This is divided into sections:-

1. Contracts
   • Have you been supplied with a copy of the contract?
   • Does the contract clearly specify the nature of the fees and state under what conditions they will alter?
   • Is it clear what is covered in the fees and what is an extra charge?
   • Have you been supplied with a complaints procedure and a listing of past complaints? Is there a residents committee and is there adequate written information for the residents?
   • Have you determined how the contract would stand in relation to the Local Authority contract for funding support?
   • What would happen if you have to move from full self funding to assisted funding, will the Local Authority accept the contract and fees as currently established?
   • What will happen in the case of you requiring additional care provision, will this mean a move to another provider, or can extra care be provided in the same environment?
   • What notice is required before an increase in fees, for notice of changing ownership or closure, and what notice does the resident need to give in terms of ending the contract?
   • What is the fee arrangement when away from the home for an extended period of holiday or spell in hospital?
   • Where there is a partner, could the care provider be relied upon to provide them with care if and when that was needed?
   • What is the homes policy on funerals and payment of fees should the resident die while in care?
2. The Home
   • Is there a choice of single or shared rooms and is there choice with whom you share?
   • Can personal possessions be brought into the home?
   • What are the public facilities and is there a choice offering a quiet environment?
   • Are there facilities for visitors to meet in privacy and is there any overnight accommodation for visitors?
   • Are there facilities for private telephoning for both incoming and outgoing calls?
   • What is the homes approach to social, physical and religious activities?
   • What is the smoking policy?
   • Can a range of dietry needs be satisfied?
   • Are there opportunities for any form of self catering?
   • Are there opportunities for input to the running of the home by the more able in the form of duties and/or residents committee?
3. Personal Care
   • Is there flexibility in the times of rising, going to bed, eating etc.?
   • Can the residents GP be retained or is there a specific GP practice for the home?
   • Are there defined rules on bathing and showers or is there client flexibility?
   • Is there adequate and the possibility of increasing support being available with personal care?
   • Are toiletries covered in the standard cost?
   • What is the policy on the homes management of money and medicines?
   • Can the home offer access and wide use of facilties for those with wheelchair of assisted walking needs?

This list cannot be exhaustive in nature but is there to assist you in finding out whether the home is correct for a specific individual. You should also note the manner in how the questions are answered, the more open the management the more likely they will be open to respecting the needs of the residents.

One way of more fully assessing the provision is to request a temporary stay in the home. This should be discussed with the home provider and with the Social Worker, when they are involved in the process.

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