How many homes to visit?

Typically 3–5, with two visits for your top two choices.

Should I involve the future resident?

Yes—bring them if possible, or share photos/menus/room layouts.

When to re-check CQC?

Always read the latest report; ask if an inspection is pending or actions are closed.

Yes, but check notice and exit terms; plan continuity of GP/pharmacy records.

How to Choose a Care Home in Poole

Step 1: Pre-visit preparation

Create a written brief: daily living support, dementia care needs, mobility support, budget, preferred areas.
Read the latest CQC report: focus on ratings for Caring and Safe, and any enforcement actions or action plans. Learn how to read CQC reports.
Plan travel/visiting: check Morebus routes and rail (Parkstone/Hamworthy) so family can visit easily.
Align expectations: agree what “good looks like” for your family (quiet homely vs. busy social environment).

What to observe on visits (NHS/Age UK aligned)

Environment: clean, odour-free, bedrooms/bathrooms maintained; common areas in active use.
Interactions: staff respectful, patient, and use residents’ names; observe mealtime support.
Safety and dignity: call bells, handrails, lockable storage, privacy respected.
Food and activities: menus visible, dietary needs met; daily/weekly activity schedule on display.
Family involvement: visiting policy, family meetings, and how care plans are shared.

Questions to ask

Staffing: ratios per shift; agency reliance; dementia/safeguarding training; how continuity is managed.
Care planning: how often plans are reviewed; how family input is captured; who signs off updates.
Health support: GP cover, pharmacy partner, falls prevention, pressure area care, escalation routes.
Life enrichment: how activities adapt for different abilities; access to garden/outdoor space.
Continuity: handling hospital discharge, short stays, and end-of-life care preferences.
Fees and notice: what’s included/excluded, notice for increases, deposit/refund rules.

Documentation to request

Latest CQC report and any improvement plan.
Sample care plan, weekly activities timetable, and menu.
Contract/terms, including top-up rules (if applicable), notice periods, and complaints process.
Visiting policy and infection-control approach; safeguarding/incident escalation steps.

Common red flags

Recent CQC rating Requires Improvement or Inadequate without a clear improvement plan.
High staff turnover, heavy agency use, long waits for call bells.
Residents appear isolated or disengaged; empty common spaces during the day.
Lack of transparency on fees, notice periods, or how fee increases are calculated.
Activities board empty or outdated; mealtimes feel rushed or unsupported.

Poole/BCP local factors

Transport: Parkstone (Morebus 7A/7B/7C/15/18 + rail); Broadstone (3/4/18/32); Hamworthy (8/9/10 + rail).
Distance: Parkstone ~2 miles to Poole; Broadstone ~3.5 miles; Hamworthy ~1.5 miles.
Nearby medical/amenities: Parkstone Health Centre, Broadstone Health Centre, Hamworthy Medical Centre.

Shortlisting and decision flow

Create a comparison table: care needs fit, CQC ratings, staffing, fees inclusions, travel time.
Visit top options twice: one scheduled tour, one at mealtime or weekend if possible.
Speak with residents/families (if appropriate) about responsiveness and atmosphere.
Review the contract slowly; get clarifications in writing; confirm how fee changes are calculated.
Trial stay if available; debrief on settling-in and any adjustments needed.

Decision tip

CQC State of Care 2016-17: small homes (1-10 beds) achieved Good/Outstanding in 89-92%; large homes (50+ beds) in 63-72%. If you prioritise personalised care and familiarity, small homes are often strong candidates—always verify with the latest CQC report.

FAQ

How many homes to visit? Typically 3–5, with two visits for your top two choices.
Involve the future resident? Yes—bring them if possible, or share photos/menus/room layouts.
When to re-check CQC? Always read the latest report; ask if an inspection is pending or actions are closed.
Can we move later? Yes, but check notice and exit terms; plan continuity of GP/pharmacy records.