Doncaster Council

What should I look for when I choose a home?

The following are just suggestions of what to look for when you are choosing a home, but there will be other things that are important to you. Do ask about them because this will help you make the right choice. It is important to ask the residents, as well as the staff, about life in the home. 

Location

• Can the home be reached by my relatives and friends to make visiting easier?
• Is the home on a bus route?
• Are you familiar with the area?
• If you enjoy an active social life and going out in the evenings, is the home near to your friends and the places you like to go?
• Is the home near to the local shops, post office, parks and any other services you might need?    

Appearance

• Does it feel homely and welcoming?
• Do I like the look of the home?
• Is there a lift?
• Is it too luxurious or too basic?
• Is it too big or too small?
• Is it clean?
• Can the home be accessed by wheelchair users? 

Personal needs

• Can I have a single room or can I share if I want to?
• Can I bring my possessions and furniture with me to make me feel more at home?
• Can I use my room any time of the day?
• Can I have a TV in my room?
• Is there somewhere to keep my valuables safe?
• Can I have my own telephone?
• Will my own doctor still be prepared to visit me in the home I choose?
• What happens when I have a hospital, dentist or options appointment?
• How often can I have a bath?
• Will I be encouraged to do things for myself? 

The Staff

• Does the person in charge make me feel at home?
• Are the staff friendly?
• Do the staff talk to the residents and how do they talk to them?
• How do staff and residents address each other?   

Life in the home

• Do you know any of the other residents in the home?
• Do residents seem happy, cared for and interested in what is happening?
• Are residents’ meetings held?
• What are meals like?
• Are special diets catered for?
• Is there a choice of food?
• Can I make drinks and snacks for myself?
• That is the daily routine, for example, can I please myself about what time I go to bed and get up?
• Can I make private phone calls?
• Are there any restrictions on making or receiving phone calls?
• When can people visit and can they stay overnight?
• Does the home have places for men and women?        

Leisure activities

• Are outings and holidays arranged and is there an extra charge?
• Is a library service provided?
• What is the garden like?
• Will I be allowed to help in the garden or join in general household tasks?
• Will the staff take me out if I want to go to the shops or out for a walk?     

Rules and restrictions

• Can I smoke in the home?
• Are there No smoking areas?
• Would I be able to deal with my own money, if not, what arrangements are made?
• Are there any house rules, for example, about visiting times or returns from outings?
• Is alcohol allowed in the home?
• Can I bring my pet with me?        

Other questions to ask

• Can I spend a trial period in the home before I decide?
• How long is the trial stay?
• Are there any extra charges for other services such as, Laundry, hairdressing, chiropody.?
• What happens if become more dependent, for example, ill, incontinent,  or lose my sight?
• What would happen if the home could no longer meet my needs?
• What happens to my room if I am on holiday or in hospital?
• What would happen if illness meant that I could no longer manage the stairs to my room?
• How would I make a complaint?
• Does the home offer day care to non residents? (some homes do this)
• Is a copy of the specification for care available to residents and their relatives?