Building & Premises (Maintenance, Accessibility, Décor) Audit - Care Homes

Q1 | Unanswered

Is there a current Buildings & Premises / Maintenance policy that sets out responsibilities, reporting routes, and response times?

Q2 | Unanswered

Is there a named person responsible for premises compliance and planned maintenance (e.g., facilities lead/registered manager)?

Q3 | Unanswered

Is there an up-to-date planned preventative maintenance (PPM) schedule covering building fabric, fixtures, and key systems?

Q4 | Unanswered

Are routine premises audits/walkabouts completed and documented with actions, owners, and deadlines?

Q5 | Unanswered

Is there a system for logging, prioritising, and tracking maintenance requests (including out-of-hours escalation)?

Q6 | Unanswered

Are contractors vetted, supervised, and managed safely (RAMS, permits to work where needed, DBS/safeguarding controls)?

Q7 | Unanswered

Are premises risks included in the home’s risk register and reviewed through governance meetings?

Q8 | Unanswered

Are environmental risks and maintenance issues considered within incident investigations (falls, burns, scalds, infections)?

Q9 | Unanswered

Are internal areas well-maintained, clean, and free from damage (cracked tiles, peeling paint, loose fittings)?

Q10 | Unanswered

Is décor homely, age-appropriate, and supportive of wellbeing (warmth, comfort, non-institutional feel)?

Q11 | Unanswered

Is flooring in good condition and suitable for mobility aids (no lifting edges, trip hazards, inappropriate rugs)?

Q12 | Unanswered

Are walls, ceilings, and skirting intact and clean, with no evidence of damp, mould, leaks, or staining?

Q13 | Unanswered

Are windows, doors, and frames maintained (secure, easy to open/close, safe restrictors where required)?

Q14 | Unanswered

Is lighting adequate across all areas (including corridors, stairwells, bathrooms) with prompt replacement of failed bulbs?

Q15 | Unanswered

Are furnishings safe, clean, and fit for purpose (chairs with arms, suitable heights, stable tables)?

Q16 | Unanswered

Are call bells and pull cords present, accessible, and in working order in bedrooms and bathrooms?

Q17 | Unanswered

Are bedrooms personalised where possible and residents supported to have meaningful items and familiar décor?

Q18 | Unanswered

Are odours managed appropriately (ventilation, cleaning, continence management) without masking underlying issues?

Q19 | Unanswered

Is the environment accessible for residents using wheelchairs, walking aids, and hoists (door widths, turning spaces, clutter-free routes)?

Q20 | Unanswered

Are corridors clear, unobstructed, and wide enough for safe passing with mobility aids and equipment?

Q21 | Unanswered

Are thresholds and changes in floor level managed safely (ramps, signage, contrast strips where appropriate)?

Q22 | Unanswered

Are handrails provided in corridors and maintained securely, with good grip and continuous runs where possible?

Q23 | Unanswered

Are toilets/bathrooms accessible (grab rails, raised seats where needed, non-slip flooring, adequate space)?

Q24 | Unanswered

Are showers/baths safe and accessible (shower chairs, hoist access, non-slip surfaces, temperature controls)?

Q25 | Unanswered

Are lifts (if present) maintained, inspected, and reliable, with contingency plans for breakdowns?

Q26 | Unanswered

Are signage and wayfinding dementia-friendly (clear, contrasting, consistent symbols/words, good lighting)?

Q27 | Unanswered

Are colour contrasts used appropriately to support orientation (doors, toilet seats, handrails, edges)?

Q28 | Unanswered

Are quiet spaces available for residents who experience sensory overload or need privacy?

Q29 | Unanswered

Are reasonable adjustments made for sensory impairments (good lighting for vision, reduced glare, hearing loop where appropriate)?

Q30 | Unanswered

Are outdoor areas accessible and safe (paths even, ramps, seating, handrails, gates secure)?

Q31 | Unanswered

Are slip/trip hazards identified and removed promptly (cables, clutter, uneven flooring, loose mats)?

Q32 | Unanswered

Are wet floor controls used effectively (prompt cleaning, signage, appropriate floor finishes)?

Q33 | Unanswered

Are stairs (if present) safe with secure handrails, good lighting, and contrasting nosings?

Q34 | Unanswered

Are furniture layouts safe and supportive of independence (clear routes, stable seating, appropriate heights)?

Q35 | Unanswered

Are storage areas organised to prevent items being left in walkways (linens, equipment, cleaning trolleys)?

Q36 | Unanswered

Are hazards from hot surfaces managed (radiator covers, pipe insulation, safe placement of portable heaters where permitted)?

Q37 | Unanswered

Are window restrictors in place where required to prevent falls, and are they maintained and risk assessed?

Q38 | Unanswered

Are balconies/courtyards secured with appropriate fencing/controls where residents may be at risk of wandering or falls?

Q39 | Unanswered

Are bathrooms and toilets clean, well ventilated, and in good repair (seals, grout, fixtures, no leaks)?

Q40 | Unanswered

Are thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs) present where required and maintained in line with schedule?

Q41 | Unanswered

Are hot water temperatures monitored and recorded where required to reduce scald risk?

Q42 | Unanswered

Are sinks, showers, and bath fittings secure, functional, and easy for residents to use safely?

Q43 | Unanswered

Are adaptations available and maintained (grab rails, bath lifts, shower seats), and are they correctly positioned?

Q44 | Unanswered

Are surfaces suitable for cleaning and in good condition (no damaged laminate, cracked vinyl, peeling surfaces)?

Q45 | Unanswered

Are ventilation systems effective (windows, extractor fans) especially in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry, and isolation areas?

Q46 | Unanswered

Is there evidence of damp or mould, and if present, is it escalated and remediated promptly?

Q47 | Unanswered

Are handwashing facilities adequate and maintained (hot/cold running water, soap dispensers, paper towels, signage)?

Q48 | Unanswered

Are waste disposal routes and storage areas appropriate (clinical waste segregation, secure bins, clean bin stores)?

Q49 | Unanswered

Are cleaning cupboards secure, ventilated, and compliant (chemicals stored safely, COSHH controls displayed)?

Q50 | Unanswered

Are laundry areas maintained to support clean/dirty flow and infection control (separation, ventilation, surfaces)?

Q51 | Unanswered

Is there sufficient storage for mobility equipment to prevent corridors becoming obstructed?

Q52 | Unanswered

Are sluice/dirty utility areas appropriate, maintained, and equipped for safe clinical waste handling (where applicable)?

Q53 | Unanswered

Are medication rooms/trolleys storage areas secure, clean, and maintained (locks, lighting, temperature as needed)?

Q54 | Unanswered

Are staff areas (offices, break rooms, changing facilities) safe, clean, and adequate to support staff wellbeing?

Q55 | Unanswered

Are maintenance workshops/plant rooms secure with controlled access and safe storage of tools and materials?

Q56 | Unanswered

Are resident communal areas sufficient in number and layout to support social activities and privacy choices?

Q57 | Unanswered

Are external doors and entry systems secure, functioning, and monitored appropriately (keypads, fobs, intercoms)?

Q58 | Unanswered

Are visitor sign-in procedures supported by the environment (reception controls, clear directions, safeguarding notices)?

Q59 | Unanswered

Are wandering risks assessed and managed through balanced controls (secure gardens, discreet exit controls, least restrictive approach)?

Q60 | Unanswered

Are CCTV systems (if used) governed appropriately (privacy, signage, lawful use, retention policy)?

Q61 | Unanswered

Are bedroom doors and locks appropriate to resident choice and safety, with emergency access arrangements in place?

Q62 | Unanswered

Are fire doors in good condition, closing properly, and free from wedges/obstructions?

Q63 | Unanswered

Are escape routes clearly signed, well lit, and kept clear at all times?

Q64 | Unanswered

Are fire safety signs and emergency lighting maintained and checked as scheduled?

Q65 | Unanswered

Are electrical sockets/switches intact, secure, and free from damage or overheating signs?

Q66 | Unanswered

Are oxygen storage areas (if applicable) safe, signed, ventilated, and away from ignition sources?

Q67 | Unanswered

Are urgent repairs (e.g., leaks, broken toilets, heating failures) responded to within defined timescales?

Q68 | Unanswered

Are repairs planned to minimise disruption and protect privacy, dignity, and safety (noise, dust, access restrictions)?

Q69 | Unanswered

Are residents informed about significant works and supported to raise concerns about their environment?

Q70 | Unanswered

Are reasonable adjustments made promptly when mobility or health needs change (e.g., extra rails, improved lighting, seating)?

Q71 | Unanswered

Are complaints relating to premises (cleanliness, décor, odours, noise, privacy) investigated with outcomes documented?

Q72 | Unanswered

Can the home provide a current PPM schedule and evidence it is being delivered (completed checks, service reports, certificates)?

Q73 | Unanswered

Is there a maintenance log showing reported issues, priority grading, completion dates, and verification of completed work?

Q74 | Unanswered

Can the manager evidence recent environmental walkabouts/audits and resulting improvements (e.g., décor refresh, accessibility upgrades)?

Q75 | Unanswered

Are there recurring premises issues (e.g., damp, repeated leaks, frequent lift failures) and is there a documented improvement plan?