Not Sure Which Nursing Home to Choose? This Might Help

Walking into a nursing home for the first time can be overwhelming.

There’s a lot to take in, such as the layout, the pace of the day and how staff are interacting with residents. But after first impressions, it’s the questions you ask that give you real insight into what life there is actually like.

Knowing which questions matter most can stop a visit from feeling like a blur and instead leave you with clear answers to help guide your decision on the best nursing home for your loved one.



Nursing Home Questions In More Detail:

Keep in mind that the way these questions are answered will reveal a lot. A respectable nursing home will provide precise figures, explain its care approach with confidence and welcome your questions.

Care and Staffing

1. How many registered nurses are on duty during the day and overnight?
2. What is the usual staff-to-resident ratio?
3. How often do you use agency staff and how do you maintain consistency of care?
4. What training do staff receive, and how regularly is it refreshed?
5. How do you make sure residents are supported by familiar carers and not a constant stream of new faces?
6. What is the average length of service for your staff?

Daily Life

1. What does a typical day look like for residents here?
2. What activities are on offer and how often do they take place?
3. Can residents choose how they spend their time or is the schedule fixed?
4. How are meals planned and can special dietary needs or personal preferences be accommodated?
5. Are visiting hours flexible and can families join residents for meals or activities?
6. Can residents personalise their rooms with their own furniture or belongings and can they paint the walls?

Health and Safety

1. How are medications stored, administered and monitored?
2. What’s the process for handling a medical emergency, and how quickly is help available?
3. How are residents with dementia or mobility issues kept safe without restricting their independence?
4. What infection control measures are in place?
5. How are falls or accidents recorded, reported and followed up?
6. Who is the named GP or medical contact for residents?

Funding and Contracts

1. What is the weekly fee and what exactly does it cover?
2. Are there any additional charges for services such as hairdressing, chiropody, outings or specialist equipment?
3. How often do fees increase and how much notice is given beforehand?
4. What happens if my loved one’s care needs change — will the costs change too?
5. What is the deposit or notice period if someone leaves the home?
6. Are NHS Funded Nursing Care payments or Continuing Healthcare contributions accepted here?

Families and Communication

1. How are families kept up to date about a resident’s health and care?
2. Are relatives involved in care planning or regular review meetings?
3. What is the policy on visiting hours and is there flexibility for evenings, weekends or emergencies?
4. Can families join residents for meals or activities?
5. Is there a named contact at the home for relatives if they have questions or concerns?
6. How does the nursing home handle feedback or complaints from families?

Getting the Answers That Matter

So, as you can see, asking clear, practical questions turns a nursing home visit from a quick look-around into fundamental discoveries about how the facility works. From staffing and daily routines to safety, costs and family involvement, the answers you receive will help you determine whether the home is well-run and, most importantly, whether it feels right for your loved one.