Set your criteria before visiting
List mobility, personal care, meals, communication and professionally identified treatment needs. Ask which needs the home can accommodate and when it would require a move elsewhere. Check its licence or registration with the competent authority in that country; an advertising badge is not proof. Proximity to family matters, but weigh it against the ability to provide the support actually needed.
Observe routines and relationships
During the visit, observe whether staff address residents respectfully and whether people can choose how they spend the day. Ask about privacy, visits, languages, outings, meals and raising concerns. Walk the route from the room to the bathroom and shared areas with the person’s needs in mind. Ask who is present overnight and how clinical help is contacted when required.
Read the agreement before deciding
Request the total price, extras, deposit, fee changes, notice period and arrangements during hospital stays. Clarify personal belongings and protection of money and documents. Where possible, let the person visit more than one option. Do not rush because of a “last place” claim. Plan contact and a review after moving; signing a contract does not end the conversation about quality.
