as considering all the above, to find high-quality care for your loved ones, it’s important to arrange a visit to your care home of choice. Make sure you visit with members of your family to speak to residents and staff to get an accurate reflection of what life would be like living there.
MHA's approach places great importance on the spirituality of those we care for, as well as their physical health and emotional wellbeing.
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Page last updated: July 2023.
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