Care Home Visiting Checklist
A free, printable checklist of 50+ questions to ask when visiting a care home — covering CQC ratings, staffing, fees, food, medical care, and contracts.
Why use a checklist when visiting care homes?
Choosing a care home is one of the most significant decisions a family will ever make. Visits can be overwhelming — you are processing a huge amount of information while managing strong emotions. A checklist ensures you ask the right questions consistently across every home you visit, so you can compare them objectively afterwards.
Many families later regret not asking about fee increases, top-up fees, or the complaints process before signing a contract. Our checklist covers all of these — including the financial questions that care homes do not always volunteer.
Compare fairly
Ask the same questions at every home so you can make a like-for-like comparison.
Avoid nasty surprises
Uncover hidden charges, top-up fees, and restrictive contract clauses before you commit.
Feel confident
Walk in prepared. Care home managers expect — and respect — families who ask detailed questions.
What's in the checklist?
CQC Rating & Inspection
- Current CQC rating and date of last inspection
- Any enforcement actions or warning notices
- Improvements made since last inspection
- Registration for specific care type needed
- + more questions in the full PDF
Staffing & Care Quality
- Staff-to-resident ratios (day, evening, night)
- Registered nurses on site 24/7 (nursing homes)
- Staff turnover rate and training standards
- Activities programme and dedicated coordinator
- + more questions in the full PDF
Fees & Funding
- Weekly fee and what is included
- Extra charges (hairdressing, chiropody, outings)
- Annual fee increase history (last 3 years)
- Top-up fees, council rates, and DPA acceptance
- + more questions in the full PDF
The Environment
- Cleanliness, warmth, and absence of odours
- En-suite rooms, outdoor space, quiet areas
- Wheelchair and mobility aid accessibility
- Lift access if multi-storey
- + more questions in the full PDF
Food & Nutrition
- Sample weekly menu and freshly prepared meals
- Dietary requirements and allergy accommodation
- Snacks and drinks available throughout the day
- Weight monitoring and nutrition management
- + more questions in the full PDF
Medical & Health Care
- GP coverage and specialist referral process
- Medication management and error recording
- Rapid deterioration and emergency procedures
- End-of-life care policy and DNAR documentation
- + more questions in the full PDF
Family Involvement
- Visiting hours and any restrictions
- Communication with families about wellbeing
- Residents' and relatives' committee
- Complaints policy and named key worker
- + more questions in the full PDF
Contracts & Legal
- Resident contract — request before signing
- Fee increase clauses and notice periods
- Trial period and exit policy
- Power of attorney documentation and valuables policy
- + more questions in the full PDF
Download the full checklist — free
Print it out and take it to every care home visit. No sign-up, no email required.
Download Free PDF ChecklistTips for getting the most from your visit
Visit at mealtimes
Arriving at lunch or dinner lets you see the food quality, how residents are supported to eat, and the general atmosphere at a busy time of day.
Ask to speak to a resident or family member
A good care home will be happy to connect you with a current resident or their family. Their honest experience is more valuable than any brochure.
Look at the notice board
The activities board, menus, and staff rotas tell you a lot about how the home is run day-to-day. Are activities varied? Are menus changed regularly?
Check the CQC report before you go
Download the latest CQC inspection report from cqc.org.uk before your visit. Use it to ask targeted follow-up questions about any areas of concern.
Don't sign anything on the day
Take the contract home and read it carefully — or have a solicitor review it. Pay particular attention to fee increase clauses and the notice period.
Visit more than once
A first visit is often arranged in advance. A second, unannounced visit at a different time of day gives a more realistic picture of daily life.