• Personal effects -Are they allowed to bring some furniture, pictures, own television or computer? Can you bring small items to make the room more homely?Is there a lockable drawer or cupboard in the persons room for valuables? Can they have a telephone in their room?
• Choices – When to get up, can they have meals in the room if they wish, privacy, choice of food? Exercise indoors or outdoors. Is there a residents meeting or committee?
• Visiting – Are there restrictions on visiting times? In many care homes there will be open visiting but there may be some exceptions. If relatives or friends are visiting from a distance,can they call out of visiting times? Can arrangements be made for family to take the person out ? If the person cannot go out are you allowed to arrange a family party in the care home?
• Will they be able to continue to do their hobbies or interests.-If they read a daily newspaper can they have this delivered? Can they bring indoor plants or have a raised flower bed in the grounds? How will they spend their day?
• Communication- If the person has a speech problem, have staff been trained in supported communication methods? How would they be able to make their needs known to the staff?
• Mobility – How will the person be able to get around the care home. Is it wheelchair friendly including opening doors, outdoor spaces
• Safety – If the person is confused or likely to wander will they be safe?
• Spiritual care-If the person wishes to have a quiet room for prayers or communion with their religious visitor is this possible? If their religion requires washing with running water or special food is this available? Are staff aware of the persons requirements associated with their religion?
• Location of the care home-Is it easy for you and other visitors to get to, including by public transport or at weekends? Is there a car park?
• The size of the care home- Some care homes are small and tend to be more personal than larger homes. Would the person prefer a care home with less than 10 residents or would they benefit from a larger home with a bigger range of facilities but with over 70 residents? Smaller homes usually have longer waiting lists.

Always arrange a visit to see care homes for yourself. What are your first impressions? Trust your instincts. Speak to staff , residents and other carers and relatives if possible. Ask if you can visit again at another time of the day. Check the SCSWIS (Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland) link on the next page for recent care home inspection reports.