If you are worried about anything in particular, or are not sure about any aspect of life in your new home, do try to talk to a member of staff about your concerns. Getting any sort of problem out into the open is usually the best way of solving it.

The same principle applies if you are the relative or friend of someone living in a care home. If you have any worries about the care they are receiving, as a first step try to talk to the manager or whoever is in charge. This can often clear things up.

If you would like to talk to someone about what you should be able to expect from a care home, or how best to tackle any problems you encounter, contact The Relatives and Residents Association. The Relatives and Residents Association is a charity set up to support care home residents and their relatives. It operates a telephone  advice line and has a network of local groups. See Useful contacts for more details.

You could also refer to the national care standards for care homes for details of what rights you have. You may find a copy of these at your local library; or the home you are in should provide you with a copy. 

If you can't resolve a problem informally, you may wish to make a formal complaint to the home, and also to the body which registers and inspects it. Contact the inspection unit at your care standards authority for more information. Your local Citizens Advice Bureau or Age Concern group may also be able to support you in making a complaint of this kind.

It is important to know how to tackle any problems you may encounter. But it is equally important to remember that life in a care home can have positive aspects as well. Care homes can provide a safe environment where you get the care and support you need. You may find that you form new friendships; and in a good care home you may have the opportunity to enjoy new interests and activities.