Care Home Checklist
We have put together a checklist to help with things to look out for and questions you may like to ask.
Location and Building
1. Is it easy to get to the care home on public transport?
We are located in the heart of Northampton town centre with good public transport links.
2. If you visit by car, is there a car park?
A free car park is available and located at the front of the building. Due to the convenient town centre location, there are numbers of other car parks available in immediate proximity. Parking charges may apply.
3. What kind of shops and amenities are there close by?
Being centrally located allows residents to maintain good links with the local community, with a variety of shops, cafes and attractions only a short walk away.
4. Are entrances and rooms in the home easily accessible?
Our home has been purpose built and is fully accessible for wheelchair users.
Bedrooms
1. Do the bedrooms have en-suite facilities?
All of our rooms come with an en-suite walk in shower room for extra privacy.
2. Can residents bring their own furniture?
We want everyone to feel very much at home and encourage residents to bring personal items from home, as long as it is safe to do so.
3. Is there an emergency call bell available?
All of our rooms and communal areas have emergency call bells fitted.
Communal Areas
1. Do residents have a variety of communal areas to choose from?
We have plenty of areas for residents to enjoy. Each floor has a large bright lounge as well as snug areas for reading and relaxation.
2. Do staff encourage residents to use the communal areas?
Staff try their best to create a homely environment and always encourage residents to interact with other residents in the communal areas.
3. Is there easy access to all communal areas?
The Home has been purpose built to allow easy access for people in wheelchairs.
4. Is there an accessible and safe garden?
Our residents benefit from a private and secure garden for peace and tranquillity.
5. Are there lifts in the home?
There are two lifts within the Home.
Day-to-day life
1. Is the care home clean and well looked after?
The Angela Grace has a team of housekeepers and maintenance staff who work hard to ensure the home is clean and well maintained.
2. Do health care professionals such as doctors, opticians and chiropodists visit the care home?
The home works closely with a local GP practice who visit frequently or as and when required. We also have a visiting chiropodist and an optician.
3. Are complementary therapies available?
A hairdresser visits on a weekly basis and chiropodist visits on regular basis. A fully equipped hair salon is located on the second floor.
4. Does the care home have suitable equipment for people with mobility issues?
Our home is fully equipped for people with mobility issues. We have wide corridors for wheelchair access and mobility equipment to help residents live as independently as possible.
Dining and Nutrition
1. Can residents choose where they eat, e.g. in a dining room or in their room?
Yes – residents have complete choice in deciding where they would prefer to eat.
2. Do residents have a choice of menu for every meal?
Our menus change seasonally and there is plenty of choice when it comes to mealtimes.
3. Can special diets be catered for?
Our chefs are equipped to cater for special dietary requirements including allergies and intolerance as well as residents who have a specific religious diet.
4. Do residents receive assistance with eating if required?
Our care staff are trained to help feed residents if and when required.
Wellbeing and Activities
1. Do staff encourage residents to continue with hobbies and interests?
Our wellbeing and activities staff work closely with residents and their families to support residents in continuing their interest and hobbies by integrating them into their routine as much as possible.
2. Are there dedicated activities staff?
We have three dedicated and trained wellbeing and activities coordinators who work across the week.
3. Do the staff organise activities outside the care home?
We’ve built excellent links with the local community so our residents are able to enjoy trips to local sites, garden centres and outings further afield such as the seaside.
4. Are special events, such as birthdays and religious holidays celebrated?
We always enjoy a celebration at The Angela Grace and every single birthday is celebrated in the Home. Our chefs will make a birthday cake and we encourage relatives to celebrate with us.
5. Do the staff give residents the opportunity to help with activities within the care home, e.g. gardening
Where possible we always encourage residents to take part in everyday home life which includes gardening and cooking sessions.
6. Do the staff arrange entertainers and groups of interest to visit?
As well as in-house activities we have a wide range of events that include visits from entertainers and various groups.
7. Do the staff give residents regular exercise opportunities?
Along with armchair exercises, armchair yoga and active games like bowling, skittles and darts run by the activity staff, we also have instructors visit the home. One specializes in armchair sports tailored to current sporting events, while another focuses on energetic armchair exercises and dance sessions set to lively music.
8. Do staff consult with residents on the types of activities planned?
We hold a monthly residents’ forum to discuss home life as well as new events and activities for the future.
Visitors
1. Does the care home welcome visitors at any time?
There are no restrictions when it comes to visiting hours. Visitors are welcome at any time of the day and we are proud supporters of the John’s Campaign.
2. Are children allowed to visit?
Yes, children of all ages are very welcome in the Home.
3. Does the care home allow family pets to visit?
We understand that pets are an important part of your family which is why we are happy to welcome them in our home. However, we do ask that any pets are kept on a lead in communal areas.
4. Can visitors dine with their relative/friend?
Relatives are very welcome to dine with their loved ones. We kindly ask that you give us prior notice so that we can make the necessary arrangements. A small fee may be required.