Just like choosing your first house, choosing a care home is an important decision and a difficult one. Like choosing a house sometimes it “just feels right”, this emotional connection is important and you should trust your instincts.

But, it is better to combine emotion with logic when making a decision as big as this. When looking round a care home there are many things to look for.

Considerations when looking for a care home

Staff: as you walk around the home are they happy, do they say hello to you and are they smiling.

Residents: do they appear well cared for, are their clothes clean, are they engaged and happy.

Environment: the home itself is not as important as the care, but do consider does it smell, is it safe; is it appropriate for your loved one.

CQC report: you should always read the CQC report this can give you a good feel for what the care is like. Visit www.cqc.org.uk

Carehome.co.uk: often called the “Trip Advisor for care homes”, Carehome.co.uk allows you to see what people already living in the home think of it. Make sure you visit the individual home’s page on this website.