Choosing and Paying for a Care Home

Choosing a home

The environment

Are the home and grounds well maintained and accessible?

Does the home look and smell clean inside?

Is the location suitable for my visitors?

Is there a separate lounge and dining area?

Are there quiet areas, eg. for reading?

Is there a communal area for socialising and does it include a television?

Is there easy access for wheelchair/frames throughout the home?

Can I bring personal possessions, such as pictures and ornaments?

Will I have my own bathroom and are there sufficient fully equipped lavatories and bathrooms on all floors?

Is there up-to-date equipment, such as lifts, grab rails and hoists?

Daily life

Can I get up and go to bed when I choose?

Can I choose when and where to eat?

Is there a good menu selection and does it cater for my dietary needs?

Can I get a copy of the menu?

Are there residents' meetings?

Does the home have a smoking/no-smoking policy?

Does the home arrange regular social and leisure activities?

Can I use a phone to make private phone calls, or have my own phone in my room?

Can I have visitors when I choose to, or invite them for a meal?

Is there somewhere safe for my money and valuables?

The quality of care

Do staff seem friendly and helpful?

Do staff seem to treat residents with respect?

Do residents seem happy and well looked after?

Have I been introduced to the residents and staff?

Are staff always on duty?

What specialist training do staff have?

Does the home offer extra services, such as hairdressing and chiropody?

Can I choose my own GP?

Can staff accompany me if I need to go to a hospital or clinic?

Is bathing at least weekly?

Any extra charges

Will I be charged for extra services, such as hairdressing and chiropody?

Will my room be kept for me if I am in hospital or on holiday?

If so, for how long and at what cost?

Does the home charge a 'top up' fee in addition to the standard local authority or private fee rate?

Finally...

Does the information provided in the home's brochure reflect the home accurately?

Is the home's complaints procedure easily accessible and understood?

Did the home offer to show me the latest inspection report?

Would I be happy living there?

Homes contracted by Manchester City Council

If you move into a care home that has a contract with Manchester City Council, then you can expect, as a minimum, to be able to:

• remain in the home or your bedroom during the day.
• choose your own sleeping and waking times.
• leave the home to attend to activities you choose.
• choose where and what food to eat.
• have the opportunity or facilities to make or have a drink at any time.
• have alcohol when not conflicting with the needs of other residents (although some care homes may specifically exclude alcohol).
• be able to have personal possessions and small items of furniture in the home.
• choose how you wish to appear, including any culturally appropriate costume and clothing.
• enjoy privacy and confidentiality.
• be fully informed about your personal care.
• be able to observe your own cultural and religious practices, including praying and having religious artefacts in your room.
• be given realistic choices of activities both inside and outside the home.
• be able to use separate facilities for smokers and non-smokers (unless the home is only for non-smokers).
• be able to keep any small amounts of money and valuables in a safe place.
• be able to use a telephone in private.
• choose your own GP in the local area.
• have access to community health services, subject to provision by health authorities.
• receive support and help free of charge to attend medical appointments outside the home.
• have medical consultations in private.