Choosing a care home is a big decision, especially when your loved one can no longer live safely on their own, and you’re comparing several options around Sleaford and the surrounding area.
This guide will walk you through seven key questions to ask on your first visit.
1. “How do you get to know new residents, so they feel welcome?”
A good first question is not about the building at all, but about relationships: how will staff get to know your mum, dad or relative as an individual rather than as “the new resident in room 3”. Ask how the team learns about residents’ life histories, routines, likes and dislikes, and how that shapes day-to-day care.
At The Chestnuts, person-centred care is at the heart of everything we do, shaped by forty years as a small, family-run home. Many of our team members have worked in every part of the home, from hands-on care to the office, so they understand the whole picture of each person’s needs, preferences and personality.
When your loved one moves in, we take the time to build a picture of their story—what they do for work, what they enjoy, what matters most—so we can offer truly individualised support.
2. “What does a typical day look like here?”
Families often worry that a care home will feel boring or institutional, especially for someone who has become isolated or lonely at home. On your visit, ask to see the activity timetable, but also listen to how the day feels in reality: is there conversation in the lounge, are people engaged, and do staff make time for small, friendly interactions?
At The Chestnuts, our aim is to replace boredom and loneliness with companionship, structure and choice. From morning cups of tea and home-cooked meals to games, crafts and gentle exercise, we offer daily activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities. Because we’re a small home, we can be flexible too—if residents fancy something different, we’re always open to new ideas.
3. “How homely does it feel?”
Care is important, but so is the feel of the place—does it genuinely feel like a home, or more like a facility? When you walk in, notice your first impressions: are you greeted warmly, do staff know residents by name, and do the surroundings feel cosy and lived-in rather than clinical?
The Chestnuts have always been known as a family home. The story of our home began forty years ago, when our grandparents founded and ran it, and it has remained in the same family for three generations. Today, their legacy lives on in the atmosphere we create, friendly, relaxed, and truly “home from home”, where your loved ones are treated as our own.
4. “How much say do residents have?”
Moving into care can feel like a loss of control, so it’s essential to understand how each home supports independence and choice. Ask how residents are involved in decisions—from what’s on the menu to how rooms are decorated and what activities are on offer.
At The Chestnuts, we believe moving into a care home should be a positive choice that restores control rather than removes it. We actively encourage residents to have a say in how the home is run: everything from the décor to the activities and food is shaped by their ideas. Because we’re a small, independent family business, we don’t work to rigid corporate budgets or templates; if a request is important to someone and we can do it, we will.
5. “What care and support can you offer as needs change?”
Typical residents at The Chestnuts are older people who can no longer live safely alone, often because they need specific care and support both day and night. On your tour, ask each home exactly what types of care they provide now—residential, dementia, respite, day care—and how they manage if your loved one’s needs increase over time.
The Chestnuts offers residential care, day care, respite breaks and specialised dementia care, all delivered in a person-centred way. Our team is trained to support people with a wide range of needs, and we work closely with families to plan care that fits each individual.
If your relative initially joins us for day care or respite, they already know the team and the environment, which often makes a permanent move feel more natural when the time comes.
6. “What is the food like?”
Mealtimes are more than just nutrition; they’re moments of connection, comfort and routine. While you’re visiting, ask to see a sample menu, find out how special diets are handled, and notice whether mealtimes feel relaxed and sociable.
At The Chestnuts, food is one of the ways we show love and care. We serve high-quality, home-cooked meals, with menus that are both varied and nutritious, and we can adapt to special dietary requirements where needed.
Residents are encouraged to share their preferences and ideas, so favourite dishes and familiar flavours can be built into the rota, and we always keep an eye on who might need a little extra encouragement or support at the table.
7. “How easy is it to visit and stay involved?”
Staying connected to family and friends is essential for wellbeing, especially for someone who’s had to leave their own home. When you visit any care home, ask about visiting policies, communication, and how families are involved in reviews and day-to-day life.
The Chestnuts has an open visiting policy, allowing friends and family to visit at any reasonable time, because we know how important those connections are. We want you to feel that this is your loved one’s home and that you’re always welcome here—from popping in for a cup of tea to joining in with an activity or celebration.
Our team is also proactive about keeping families updated and involved in care decisions, so you never feel in the dark.
Your Next Step: Come and See for Yourself
No guide can replace the feeling you get when you step through the door, meet the team and see residents going about their day. Use these seven questions when you visit any care home in Sleaford and the surrounding area, and notice not just the answers, but how each place feels when you walk around.
If you’d like to see how The Chestnuts feels in person, we’d be delighted to show you around. You can arrange a visit by calling 01526 832174, emailing chestnutsretirementhome@gmail.com, or using our contact form. As a small, long-established family home, we’re here to help you decide whether life at The Chestnuts is the right next chapter for your loved one.
Hello, my name is Bethany, and I am the owner, manager and third generation in the family business. I have grown up with the Chestnuts, and it is a second home to me and my children. My home/work life is very mixed, and that’s ok because being at work feels like being at home.