All homes meet certain standards before they can be registered. Services provided about these minimum standards vary according to each home. To help you choose you should consider:

1. Has the home been recommended to you by someone you know?
2. Is the home close enough for friends or relatives to visit? Are local facilities nearby?
3. Does the home look and smell clean?
4. Do the staff seem friendly and welcoming?
5. How many staff are there on duty during each part of the day and night? Are they trained to undertake their duties?
6. Is there a choice of room and do they have the facilities you require?
7. Will you have a single room and will it have en-suite facilities?
8. What arrangements can the home make for hairdressing, chiropody or going out?
9. Does the home offer daily activities of interest to you? Will you be able to help with setting the table, washing up and doing laundry if you want to?
10. Can you have your own TV and telephone in your room?
11. Ask for previous menus to see if the food suits you.
12. Are you allowed to have your own furniture or pets?
13. What arrangements can be made to see your own GP? Will someone accompany you to appointments or to the hospital?
14. Ask if there are any charges which are not included in the weekly rate and what happens with fees if you go into hospital or on holiday?
15. Ask to see a copy of the home's inspection report.
16. Is it somewhere you would like to live? If yes, arrange to spend some time there, including overnight. If you still like the home arrange a trial period before you make a permanent decision.