Author: Petra Meinlova

Choosing a care home for an elderly parent or relative is one of the most significant decisions a family can make, often laden with emotions, concerns, and questions. To help navigate this journey, our teams from Astley View, a specialist care home in Chorley and Ashton Manor in Lancaster, share their expert insights on making informed choices.

Christina Durnan, Home Manager for Astley View in Chorley, notes: “Finding the right care home is a big decision. Although many people often call care homes for older people ‘nursing homes’, not everyone requires nursing care. We can provide the right information about different types of care and support, and what to look out for when choosing a care home. Having the right information enables families to make the right decision and also alleviate the feelings of guilt and a huge sense of responsibility that so many family members experience. We also emphasise how much joy and fun living in a care home can be. Our staff love what they do, and they work very hard to provide the right type of care as well as many activities, trips, and opportunities to socialise.”

If you are looking for a care home for your loved one, here are some top tips to help you choose the right home with the expertise, environment, and caring staff that align with your values.

What care do different care homes provide?

• Residential care homes provides a safe, social environment with assistance in daily living activities and personal care.

• Specialist Care Homes for people living with Dementia trains a specialist team in dementia care and the environment is often designed for comfort and familiarity.

• Nursing care homes support people with complex medical needs requiring continuous care under the supervision of qualified nurses.

• Respite stays or temporary care can provide a much needed break to caregivers or provide short-term support for recovery after a hospital stay.

Before you visit a care home

Before you visit, start by making a list of your loved one’s needs; what they enjoy, don’t enjoy and current and past hobbies. From physical and personal care needs to favourite activities, this preparation helps ensure you ask the right questions during your visit. It also helps to check reviews and reports online. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) assesses care homes providing care for older people in England. Read their reports in detail, and ask about anything you want to clarify during your visit. Testimonials from families and residents can also provide helpful insights.

You can keep a checklist for each home you visit to remember how you felt during and after each visit.

What to look out for on your visit:

1. Visit and observe

First impressions count. Assess whether the home feels warm and welcoming. Are the communal areas clean, accessible, and inviting?

2. Speak with staff and residents

Observe whether staff are attentive, caring, and respectful. Residents should appear engaged in meaningful activities and look happy and content.

3. Explore activities and meals

Does the home have a varied list of regular activities? Will your loved one feel included and have opportunities to participate? Check the weekly menu, does the home source food locally and prepare meals on-site? Does the chef have any specialist training to meet medical and dietary needs while ensuring meals are appealing?

4. Understand costs and contracts

Many families will be required to fund the cost of care, without the help of their Local Authority. Request a copy of the contract to understand the fees, payment terms, notice periods and any potential additional charges during the stay.

5. Consider location and visiting policies

Is the home conveniently located for regular family visits? Most care homes offer flexible visiting policies, and many provide private rooms or dining areas for special family occasions.

6. Meet the Registered Manager

The Registered Manager sets the tone for the home. Request to meet them or their Deputy and discuss their experience and vision for the care home. You can also ask to speak with a family member of a resident currently living in the home.

Joanne Tyson, Registered Manager at Ashton Manor in Lancaster, adds: “When visiting a care home, it should feel vibrant and caring, calm, yet full of opportunities to socialise and have fun. Our residents enjoy a wide variety of activities, and we are committed to building strong connections with the local community. We have supported hundreds of families through this process and our Customer Experience Team understands the process and can answer your questions to help every step of the way.”

With the right guidance and preparation, choosing a care home can also be a positive and empowering process. At Astley View and Ashton Manor, Evermore Care provides expert advice and personalised support to ensure families feel confident and reassured throughout the journey.

For more information or to arrange a visit to Astley View or Ashton Manor, please contact us by clicking here.

Astley View Care Home in Chorley, Lancashire, celebrated its first anniversary with a special Open Day event for the local community. The day also included a ceremony to recognise the outstanding contributions of its dedicated staff, whose commitment to providing compassionate care has been integral to the Home’s success.

Located off Euxton Lane, Chorley, Astley View has quickly become a key part of the local community, offering personalised care for elderly residents with a focus on residential care, dementia support, and respite services. The Open Day welcomed local residents and families to see the purpose-built care home, meet the team, and learn more about the care home’s services and commitment to quality.

Astley View actively collaborates with local schools, promoting intergenerational activities that bring joy and learning opportunities for both residents and children. These partnerships help foster a vibrant, inclusive community within the home, where residents’ well-being is at the heart of everything the care team does.

The care home’s success is also attributed to its strong focus on employee wellness and development. Initiatives like providing wellbeing baskets, Christmas vouchers, and hosting monthly and bi-annual staff awards, as well as a commitment to the Real Living Wage, ensure that staff feel supported and valued.

Home Manager, Christina Durnan, commented: “Opening our doors for the Open Day and staff awards ceremony is a special occasion for all of us at Astley View. It is a chance to celebrate our first year of service and to recognise the dedication of our staff, as well as the wonderful people and their families we support. We are committed to providing the highest standard of care for our residents and creating a fulfilling workplace for our team members.”