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Printable checklist

Care home visit checklist: questions to ask and what to look for

Print this and take it with you. Visit at least twice, once unannounced or at a mealtime, and compare homes side by side with our compare tool.

Provider: ______________________________ Date: ____________

Before you go

Check the latest CQC rating and how old it is
Read the most recent CQC report, especially Safe and Well-led
Ask for the fee and what it includes, in writing
Check whether the home accepts council funding or third-party top-ups

First impressions

You were welcomed and nobody seemed rushed
The home smells clean and is comfortably warm
Residents look well cared for, dressed and engaged
Staff speak to residents kindly and by name
There is safe, accessible outdoor space

Staff and care

How many staff are on duty in the day, and at night?
How often do you use agency staff?
How long has the manager been in post?
How is a care plan written, and how often is it reviewed with the family?
How do you manage medication, falls and infections?
How do you support people living with dementia?

Daily life

Can residents choose when to get up, eat and go to bed?
What activities happen this week? Are trips out offered?
Can I see the menu? How are special diets handled?
Are visiting times open? Can visitors join meals?
Can residents bring furniture and pets?

Money and the contract

What does the weekly fee include, and what costs extra (hairdresser, chiropody, trips)?
How much notice is given before fees rise, and by how much did they rise last year?
What happens if savings run out?
What is the notice period, and are fees charged after a death?
Ask for a copy of the contract to read before signing

From thecarepanel.co.uk · Check CQC ratings and compare providers free at thecarepanel.co.uk

Free download

A 40-point checklist for comparing care homes

Use it to compare up to three homes on the same questions, from CQC reports and staffing to the room, fees and contract terms.

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Next steps

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Reviewed 20 October 2026 by The Care Panel editorial team · Next review April 2027 · Editorial policy

Source for provider details: CQC, Oct 2026 (Open Government Licence v3.0). The Care Panel is a comparison site, not a care company.

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