Digital audit of websites and social media accounts for care homes in Shropshire

Healthwatch Shropshire conducted research into websites and social media accounts for Care Homes in Shropshire. They investigated 120 care homes' online presence, to ensure that all potential residents and their families have all the information they need to be able to make informed choices, including whether to make further enquiries or visit the home. 

They found that 20 out of 120 care homes did not have a website although there​ was often information for those that did not on other sites. 7 websites were not ​​​​​​showing the home's current CQC rating. 74 websites had information about their Mission Statement or Philosophy of Care avaliable on their website but only 13 websites gave an indication of fees. 51 had information about meals and 71 had some information about activities. 

Healthwatch Shropshire recommends that sample menus and activity schedules on a care home's website can be used to give people an idea of what day to day life may be like at the care home. Also, giving people an idea of fees on the website can make it much easier for people to know if the care home is a suitable option.