Choosing a care home is one of the most important decisions a family can make. Whether you’re planning for the future or facing a more immediate situation, visiting care homes in person can give you valuable insight. But are the questions to ask a care home manager?
Here are ten essential questions to ask—and why the answers matter.
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What type of care do you offer?
Why it matters: Not all care homes offer the same services. Whether your loved one needs residential, nursing, dementia, or respite care, it’s important to ensure the home can meet their current and future needs.
At Crystal Care Collection, all of our homes across the UK offer residential care, dementia care, and respite care.
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What training do your staff receive?
Why it matters: Well-trained, compassionate staff make all the difference. Ask about ongoing training in areas like safeguarding and first aid to understand how the home ensures high standards.
Crystal Care Collection team members all complete a comprehensive induction and take part in regular training sessions to ensure our residents, and their families receive the best care.
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How do you create a personalised care plan?
Why it matters: Every resident is unique. A strong care home will involve residents and families in developing a tailored care plan that respects individual routines, histories, preferences, and medical needs.
In Crystal Care Collection homes, when a resident moves in our teams make it a priority to get to know them, and what matters most to them, starting with a personalised care home assessment.
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What are the daily routines like?
Why it matters: Structure can provide comfort, but flexibility is just as important. You’ll want to know whether residents can choose when to wake up, eat, or participate in activities, and at the same time be reassured that there are plenty of options and opportunities for each person.
At Crystal Care Collection, our care teams make sure that each resident spends their time exactly how they want to, whether that’s waking up early and taking part in some gentle exercise or having a lie in and simply kicking back with a classic film in the cinema room.
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What activities are available for residents?
Why it matters: A carefully thought-out activities plan helps residents to maintain physical and emotional wellbeing. Look for variety, such as arts and crafts, music, exercise, trips out, community events.
At Crystal Care Collection, each of our homes has dedicated Lifestyle Managers whose role is focussed on planning a varied calendar of activities for every day of the week.
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How will the family and friends be involved?
Why it matters: Connection with loved ones supports emotional wellbeing. Ask about visiting hours, family involvement in care planning and updates, whether there are regular events, and the best ways to stay in touch.
In Crystal Care Collection homes, families and friends are welcome to call or visit at any time and are always encouraged to join in with activities, meal times, and regular events.
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How do you handle medical emergencies or changing health needs?
Why it matters: Quick access to healthcare professionals and a clear response plan are essential. This is especially important if your loved one has ongoing medical conditions.
All team members at Crystal Care Collection receive first aid training, and each home maintains strong relationships with local hospital teams and GPs to ensure every resident gets the care they need.
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What is included in the care home fees?
Why it matters: While our all-inclusive pricing model covers everything at Crystal Care Collection, that’s not the case with all care providers, so understanding all care home costs upfront will prevent any surprises down the line. Ask for a clear breakdown of care home fees and what is and isn’t included.
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How do you ensure consistent, quality care for every resident?
Why it matters: Continuity of care helps build trust and familiarity. Ask how the home ensures residents see the same carers regularly, how care is monitored, and what systems are in place to maintain high standards day in and day out.
In each Crystal Care Collection home, regular audits, team meetings, and resident feedback sessions all contribute to consistently high standards of care.
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Can I speak with current residents or their families?
Why it matters: Hearing from people with direct experience can give you a more honest, unfiltered view of life at the care home. Positive testimonials and open communication reflect a confident, welcoming environment. You can also visit helpful review websites, like carehome.co.uk.
Don’t be afraid to ask detailed questions, take notes, and visit more than once. At Crystal Care Collection, we welcome questions. Our doors are always open, and we’re proud of the compassionate, personalised care we provide every day.
Ready to visit one of our homes? Contact us to schedule a tour or speak with our team.