Last updated 23 September 2025

Care home selection checklist

Choosing a care home can seem like a confusing and daunting task. With more than 60 years’ experience of helping people find the right home, we have produced a free checklist to help you make notes and choose between the different care homes you visit.

Is this home right for me?

There’s a lot to consider when you are choosing a care home. It may be the little things that appeal to you most about a particular home, like being able to re-arrange the furniture in your space, the greeting you get from staff, or having a telephone line in your bedroom, and you may find it useful to make notes of these details.

Our checklist of suggested questions is designed to help you remember the things you see and the way a home makes you feel, as well as the information you are given, when visiting

It features the questions Anchor colleagues say are most commonly asked as well as factors our existing care home residents have told us were most important to them when choosing a home.

The different topics covered are listed below and the full checklist is available as a document for free below; please download it and print it as often as you like.

Download our care home checklist

Things to consider when visiting a care home

Can you re-arrange the room to suit yourself?
Can residents bring their own furniture and personal items into the home?
Does the room smell fresh and airy?
Are the en suite facilities to your satisfaction?
If the room does not include en suite facilities, are the toilet and washing facilities conveniently located?
Can you open the window for ventilation?
Is the call bell accessible?
Is there a secure place for valuables?

Is the home bright, cheery and decorated as you would like it?
Does the home feel safe and secure?
Are there handrails in hallways and corridors?
Are the adapted bathrooms located conveniently?
Is the call system visible throughout the home?
Can residents bring a pet with them?
Are there communal lounges to socialise?
Are the toilet facilities conveniently located for the communal areas?
Are the dining facilities to your satisfaction?
Does the home have the right adaptations and equipment to meet your needs?
Is there a lift?
Are personal possessions insured?
Are there arrangements for laundry and room cleaning?
Is there access to GP facilities?
Does a chiropodist/ hairdresser/dentist/optician visit regularly?
Are residents accompanied on visits to the hospital?

Can you continue to pursue your hobbies and interests?
Are there activities and entertainment to suit your interests?
Are outings arranged and are costs confirmed for these?
Are escorts available for outings, if necessary?
Is a library service available?
Can you help in the garden or home if you wish?

Is there a choice of menu?
Can residents choose what they eat?
Are special diets catered for?
Is the choice of food interesting, varied and good quality?
Can you choose to take meals in your room if desired?
Can residents eat with guests or on their own if they wish?
Can you have snacks and drinks at any time of the day or night?
Is alcohol available if you would like it?

Do you know some of the existing residents?
Do residents look happy and well cared for?
Are residents involved in decisions about life in the home?
Can you have your own telephone with a separate number?
Are there any rules and restrictions e.g., going out, time to return etc?
Can you choose your routine, for example, what time you get up?
If pertinent, is there a designated smoking area?
Is there somewhere you can get privacy and peace and quiet, other than your bedroom?
Can you help prepare meals?
Can a resident’s family or friends take laundry offsite if preferred?
Can you help clean your own room if you want to?
Can you follow your religious practice e.g., attend church services?
Can you handle your own money? If not what arrangements are in place?

Does the home offer the level of care you need?
Can you see the CQC – Care Quality Commission Inspection Report?
Is an increased level of care available should you need it in the future or will the home support with next steps should this be required in another setting?
If you have a particular condition, is the home able to support this?

How much are the fees?
Is it clear exactly what is included in the weekly charges?
Are fees reviewed annually?
If you are self-funded, are you able to plan long-term to pay the fees or is there support for this?
If the Local Authority is funding care, is there a top up?
Will the home accommodate you on Local Authority funding (if applicable)?
Are you able to view a copy of the relevant contract?
What charges are not included?
Does the home require an up front deposit?