Every year, thousands of Czech families face the question of how to secure care for an ageing parent or grandparent. Choosing a retirement home is a decision that will affect your loved one's quality of life for years to come - and at the same time your own peace of mind and well-being. Yet most families go on their first visit without a clear idea of what exactly they are looking for.
We have compiled 12 key questions that you should ask during every facility visit. The answers will help you compare different facilities objectively and avoid unnecessary surprises after moving in.
Tip: Print this list and take it on every visit. Write down the answers - it will be easier to compare facilities than relying on memory.
Part 1: Care and staff
1. What is the ratio of carers to clients?
This is a key indicator of care quality. During the day shift there should be at least one carer for every 5-7 clients; during night hours for every 10-15. Ask specifically - not just about the total number of employees, but about the actual number present in the shift. A high-quality facility will have no problem providing this information.
2. What is the staff turnover rate?
High staff turnover is a warning sign. Clients with dementia and other conditions benefit from continuity of care, from knowing their carers. Ask how long key employees have worked in the facility. If the average length of employment does not even reach one year, be alert.
3. How is healthcare provided?
Retirement home is not a healthcare facility, but medical care must be available. Find out whether a general practitioner visits the facility (and how often), whether a nurse is on site for 24 hours a day, how cooperation with hospitals works during hospitalisation and what happens in case of a fall or sudden deterioration of health.
4. What is the individual care plan and who creates it?
Every client should have an individual care plan drawn up based on an assessment of their needs, wishes and abilities. The family should also be involved in creating this plan. Ask how often the plan is reviewed and which specialists contribute to it (social worker, occupational therapist, psychologist).
Section 2: Environment and equipment
5. What do the rooms and client privacy look like?
Single rooms with their own sanitary facilities are the standard in modern retirement homes. Double shared rooms are more economical, but many seniors find the loss of privacy difficult to bear. During a visit, check whether clients can have their own belongings, photographs and items from home. A personalised environment shows respect for individuality.
6. How are outdoor spaces handled?
Access to a garden or terrace is very important for seniors, both for physical health and mental well-being. Ask whether clients can go out alone or only accompanied, how the garden is secured for clients with dementia, and whether it is accessible year-round or only during the summer months.
7. Is the facility truly barrier-free?
Accessibility is not just about a ramp at the entrance. Find out if lifts are large enough for hospital beds, if corridors are lit at night, if handrails and shower seats are provided in bathrooms and toilets, and if the facility is equipped for immobile clients. A good facility will proactively show you this aspect; you do not need to ask about everything yourself.
Part 3: Daily life and activation
8. What is the daily schedule and activation activities?
Passive days spent watching television significantly accelerate cognitive decline. Ask about specific programmes, not just general statements like "we have activities". Ideally, request a sample weekly schedule. Look for physical activities, cognitive training, music therapy, occupational therapy, outings, cultural events and opportunities to meet with family.
9. How is catering provided?
Quality food is the foundation of health and mental well-being. During your visit, ask if you can taste the food or see the menu for the current week. A good facility will offer dietary options, respect individual preferences and give clients the choice from several meals. Also ask where and how clients eat - isolated dining in a room is less suitable than a communal dining hall.
Section 4: Prices and administration
10. What exactly is included in the price and what is paid separately?
The basic rate for accommodation and meals is just the beginning. Ask in detail what is included in the price and what the facility charges separately. Typical extra charges include: medical aids (nappies, walking frames, wheelchairs), medicines, hairdressing, pedicure, individual activation, accompaniment to the doctor, telephone connection or internet. Request a written price list of all services.
11. How does the admission process work and what documents are required?
Find out the exact procedure: what the application must contain, how long the waiting list is, whether there is an option for admission in an acute situation and what happens if the applicant's health condition changes significantly during the waiting period. Also ask under what circumstances the facility may terminate the contract and how a possible transfer to another facility takes place.
12. What are the results of quality inspections?
All registered social care facilities in the Czech Republic undergo regular inspections. The results are publicly available on the MPSV portal. A good facility manager will offer you the results of the latest inspections and readily inform you about what inspectors highlighted and what changes were made. Refusal to share this information is a warning sign.
How to compare multiple facilities
After visiting several facilities, details can start to blur. We recommend immediately noting your impressions and answers to key questions after each visit. A comparison table will also help, where you assign a score to each facility in the main categories:
- Staff and care (staff ratio, turnover, medical coverage)
- Environment (privacy, outdoor spaces, accessibility)
- Daily life (programme, meals, activation activities)
- Administration and cost (transparency, waiting list, inspection)
- Overall feeling (atmosphere, happy clients, welcoming staff)
The most important indicator: Watch the clients, not the staff. Are the clients dressed and groomed? Do they move freely? Do they talk to each other? Can you see smiles? The atmosphere you observe during a visit reflects daily reality better than any presentation.
How to involve the senior in decision-making
If the senior's health and mental condition allow, it is essential to involve them in the selection process. Take them on a tour, or at least show photographs and describe what you saw. Respect their wishes regarding location (proximity to family, friends, church, nature). A senior who feels like a co-author of the decision will more easily accept the move to a retirement home.
Choosing a retirement home is challenging, but a careful approach pays off. The right facility can significantly improve the quality of life for your loved one and your entire family. SrovnejPéči.cz will help you find and compare suitable facilities in your area.
