Choosing a care home

I have both professional and personal experience of this. You should as suggested above look at the CQC's site and read the report on local homes; and also get a list from the local SSD.

The reports will be covering the basics (e.g. is this home financially viable? - are proper drug dispensing protocols adhered to? etc.) But the most important things are the atmosphere and the staff. It is not always the slickest poshest homes that are the best. A great deal of the ethos comes from the top so make sure you talk to the manager. Ask about staff turnover - happy and committed staff make a happy home. Ask if you can chat with residents if they are happy to.

One little thing that I always looked for were the windows - many homes are in old buildings with high windows that someone who is seated most of the time cannot see out of! Also the direction of the sun - are there light places to sit, or will they be in the gloom most of the time?

One home I dealt with that was always skating on thin ice with the inspectors was the one where the residents were happiest. Why? - the garden was less than smart - this was because there were several residents with dementia who had always loved to garden and the manager let them potter in the garden ad lib - lots of plants got loved around lots of times! - but they were happy and felt useful. They used to go out in the van and fish 'n' chips in newspaper if someone fancied that! residents who wanted to could do stuff in the kitchen. All these things were a bit problematical for the inspectors - but the residents loved them!

I have twice had to find care homes for family members and my recommendations. Start with the Age UK Fact sheet
[[ www.ageuk.org.uk/Documents/EN-GB/Factsheets/FS29_Finding_care_home_accommodation_fcs.pdf?dtrk=trueG]]o

Then having checked the obvious go on your gut reaction and do not be afraid to move him if he is not happy and thriving. Start looking before he needs help and check availability, as popular and well liked homes often have waiting lists. In that case get him on the waiting list so that once he decides he will move he will be at the top of any waiting list.

Ask to stay for lunch (even if you have to pay). Sit at a table with other residents and chat to them. At both homes I eventually chose, I was invited to stay for lunch.

I'm probably out of touch on this, but when we were looking for a place for Mum they wouldn't all accept her, as she was severely disabled ( stroke.) But still "all there" and continent.
Luckily they offered her a place in a small cosy home, where the carers were prepared to lift her as she was so light.
Good luck with your search.
Being able to pay his own fees might make a difference too.

Don't announce your visit catch them as they are. Avoid meal times though.

Look at the link care and carers lots of ideas for you to look at in order to choose a care home.

www.cqc.org.uk/content/care-homes

This is a start. May help you narrow down the ones you visit. If you like one, visit more than once but the very first test is the smell test. Run for the hills in if you smell urine