Questions to Ask When Visiting a Dementia Care Home

Once you’ve done your research and narrowed down your shortlist of dementia care homes, the next step is to visit them.

A visit will tell you far more than any website or online review ever could and it’s your chance to see how the home feels, meet the people who work there and decide whether it’s somewhere your loved one with dementia would be comfortable and well cared for.

Continue reading to discover what questions to ask to ensure a dementia care home is the right fit.

Preparing for Your Dementia Care Home Visit

Before you go to a dementia care home, think about what really matters to your loved one and to you. Is it the way staff interact with residents? Or how calm and organised the home feels? Perhaps it’s whether there’s a garden to enjoy? Taking a few notes beforehand will help you focus on the things that count.

We suggest visiting more than once and at different times of the day if you can. That’s because a morning visit might show how staff handle breakfast and medication, while the afternoon could give you a feel for how residents spend their time, hopefully with some dementia-friendly activities and social time. It’s also worth dropping in unannounced if possible, to see the home as it runs on an ordinary day, which gives a far truer picture than any planned tour.

Bring someone with you when you go, because another set of eyes can really help you pick up on missed details and give you a second opinion afterwards if you’re struggling with the decision. And don’t be afraid to take your time. Choosing the right dementia home is a decision that takes time and you must have peace of mind with the one you pick for the sake of your loved one’s well-being.

Questions About Care and Support

Once you’re there, try to get a sense of how care is delivered on a day-to-day basis. Ask how the team gets to know each resident and customises support to suit individual personalities and needs, because dementia care should always reflect the individual, not just the condition.

It’s also imperative to know what training staff have in dementia care, how many are on duty at different times and how they handle changes in behaviour or mood. Continuity of care matters too, as familiar faces make a massive difference to how settled residents feel.

You should also ask how medication and health concerns are managed, and how the staff keep families informed about any changes. A good home will be open and confident when answering these questions and will likely appreciate that you’re taking the time to understand how things work.

Questions About the Environment

The atmosphere and layout of a care home can tell you a lot about what life there is really like. When you walk in, notice how it feels. Is it calm, busy, homely or a little chaotic? You don’t want a home that feels clinical or restrictive, so look for one that offers a safe and welcoming atmosphere, regardless of the time of day.

Ask how the home is set up for residents living with dementia. Some questions to ask here could be:

• Are rooms and corridors clearly marked to help residents find their way?
• Is there plenty of natural light, quiet spaces to relax and secure access to the garden?
• Are there small details, such as contrasting colours or familiar decor, that add to comfort and confidence?

Some homes allow residents to decorate their rooms and bring their own furniture, which can be a huge help for your loved one with dementia. So, double-check that this is allowed because having familiar things around can make a new space feel more like home.

Questions About Daily Life and Activities

Daily life plays a big part in how happy and settled someone feels in a care home. So ask what a typical day looks like:

• When are meals served?
• How are activities arranged?
• Are activities dementia-friendly?
• Can residents choose how to spend their time?

A good dementia care home will offer structure without being rigid and will ensure each person has something meaningful to do.

There should be a mix of group sessions and one-on-one time, incorporating gentle exercise and music, as well as crafts or reminiscence activities. Ask how often residents get outside for fresh air or short trips or even small outings can make a big difference.

Also, check whether families can join in, visit freely or pop in for a meal with loved ones now and then. Homes should always make relatives feel welcome and part of daily life.

Questions About Communication and Family Involvement

It’s important to feel connected to what’s going on daily. Ask how the home keeps families updated, which is maybe through regular meetings, phone calls or quick emails when something changes. Knowing who to contact and that they’ll get back to you easily can make a big difference for your confidence in the team caring for your loved one.

Ask how families are involved in decisions about care. A good care team will want to hear from you, especially about your loved one’s routines, likes and dislikes. Keep in mind that the small details you share can actually make a big difference to how well staff understand and support them.

You’ll also want to ask about visiting. Because while most homes try to be as flexible as they can, some might prefer you to call ahead, especially if there are group activities or meal times to consider. It’s worth asking if you can bring children, or even the family pet, when you visit — small things like that can make visits easier and more relaxed. Many families enjoy joining residents for a cup of tea or an activity now and then, so make sure it’s clear that the home has an open-door policy for families.

Finding the Care Home That Feels Right

Visiting dementia care homes takes time, but it’s the best way to see how each one really feels to you and your family. Stick around, ask questions, look around and, most importantly, trust your instincts. The right dementia care home for your loved one will feel calm and have a genuine atmosphere, with staff who seem kind and residents who look comfortable.