Choosing a care home for a loved one is often an emotional and complex process. It’s natural to feel worried about how the change may affect them and uncertain about what to look for when selecting the right home.

Understanding your care choices

Finding the right care home involves balancing practical needs, personal preferences, and emotional wellbeing. Families often feel time pressure, especially if care is required quickly, which can make the decision feel overwhelming.

At The Orders of St John Care Trust, we understand that most families start their journey online—researching local care homes or following recommendations from friends, family, or healthcare professionals.

If your loved one is in hospital, a social worker will usually provide a list of suitable care homes to help guide your decision. From there, families often shortlist two or three homes to visit in person.

Using a checklist to make the right choice

To make the process less daunting, we recommend using a Choosing a Care Home checklist. This helps you prepare for visits and ensures you ask important questions about each home, including:

• Location: Is it convenient for family and friends to visit?
• Care and facilities: What types of care are provided, and what facilities are available?
• Activities and social engagement: Are there opportunities for residents to take part in events, hobbies, or group activities?
• Food and nutrition: What meals are offered, and are dietary needs accommodated?
• Healthcare access: What healthcare professionals are available, and what support does staff provide?

A checklist ensures you cover all key areas and gives you confidence in making a decision that best supports your loved one’s needs.

Resident contracts and further information

For families looking to understand the formal details, you can view our permanent and short-term resident contracts by following the links provided on our website. This helps clarify the terms of care and support offered.