Choosing a dementia care home is a big decision, and a good visit tells you a great deal. Use this checklist of questions to help you compare homes and feel confident in your choice.
When you visit a dementia care home, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and forget what you wanted to ask. Taking a list with you helps. Here are the questions we’d encourage any family to ask — of us, or of any home you visit.
About the care
- Is the home registered specifically for dementia care?
- Is there qualified nursing on site 24 hours a day?
- How are care plans created and how often are they reviewed?
- How do you support people as their needs change, including end-of-life care?
- How do you handle medical needs and work with GPs and community teams?
About the team
- What dementia training do staff receive?
- What are the staffing levels, day and night?
- Is there a stable, settled team, or high turnover?
About daily life
- What activities are on offer, and how are they tailored to each person?
- Can I see a typical menu? Is food cooked fresh on site?
- What are the visiting arrangements for family and friends?
- How will you help my loved one settle in?
About the home
- Is the environment safe, secure and easy to find your way around?
- Are there outdoor spaces residents can enjoy?
- How are residents’ rooms personalised?
About fees
- What do the fees include, and what costs extra?
- How do you support families with funding and assessments?
- What happens if my relative’s needs or funding change?
Trust your instincts
Beyond the answers, notice how the home feels. Are residents relaxed and engaged? Do staff seem warm and unhurried? Are you greeted openly? The best way to know is to visit — ideally more than once. You’re always welcome at Tregwilym Lodge.
We're here to help
If you'd like to talk things through, or arrange a visit to Tregwilym Lodge, we'd be glad to hear from you — there's no obligation.
Contact us