When visiting potential care homes, here’s what to look for:

The atmosphere:

• Does it feel warm and homely, or clinical and institutional?
• Are residents engaged and smiling, or sitting alone unstimulated?
• Do staff interact warmly with residents, or just focus on tasks?
• Does it feel like a loving community?

Staff interactions:

• Do staff members know residents by name?
• Do they make eye contact and chat naturally with residents?
• Are staff rushing, or do they have time for conversations?
• How do staff respond when a resident needs help?

Cleanliness and maintenance:

• Is the home clean without smelling overly of cleaning products or masking odours?
• Are communal areas well-maintained?
• Do residents’ rooms look comfortable and personalised?

Activities and engagement:

• What’s happening during your visit? Are residents doing anything?
• Is there a varied activities program?
• Are there opportunities to go outside and participate in the community?

Food:

• Ask to see the menu. Does it offer variety and choice?
• Can you stay for a meal? The quality of food tells you a lot.
• Are residents’ dietary needs and preferences accommodated?

Communication:

• Are your questions answered openly and honestly?
• Do they explain costs clearly without hidden fees?
• How do they keep families informed?

Ask specific questions:

• What are your staff ratios during day and night?
• Can I view the staffing rota?
• What qualifications do your care staff have?
• Can I see the training matrix?
• How do you handle emergencies?
• What happens if care needs increase significantly?

Trust your instincts: This is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. If something feels off, keep looking.

What is a CQC rating and what does it mean?

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of health and social care in England. They inspect all care homes and rate them on quality and safety.

CQC ratings:

• Outstanding: The service is performing exceptionally well
• Good: The service is performing well and meeting Regulations and expectations
• Requires Improvement: The service isn’t performing as well as it should and the CQC has told the service how it must improve
• Inadequate: The service is performing badly and the CQC has taken action

What CQC inspects:

• Safe: Are people protected from abuse and avoidable harm?
• Effective: Does the care achieve good outcomes and is it evidence-based?
• Caring: Are staff kind, compassionate, and respectful?
• Responsive: Does the service meet people’s needs?
• Well-led: Is the service well-managed and does it have good leadership?

How to use a CQC rating properly

A CQC rating is a valuable indicator, but it’s a snapshot from a specific inspection date. We recommend:

• Reading the full inspection report, not just the rating
• Visiting in person to see current standards
• Talking to current residents and families if possible
• Asking what improvements have been made since the last inspection

We display our CQC rating prominently and are always happy to discuss our inspection reports with you.

What matters most when I visit a care home?

Look at how residents are treated, how staff communicate, and whether the home feels calm, warm and genuinely lived in. The atmosphere and relationships often tell you more than décor alone.

Should I rely only on the CQC rating?

No. A CQC rating is important, but it reflects a particular inspection date. Always read the full report, visit in person and ask questions about what has changed since the inspection.

What questions should I ask the manager?

Ask about staffing ratios, team qualifications, training, emergency procedures, how families are kept informed, and what happens if care needs increase. Clear, open answers are usually a very good sign.

How do I know if a care home feels right?

Trust your instincts. If the home feels respectful, welcoming and unhurried, and residents seem comfortable and engaged, that’s often a strong indicator. If something feels off, keep looking.

What should I do next?

Shortlist a few homes, arrange visits, ask direct questions, and compare not just prices and facilities but the quality of everyday life. The right home should feel safe, honest, compassionate and personal.

If you’d like to talk through your options or arrange a visit, we’re here to help you make an informed, confident decision.