Questions to Ask When Touring a Care Home

When touring a care home, it helps to organise your care home questions into clear categories so you can gather comprehensive information about every aspect of your loved one’s potential new home.

Environment and Atmosphere

The physical space and overall feel of a care home tell you so much about daily life there. When you step through the doors, you’re not just looking at a building; you’re imagining your loved one’s everyday experience, from the moment they wake up to the conversations they’ll have over afternoon tea.

Look around carefully and consider asking:

• What does daily life look like here?
• Can residents personalise their rooms with their own furniture and belongings?
• Are there communal areas for socialising, and how are they used throughout the day?
• What are visiting hours like, and is there flexibility for family visits?

Care and Support

Understanding how care is delivered on a practical level gives you insight into whether the home can truly meet your loved one’s needs now and in the future. Every person’s care requirements are unique, which means the approach should never feel like a one-size-fits-all solution.

Consider these essential care home questions:

• How is care tailored to individual needs and preferences?
• What’s the staff-to-resident ratio during different times of day?
• Is there 24/7 nursing or care support available on-site?
• How do you handle emergencies or sudden changes in health?

Dementia-Specific Questions (if applicable)

If your loved one is living with dementia, you’ll want to explore how the home supports people through every stage of their journey with specialist knowledge, patience, and compassion. At a dementia care home, the environment, training, and daily approach should all work together to create reassurance and familiarity.

Key questions to ask include:

• What dementia care services do you provide across different stages?
• How are staff trained to support people with dementia, and how often is training updated?
• Are routines flexible enough to suit the individual rather than institutional schedules?
• What therapies or activities are specifically designed for people living with dementia?

Meals and Nutrition

Food is about so much more than nutrition. It’s about enjoyment, choice, social connection, and maintaining a sense of normality and dignity. When you’re touring a care home, pay attention to how meals are discussed and whether there’s genuine enthusiasm about the dining experience.

Questions worth asking:

• What do meals look like, and where do residents eat?
• Are dietary needs, preferences, and cultural requirements catered for?
• Can families see a sample menu or join a resident for a meal during a visit?

Activities and Community Life

A fulfilling daily routine makes all the difference between simply existing and truly living. Activities provide purpose, joy, stimulation, and the chance to form meaningful connections with others, which is why it’s so important to understand what’s on offer beyond the care itself.

Consider asking:

• What kinds of activities are available throughout the week?
• How is resident input considered when planning events and programmes?
• Are there outings, entertainment, or seasonal celebrations that bring the community together?

Costs and Contracts

Understanding the financial side of care gives you clarity and helps avoid unwelcome surprises down the line. Transparency around fees and what’s included demonstrates a care home’s commitment to honesty and respect for families navigating this significant investment.

Don’t hesitate to ask:

• What’s included in the fees, and what’s considered standard care?
• Are there any additional charges to be aware of, such as for hairdressing, chiropody, or outings?
• What’s the process for becoming a full-time resident, and how quickly can someone move in if needed?

Staff and Culture

The people who provide care day in and day out are the heart of any care home. Their experience, training, values, and continuity directly impact your loved one’s wellbeing and happiness. When you’re touring, try to get a sense of the team dynamic and how staff interact with residents.

Important questions include:

• How long have staff members typically been working here?
• Are staff trained in specialist areas such as end-of-life care, dementia support, or palliative care?
• How do you ensure continuity of care so residents build relationships with familiar faces?