12 questions to ask an emergency care home

When a bed is offered this week, the temptation is to say yes. Pause for 12 questions first. Each one takes 30 seconds. Each one saves a week of regret.

The short answer. Twelve questions, in order. Get answers in writing (email is fine). Cross-check the CQC report. Walk away if the manager refuses to put rates in writing, restricts visiting, or cannot show you the kitchen, laundry and an empty bedroom.

Current CQC rating and date of last inspection?
Cross-check on the CQC site before agreeing anything. A Requires Improvement rating is not a hard no, but ask what has changed since the inspection.
What is the all-in weekly rate for the room offered?
Insist on a written breakdown that names every line item, including any short-notice premium.
What are the extras not in the weekly rate?
Common extras: hairdressing, chiropody, named outings, personal laundry.
What is the deposit and the notice period?
Typical deposit is 1-2 weeks. Typical notice is 4 weeks. Confirm in writing.
Staff-to-resident ratio day and night?
Reasonable benchmark: 1:5 day, 1:8 night for residential. Nursing units should have at least one Registered Nurse on duty at all times.
Who is the registered manager and how often are they on site?
A part-time or absent registered manager is a meaningful red flag.
Can my relative bring familiar items and personalise the room?
A no, or a long list of restrictions, is a sign of an institutional culture.
What is your dementia training programme?
Look for named programmes (Stirling Dementia Services Development Centre, Dementia UK Admiral Nurses). Vague answers are a warning.
How are medications managed and recorded?
Electronic MAR systems with eMAR sign-off are the modern standard. Paper-only is acceptable but raises error risk.
What is the policy on visiting and overnight family stays?
Restricted visiting (beyond clinical reason like an outbreak) is a red flag. Overnight family stays should be possible.
If my relative does not settle, can we end the contract early?
Yes is the only acceptable answer. Confirm the early-termination clause in writing.
Can I see the kitchen, the laundry, and an unoccupied bedroom?
Insist. If you cannot, the home has something to hide.

Cross-check sources: CQC find a home ↗Age UK choosing ↗NHS care home guide ↗

Red flags that mean walk away

Manager refuses to put the weekly rate in writing.
Visiting restricted without a clinical reason.
Kitchen, laundry or unoccupied bedroom cannot be shown.
Pressure to sign on the same call.
Demand for deposit above £500 paid to a personal account.

Last reviewed 2026-06-21. Clinical reviewer pending appointment (target Sep 2026); meanwhile reviewed by the editorial team.