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Questions to Ask Care Home Owners Before You Choose a Place for Your Loved One

Choosing the right care home for a loved one is one of the most important decisions you will make. You want them to be safe, comfortable, and well cared for. However, with so many care homes available, it can be hard to know where to start.

Before deciding, you must ask the care home manager or owner some direct questions. This will help you better understand the home and whether it is the right place for your elderly relative. Here are ten questions we recommend you ask before taking a place.

What are the staff-to-resident ratios?

One of the most critical factors and most important questions to ask care home managers or owners is the level of care provided. The staff-to-resident ratio will give you an idea of how much attention your relative will receive. If there are few staff compared to the number of residents, your loved one may not get the support they need.

Ask how many carers are on duty during the day and at night. Find out if qualified nurses are available and whether staff are trained to deal with medical emergencies.

What are the qualifications and experience of the staff?

The people looking after your family member should be well-qualified and experienced. Ask about the qualifications of the carers and if they are unqualified, do they receive training once they begin work. Remember, not all tasks required in a care home require official qualifications, in some cases empathy and kindness are more important aptitudes. But do not be afraid to ask for details. The more you know about the staff, the more confident you will feel in your decision.

What activities are available for residents?

A good care home will offer more than basic care. Ask what activities are available to keep residents engaged and stimulated. Whether it is arts and crafts, exercise classes, or social events, activities can have a substantial impact on your relative’s well-being.

Find out if there is a regular schedule and whether residents are encouraged to participate. A home that provides a variety of activities shows that it cares about the quality of life for its residents.

What are the meals like?

Nutrition is vital for the elderly, so it is important to ask about the food provided. Ask if meals are cooked on-site and if there are various choices. Find out if the kitchen can cater to special dietary needs, whether for medical conditions or personal preferences.

Nutrition is vital for the elderly, so it is important to ask about the food provided. Ask if meals are cooked on-site and if there are various choices. Find out if the kitchen can cater to special dietary needs, whether for medical conditions or personal preferences.

How are medical needs handled?

Your relative may have specific medical needs that require regular attention. Ask how these will be managed in the care home. Find out if a nurse is on site and whether doctors visit regularly. You will want to know how medication is handled and if staff are trained to handle emergencies.

The home should have a transparent process for managing the health of its residents. Make sure you are satisfied with the level of medical care offered before you make any decisions.

How is communication handled with families?

You want to stay informed about your relative’s well-being. Ask how the care home communicates with families. Will you receive regular updates about their health and activities? Can you speak to staff easily if you have concerns?

A home that values clear communication will keep you in the loop, which can give you peace of mind.

What are the visiting hours?

Knowing when and how often you can visit your loved one is important. Ask about visiting hours and whether there are any restrictions. Some homes may have limited hours, some may limit the number of visitors, while others allow family visits more freely.

You should also ask if family members are encouraged to take part in activities or special events. The more involved you can be, the more connected your relative will feel.

What is the cost and what is included?

Care home fees can vary greatly, so it is important to ask about the costs upfront. Find out what is included in the fee and what extra services you may need to pay for. Some homes charge extra for things like outings or medical care, so make sure you understand the total cost before deciding.

It is also a good idea to ask if the fees are likely to increase and how often. You do not want any surprises down the road.

How are complaints or concerns handled?

Even in the best care homes, issues can arise. It is important to know how the home handles complaints or concerns. Ask if a formal process is in place and how quickly they respond to any problems.

A suitable care home will take complaints seriously and work to resolve them quickly. If they do not have a clear process or seem dismissive, it could be a red flag.

Can we visit and speak to current residents?

Speaking to current residents and their families is a great way to get a feel for the home. Ask if you can visit during the day and see how the home operates. You may want to speak to other families about their experiences with the home.

Seeing the home in action will give you a better idea of what to expect. It is also an excellent opportunity to observe the staff interacting with residents and see if the atmosphere feels welcoming and warm.

Take Your Time

Choosing a care home for your elderly family member is a big decision, but by asking these questions, you will be in a much stronger position to make the right choice. Take your time, visit different homes, and do not hesitate to ask for all the details you need. This is about finding the best place for your loved one, where they will be safe, cared for, and happy.

Take these questions with you on your visits and remember that a good care home will welcome your questions and provide clear answers.

About Lovat House

Lovat House has provided love and care for the elderly for the last 20 years. Our philosophy is to put equal emphasis on “care” “love” and “home”.

As professional carers, our highly qualified staff are present to provide support whenever it is needed, day or night. We never expect our residents to change their routines and requirements for us. We endeavour to continually work to their routine in a manner that is comfortable for them.

You can be confident that Lovat House will come to feel like a true home to you and your family. As it should be in your own home, you set the rules. We don’t dictate schedules; a resident is free to get up and go to bed as they wish. Equally, they may receive guests at whatever time they prefer and are not restricted to specific visiting hours.

The residence itself is decorated like a home. The style is bright and comfortable. The home includes many mobility and support aids, but care has been taken to ensure they are fitted in a non-obvious design.

We understand this is a big decision and one that will mean a major change to you and your family’s life. Knowing this, we are here to help you and are always available to answer any questions you may have.

Benefits of Professional Care In a Residential Home

Personalised Care

A caring residential home will tailor care to the specific needs of your loved one. Whether they need help with mobility, medication, or daily tasks, professional carers provide individual attention and support. This level of care ensures they receive the right help at the right time.

Safety and Security

Safety is a top priority in a care home. From secure facilities to staff trained in emergency procedures, you can rest assured that your loved one is in a safe environment. This is especially important for those with dementia or other conditions where safety is a concern.

Access to Medical Care

A high-quality care home will offer on-site medical support, including regular doctor visits, trained nurses, and 24-hour assistance. This ensures any health concerns are addressed quickly, giving you confidence that your relative’s medical needs are taken care of.

A Sense of Community

A well-run care home fosters a sense of community among residents. Daily activities, group outings, and social events encourage interaction and reduce feelings of loneliness. This social engagement can have a positive impact on mental health and overall well-being.

Peace of Mind for Families

Knowing that your loved one is receiving the best possible care brings great peace of mind. A wonderful care home communicates openly with families, keeping them informed and involved. This reassurance is invaluable when you cannot be there every day.

Testimonials

Sarah Adams
Sarah Adams
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"We were nervous about choosing a care home for my mum, but the team at Lovat House Care Home were incredibly supportive. From the first visit, the owner and staff were happy to answer all our questions, no matter how small. Their understanding made the decision much easier. Mum’s now settled, and we know she’s in great hands."
L.T.
L.T.
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"We visited several Berkshire care homes, but Lovat House stood out because of how welcoming and helpful the staff are. Every question we had was answered with patience and detail. The owner went beyond to reassure us. It was a big decision but knowing we can rely on their support has made all the difference."
Dave M.
Dave M.
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"Choosing a care home for my father was one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make. Lovat House made the process much easier than I expected. The owner answered all my questions, and the staff were just as helpful. They really listened to our needs and concerns. We couldn’t have asked for more."

How it Works

Step 1: Contact Us

You can contact us using the details on this page, or if you are in the Wokingham area, we welcome you to drop by. (Please try to avoid mealtimes, as this could result in a wait).

Step 2: Question Time

If you initially call, we will arrange a time that suits you to drop by. We will give you a tour of our facilities and will answer all the questions you have.

Step 3: We Wait Your Decision

We understand choosing the right care home for your relative is a momentous task, and therefore we will not pressure you to make an immediate decision. As soon as you are ready to accept Lovat House as the best choice for your loved one, we will prepare the paperwork and look forward to welcoming your family member into their new home.

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