Quick Checklist

A Check list useful for Choosing a Nursing or Residential Home
A guide issued by HKF Publishing

Accommodation

Is the Home well decorated and maintained? Is it bright and cheery?
Will the room be single or sharing? Can you have your own door key?
Is there space for personal possessions, including furniture?
If you share a room, do you have a say on whom you share with?
Are there bathrooms and toilets either within, or close by your room?
Are there separate sitting and dining rooms? Is there a quiet room?
Are mealtimes flexible and is there a choice of meals?
Is the menu available to residents?
Can you take meals in your room sometimes if you want to?
Can you plan your own day (washing, dressing, getting up, etc)?
Can you get hot and cold drinks and snacks throughout the day?
Are special diets available and well catered for?
Are there smoking and non-smoking areas? Is alcohol permitted?
Is there adequate disabled access in and around the Home?
Does the Home have any plans for the future (extending or refurbishing, etc)?
Check whether the Home's insurance policy covers your possessions and valuables.

First Impressions

Does it feel like a homely, friendly and caring place? Does it
smell clean and fresh?
Do the residents look happy, well cared for and interested in what is going on?
How are residents addressed and treated by the staff?
Are people treated with dignity and in a friendly manner?
Do you feel that there is enough privacy given to residents?
Are there any locks on bedroom and bathroom doors?
Are visitors to the Home encouraged at all times? Can they stay over?

Some Points to Consider

Location

You don't have to give up your social life just because you are moving. If you are, for instance, used to going out in the evening (e.g. theatre, church service, visiting friends) think about how you would get there.
Is the Home easily reached by relatives and friends? Is it on a bus route?
Are the views pleasant? Perhaps even grounds to walk and sit in?
Is it in an area you are already familiar with?
Do you already know some of the existing residents?
Are there interesting things to see taking place outside? Maybe passers-by, animals, or maybe even just traffic.
Are there Shops, Churches, Pubs, etc. nearby?
Think about your present interests and hobbies. Can the Home find you time and space to pursue them?

Special Care

Can the home meet all your medical, nursing and special needs?
What arrangements are there for you to see a doctor?
(Remember you are entitled to keep your own doctor,
so long as they agree. The Home might be out of his or her area).
Are there visiting dentists, chiropodists and opticians?
Can the Home meet all your cultural and spiritual needs?
(You might want to attend a Mass, or observe Kosher principles).
What will happen if you need additional care in the future?
Could there be any reason why you might be asked to leave?