Last Updated: September 22, 2025 by Michael Kahn. Published: September 22, 2025.
If you’re thinking of moving your parents into a care home, then you’ll know all too well that it’s not an easy decision. In fact, it comes with a lot of mixed feelings. On one hand, you want nothing more than for them to get the support and care they need but on the other, you’re suddenly putting trust in a bunch of strangers to take care of people you love more than anything. So, before you go and make any decisions, take some time to do your homework before making a final decision.
Location
First thing’s first, you need to think about where the care home is. You want somewhere nice and scenic for them, but you also don’t want to make it too hard to get to on a regular basis. After all, the closer and easier it is to get to, the more often you’ll visit, right?! Not only is that convenient for you, but it means your parents won’t be left feeling isolated away from their family. This means that even if the care home you’ve viewed looks good on paper, you still need to think about how you and other family members are going to be able to make it in.
Staff
A good team of staff in a care home is essential. Take the time to meet them and see how they interact with current residents. If it’s clear they don’t enjoy what they’re doing, do you really want to subject your parents to that? Small signs like a smile and plenty of patience are important qualities to have as a carer. Also, don’t be afraid to ask them about the training they’ve had, how long they’ve worked there, or even what the staff turnover is like! Consider visiting at different times of the day so you can see how the staff handle the heavier moments too.
Safety
You want your parents to be safe, that’s a given. It should be a top priority for the care home too. Ask them about security doors, to medication administration and even what happens if there is a resident that’s a flight risk. You should also look into the risk of nursing home abuse. While it’s not something anyone wants to think about, it does still happen. Taking the time to do your research will help give you peace of mind and know how to spot any signs of abuse. That way, you know your parents are always safe and looked after.
Activities
Sure, a care home is there to make sure they’re safe and looked after, but it’s also worth thinking about their quality of life. If they’re being plonked in front of the TV all day, they’re bound to quickly deteriorate. Ask the care home about what activities they provide for their residents so you know your parents aren’t going to end up bored and lonely.
Cost
Finally, one of the most important things to consider is the cost. You need to take the time to sit down and work out how much it’s going to cost in the long run. Will it mean dipping into their retirement funds or savings? Make sure you get everything in writing, and don’t be afraid to ask for a breakdown from the care home either.
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Whether she is researching the latest trends in home decor, life-changing destination getaways, or the best way to maintain your finances, Dewey takes pride in leaving no stone unturned. She is passionate about distilling and delivering high-quality information that you can use to upgrade your life.
