Why the choice of care home matters
Choosing a care home is one of the most important decisions a family will make. It is not simply about finding accommodation — it is about the quality of life, dignity, and safety of your loved one.
A poor choice can lead to neglect, isolation, or even a decline in health. A good choice means peace of mind for the whole family and a life of dignity for the older person.
Recommendation: Visit at least 3–4 care homes before making a decision. Do not rush — take time to compare, ask questions, and get a feel for the atmosphere of each place.
Types of care home
Not all care homes are the same. The type of care the older person needs determines which type of home is appropriate:
- Residential care — for relatively independent older adults who need supervision and companionship.
- Permanent medical care — for individuals with chronic conditions who require 24/7 medical support.
- Alzheimer's/Dementia care — specialist homes with staff trained to care for residents with cognitive disorders.
- Palliative care — for patients with terminal or incurable conditions, with a focus on comfort and the relief of suffering.
- Post-operative recovery — temporary stay following surgery, with physiotherapy and medical supervision.
- Respite care — short stay (2–4 weeks), useful when the primary carer needs a break.
10 essential criteria for evaluation
- Accreditation and licence — check whether the home holds an operating licence from the Ministry of Labour.
- Qualified staff — staff-to-resident ratio, qualifications, and staff turnover (is it high?).
- Cleanliness and hygiene — note during your visit: odours, floors, bed linen, bathrooms, and the kitchen.
- Nutrition — varied menus adapted to dietary needs (diabetic, low-sodium). Ask to see a week's menu.
- Recreational activities — a daily programme of activities: social, creative, and physical. Isolation is harmful.
- Safety — grab rails, non-slip floors, CCTV coverage, and an emergency response plan.
- Location and accessibility — close to family, easy to reach, with outdoor green spaces. Regular visits matter.
- Cost transparency — what is included in the price, what is charged as an extra, and how fees change if care needs increase.
- Reviews and reputation — read reviews on SeniorHelp, speak to other families, and research the home's history.
- Overall atmosphere — do the residents seem content? Is the staff warm and respectful? Does it feel like a good place?
Red flags to watch out for
Avoid care homes that display the following signs:
- Refusal to allow unannounced visits
- Persistent smell of urine or poor hygiene
- Residents who appear visibly neglected (unwashed, inappropriately dressed)
- Insufficient staffing levels or frequent staff turnover
- Lack of activities — residents spending all their time in bed or in front of the television
- Non-transparent pricing or hidden charges
- No operating licence or refusal to produce it
- A depressed atmosphere or an unnatural silence
Questions to ask when visiting a care home
When visiting a care home, ask these questions:
- How many residents do you have, and how many staff?
- What qualifications does the nursing and care staff hold?
- What does a typical day look like for a resident?
- What happens in the event of a medical emergency?
- What are the visiting hours?
- What is included in the monthly fee, and what is charged as an extra?
- How do you manage residents' medications?
- What activities do you organise?
- May I see a week's menu?
- Do you hold a valid operating licence?
Documents required for admission
Care homes typically require:
- Identity card (copy)
- Medical certificate from the GP
- Recent test results: full blood count, blood glucose, urinalysis, VDRL, stool culture, throat swab
- Pension decision notice (most recent)
- Proof of income
- Social assessment report (for state-run homes)
- Certificate of disability classification (if applicable)
- Consent of the family or legal representative
Indicative costs 2026
Prices vary significantly depending on county, type of care, and facilities offered:
- State-run homes: 800 – 2,500 RON/month (limited places, waiting lists)
- Standard private homes: 2,500 – 5,000 RON/month
- Premium private homes: 5,000 – 10,000+ RON/month
- Alzheimer's/specialist care: +20–50% above the standard rate
Use the SeniorHelp cost calculator for a personalised estimate for your county.