Below is a simple checklist to help you prepare and know what to look for on the day.
Just let your Care Guide know a day and time that suits, and we will arrange the tours with the homes on your behalf. Tours usually work best between 10.30am and 12.30pm, when most activities are on.
- Prepare a list of personal needs and preferences.
- Arrange a tour between 10.30am and 12.30pm, when most activities are scheduled.
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early to see how staff interact with each other and with residents. Are they happy and smiling?
- Does the home feel clean, “homely” and personalised?
- Are common areas easy to reach and clearly signed from residents' rooms?
- Is there minimal noise and disruption from the kitchen, laundry or cleaning?
- Are the gardens spacious, well maintained and accessible from residents' rooms?
- Ask to see the room (or room type) your loved one would be moving into.
- Does the room have plenty of natural light?
- Does the room have enough closet space and storage?
- Ask to see a current resident's room – does it have a pleasant, clean smell?
- Does the current menu seem appropriate and appealing?
- Does the quality of the food match the menu description?
- Sample a meal – is it tasty, made with fresh produce, and served at the right temperature?
- Is the food cooked on-site, or brought in from elsewhere?
- Do staff knock before entering a resident's room?
- Do staff look and act as though they have time to attend to residents' needs?
- Do staff know residents by name and understand each person's needs?
- Ask to speak with one or more current residents.
- Do residents appear neat, clean and well groomed?
- What do residents say are their “likes and dislikes”?
How long have the facility manager, care manager and registered nurses worked here?
High staff turnover can be a sign of poor culture.
What is the staff-to-resident ratio on the AM shift, PM shift and overnight?
A useful way to compare staffing levels between homes.
How often does the home use agency staff, for example in the past week?
Heavy use of agency staff can point to an unsettled roster, and a less settled environment for residents.
What proportion of respite stays become permanent residents?
Converting short stays into permanent ones is a positive sign of quality.
Is laundry done on-site, or is it taken off-site?
Off-site laundry is linked to a greater incidence of lost clothing.
Is the physiotherapist full-time, part-time, or there on a “needs” basis?
A full-time physiotherapist generally leads to greater resident satisfaction.
Are there any personalised activities on offer?
Not everyone wants to play bingo – personalised activities tend to mean happier residents.
Ready to plan your visits?
If you would like more detail on the next steps, just reach out to your Care Guide. We are here to help every step of the way.