How to choose the right care home for your loved one

Choosing a care home for a loved one is one of the biggest decisions a family can make. Often, this decision comes at a time of crisis, perhaps following a fall, a change in health or when it is no longer possible for someone to manage safely at home. Considering care options before a move becomes necessary can give families more time to explore what is available and make the transition easier for everyone when the time comes.

For families looking at care homes in Aberdeen, there is a wide range of residential care, nursing care and specialist support available. Every home is different, from larger settings to smaller, more homely environments, and from homes supporting greater independence to those providing specialist nursing or dementia care. Taking the time to understand the different options and what matters most to your loved one can help you find a care home that is the right fit for their individual needs.

Everyone’s preferences and circumstances are different, but there are a few things worth considering that can help you make a more informed decision.

Look for a nursing or care home before you need it. 

The thought of moving to a care home can be a daunting one – for everyone involved. Having those conversations early allows time for all options to be considered, homes to be visited, care teams talked to, and decisions made without time pressures.

Taking the time to explore care options together allows your loved one to have a say in where they live and the type of care and support that feels right for them.

Alongside their care needs, talk about their interests, routines and the things that bring them comfort and joy. Visiting different care homes together can help them understand what each home has to offer and decide what feels like the right fit.

Each care home will offer a different environment and approach to care however they should all make time to understand the individual rather than treating everyone in the same way. Person-centred care means recognising each resident's individual needs, preferences, routines and personality, and shaping their care and daily life around them. The right home should support your loved one to continue living a meaningful and fulfilling life, while maintaining their dignity, independence and sense of identity.  

More than just a building

Some people want a modern care home, others prefer somewhere that feels more like home but it’s important to look beyond the environment. 

It’s often the everyday interactions that reveal the most about life in a care home. Notice how staff speak to residents, how well they know them as individuals and are willing to support for their individual needs, whether conversations feel natural and unhurried, and whether the home has a warm, welcoming atmosphere. These small moments can tell you a great deal about the culture of a home and the quality of care that residents receive.

A welcome community 

Moving into a care home does not mean giving up the social connections and routines that make life meaningful. A welcoming care home should offer opportunities for residents to spend time with others, build friendships and continue doing the things they enjoy.

When visiting a care home, ask about the activities and experiences available. Are there regular group activities, day trips, celebrations or opportunities to spend time outdoors? Are residents encouraged to eat together and socialise, or can they choose when and where they would like to spend their time?

It is also worth considering how families and friends are welcomed. Ask about visiting arrangements and whether loved ones are encouraged to take part in everyday life, from joining residents for a meal or activity to simply spending time together.

You can also ask how daily routines are shaped around people's preferences rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach. Every resident is different, so the right care home should offer a balance between community and personal choice. Look for a place where your loved one will feel included, valued and able to maintain the relationships, routines and interests that matter to them.

Ask questions

Don't be afraid to ask about the things that matter most to your family. Visiting a care home is an opportunity to understand its approach to care. Ask how families are involved, how staff get to know each resident as an individual and how care plans are developed. If your loved one has specific needs, ask about the experience and support available, whether that's nursing care, dementia care, palliative care or end-of-life care.

Visit more than once

If possible, arrange more than one visit and, if you can, visit at different times of the day. A second visit often gives you a better sense of daily life, helping you imagine how your loved one might settle into the community.

Speaking with staff, residents and visiting family members can also provide a valuable perspective on everyday life that you won't always find online.

Pay attention to how people interact with one another. Does the home feel warm and welcoming? Do residents appear engaged and comfortable? Do staff have time to talk and listen? These observations can be just as valuable as the practical information you receive during a formal visit.

Think about the future

When choosing a care home, it's worth considering not only what your loved one needs today, but how their needs might change over time.

A home that can provide continuity of care can offer reassurance for both residents and their families. This may be particularly important if someone is living with dementia or has changing nursing, palliative or end-of-life care needs. Having the right support available as circumstances change can help residents feel secure and give families peace of mind.

Finding the right fit

While checklists can be helpful, choosing a care home is also about instinct. As you narrow down your options, think about whether the home feels like somewhere your loved one could continue to live as themselves.

There is no single ‘best’ care home. The right choice is the one that reflects the individual's needs, preferences and personality. Taking the time to visit different homes, ask questions and observe everyday life can help you make a decision that feels right for your loved one and your family.

If you'd like to find out more about life at Simeon or see our community for yourself, get in touch to arrange a visit.