When visiting a nursing home, don’t be afraid to ask questions about the care provided. You may want to find out about medication management, mobility support, falls prevention, nutrition and hydration, dementia care and how the home works with GPs and other healthcare professionals.
Look Beyond the Building
Of course, the environment matters. A comfortable bedroom, welcoming communal areas and outdoor space can all contribute to residents’ wellbeing.
However, when you visit a nursing home, try to look beyond the building itself.
How do staff speak to residents? Do people seem relaxed and comfortable? Is there conversation and laughter? Do staff take the time to listen?
These everyday interactions can tell you a great deal about what life is like in a home.
Here at Fulford, getting to know each resident as an individual is an important part of the care we provide. Understanding someone’s background, interests, routines and preferences helps us create a more personal and familiar environment.
Ask About Personalised Care
Every person is different, and their care should reflect that.
A personalised care plan should cover important health and nursing needs, but it should also help staff understand the person behind those needs.
Perhaps your loved one enjoys getting up early with a cup of tea, has always loved gardening, enjoys listening to music or has a favourite meal. These details may seem small, but they can make a big difference to someone’s sense of comfort and belonging.
When visiting a nursing home, ask how care plans are created and reviewed and how families are involved in the process.
At Fulford Nursing Home, we believe that personalised care starts with listening. Taking the time to understand what matters to each resident allows our team to provide support that reflects their individual needs and wishes.
Think About Everyday Life
Nursing care is an important part of life in a care home, but it is certainly not the only part.
Ask what a typical day looks like. Are there activities and opportunities to socialise? Can residents enjoy the garden? Are there opportunities for music, crafts, reminiscence, gentle exercise or simply sitting together and having a chat?
Food is important too. Ask about menus and whether residents are able to make choices about what they eat.
Good nutrition and hydration are particularly important for older people, and individual needs should be taken into consideration. The NHS provides further information about choosing a care home and what families should look for.
Here at Fulford, we know that some of the most meaningful moments can be found in everyday life – sharing a meal, enjoying a cup of tea, listening to a favourite song, taking part in an activity or spending time with friends and family.
Consider Dementia and Changing Needs
If your loved one is living with dementia, it is particularly important to ask about the home’s experience in supporting people with memory loss and changing needs.
The NHS recommends considering whether a care home can meet an individual’s needs and looking at the environment, available support and inspection information when researching your options.
You may also want to ask how the home supports familiar routines, meaningful activities and communication for people living with dementia.
At Fulford Nursing Home, we recognise that everyone living with dementia is an individual. Taking time to understand a person’s history, personality and preferences can help create care that feels familiar, reassuring and respectful.
Family Involvement Matters
Moving into a nursing home is a big change not only for the person moving, but for their family too.
It is important to find somewhere where relatives feel welcome and able to remain involved.
Ask about visiting arrangements and whether family members can take part in activities, celebrations and everyday moments. Find out how the home keeps relatives informed about changes in their loved one’s health and wellbeing.
Here at Fulford, we see families as an important part of our community. We want relatives and friends to feel welcome and comfortable visiting their loved one and being part of everyday life in the home.
Visit, Ask Questions and Take Your Time
If you are considering a nursing home in York, try to visit more than one home if possible.
Take a list of questions with you, but also give yourself time to simply look around and get a feel for the atmosphere.
You could ask:
- What does a typical day look like?
- How are residents’ care plans created and reviewed?
- What nursing and healthcare support is available?
- How are families involved in care?
- What activities are available?
- How are dietary requirements managed?
- How does the home support people living with dementia?
- What happens if a resident’s care needs change?
- How does the home work with GPs and other healthcare professionals?
It is also worth checking the home’s latest CQC information as part of your research.
Finding Somewhere That Feels Right
There is no single nursing home that will be right for every person. Every family has different needs, and every resident has their own story.
The most important thing is finding somewhere that can provide the right level of care while also offering warmth, companionship and a sense of belonging.
Here at Fulford Nursing Home, we understand that choosing nursing care can feel like a big step. We want families to feel comfortable asking questions, spending time getting to know us and seeing what everyday life is really like.
Because ultimately, choosing a nursing home isn’t just about finding somewhere that can provide care.
It’s about finding somewhere that feels like home.
Useful NHS Information
For families considering nursing care, the following NHS resources may be helpful: