Visit checklist
- Clean, odour-free building; bathrooms/bedrooms well maintained.
- Staff address residents by name; respectful tone and eye contact.
- Visible activities schedule; residents engaged (not all in rooms/TV).
- Menus on display; dietary needs accommodated; mealtime looks calm.
- Call bells answered promptly; adequate staffing on shift.
- Safety features: handrails, clear signage, secure garden/doors as appropriate.
- Family involvement: how care plans are shared and reviewed.
- Visiting policy: flexibility for family, especially mealtimes/activities.
Conversations to have
- Ask residents (if appropriate) how they find activities, food, and responsiveness.
- Ask staff about training (dementia, safeguarding, moving and handling) and shift handovers.
- Ask to see a sample care plan and how family input is recorded and updated.
- Confirm GP/pharmacy arrangements and how clinical issues are escalated.
- Clarify visiting flexibility, mealtime visits, and how concerns/complaints are handled.
Red flags
- Recent CQC rating Requires Improvement or Inadequate with no clear improvement plan.
- High staff turnover; agency-heavy shifts; long waits when residents call for help.
- Residents appear isolated or disengaged; common areas empty during the day.
- Strong odours, cluttered corridors, or poor maintenance.
- Lack of clear answers on fees, notice periods, or how increases are decided.
Extra checks (if time allows)
- Observe a mealtime: is there enough support, calm atmosphere, choice, and hydration?
- Check activities board vs. reality: are residents engaged or are spaces empty?
- Look at bathrooms and equipment: clean, maintained, appropriate for mobility needs.
- Call bell test: how quickly staff respond (with permission from the home).
- Night routine: ask about overnight staffing and checks balanced with sleep.
Transport and access (Poole/BCP)
- Parkstone: buses 7A/7B/7C/15/18 + rail; ~2 miles to Poole.
- Broadstone: buses 3/4/18/32; ~3.5 miles to Poole.
- Hamworthy: buses 8/9/10 + rail; ~1.5 miles to Poole.
FAQ
- What should I check during a care home visit? Check for clean, odour-free building; staff addressing residents by name; visible activities schedule; menus on display; call bells answered promptly; safety features like handrails; and family involvement policies.
- What are red flags to watch for during a visit? Red flags include recent CQC rating Requires Improvement or Inadequate, high staff turnover, residents appearing isolated, strong odours, and lack of clear answers on fees or policies.
- What questions should I ask staff during a visit? Ask about training (dementia, safeguarding, moving and handling), shift handovers, care planning, GP/pharmacy arrangements, visiting flexibility, and how concerns/complaints are handled.
- Should I visit a care home more than once? Yes, visit your top choices twice: one scheduled tour, and one at mealtime or weekend if possible. This gives you a better sense of daily life and different times of day.