How to choose a care home: a 20-point visit checklist (printable)
Facts checked 18 Oct 2026. Written by our editors from the official sources below; not yet reviewed by a social worker or nurse. Not medical, legal or financial advice.
Before visiting
- Know the type of place needed: care-and-attention or nursing home (see types of homes).
- On each home's page here, check the licence validity, number of places, type of home, voucher and accreditation status.
- Look at SWD's conviction, warning and licence cancellation lists (see checking SWD records).
- Compare locations: ease of visiting, distance to hospitals and MTR stations.
On the visit
Go at different times of day (a mealtime is useful), and take the elderly person if you can. The checklist below prints.
Care home visit checklist
Use your browser's Print to print it.
Licence and records
- The licence's validity and capacity match SWD's list
- You have looked at SWD's conviction, warning and licence cancellation lists
- Whether the home is accredited, takes vouchers or is in the EBPS
Surroundings
- Clean, no unpleasant smell, light and ventilation
- Room size, space between beds, room for personal things
- Screens or curtains for privacy during personal care
- Clear fire exits, lifts and grab rails
Care
- How many staff are on by day and at night, and whether there is a nurse
- Whether residents look well cared for and take part in activities
- Who manages medication and how it is recorded
- How often a doctor visits, who escorts residents to appointments
- The home's policy on restraints
Food and daily life
- The menu, vegetarian or special diets, food for swallowing difficulties
- Visiting hours and going out
- Activities and rehabilitation
Fees and contract
- A written fee table: the basic fee and every extra (diapers, milk, medication, escort, transport, air-conditioning)
- Deposit, notice period and refunds
- The admission agreement is signed by both sides and you get a copy
- Voucher places: what costs extra, and that top-ups are optional
- How and when fees go up
Home: ____________ Date visited: __________