Care Homes
Residential care facilities providing 24-hour support, accommodation, and a caring community environment for those who need continuous assistance.
What is Care Homes?
Care homes are residential facilities where people live and receive personal care, accommodation, and support 24 hours a day. They provide a safe, supportive environment for those whose needs can no longer be safely met at home.
There are two main types: residential care homes provide personal care and support with daily activities, while nursing homes have qualified nurses on-site to provide medical care for those with more complex health needs.
Modern care homes offer much more than basic care—many provide activities programmes, social events, specialist facilities, and opportunities for residents to maintain interests and hobbies. Good care homes create a genuine community feel.
All care homes in England must be registered with and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which rates them on safety, effectiveness, caring approach, responsiveness to needs, and quality of leadership.
24/7 Care & Support
Round-the-clock staff ensuring safety and assistance whenever needed
Full Accommodation
Private or shared rooms with meals, housekeeping, and laundry included
Social Community
Companionship, activities, and events with other residents
Professional Oversight
Trained staff and (in nursing homes) qualified nurses on-site
Who is Care Homes suitable for?
- Those with high care needs requiring 24-hour support
- People who can no longer live safely at home
- Those who would benefit from companionship and community
- People with nursing needs (nursing homes)
- Those with advanced dementia requiring specialist support
- Anyone who prefers not to live alone
Services Typically Included
Care Homes providers offer a comprehensive range of support services tailored to individual needs.
Personal Care
Complete assistance with washing, dressing, toileting, and personal hygiene
Nursing Care
Medical care from qualified nurses (nursing homes only)
Meals & Nutrition
Three nutritious meals daily plus snacks, with dietary needs catered for
Medication Management
Safe storage, administration, and monitoring of all medications
Activities Programme
Daily activities, entertainment, and events to keep residents engaged
Housekeeping & Laundry
Room cleaning, bedding changes, and personal laundry services
Mobility Support
Assistance with walking, transfers, and specialist equipment
Dementia Care
Specialist support for residents living with dementia
End of Life Care
Compassionate palliative care in familiar surroundings
Family Visiting
Welcoming environment for family visits and involvement
Benefits of Care Homes
Understanding the advantages can help you decide if care homes is the right choice.
Peace of Mind
24/7 professional staff providing safety and security
No Home Worries
No concerns about maintenance, bills, or household tasks
Social Opportunities
Daily interaction with residents, staff, and visitors
Consistent Care
Reliable, professional care without depending on family
Medical Access
Quick access to healthcare professionals and emergency support
Family Relief
Families can visit as loved ones rather than carers
How to Get Started
A step-by-step guide to arranging care homes for yourself or a loved one.
Understand Your Needs
Determine whether residential care or nursing care is required. Your GP, hospital discharge team, or local council can help assess this.
Research Care Homes
Search our directory for CQC-registered care homes in your preferred area. Filter by ratings, specialisms, and facilities.
Shortlist & Visit
Create a shortlist and arrange visits. Meet staff, see rooms, observe how residents are cared for, and ask questions.
Understand Costs & Funding
Get detailed fee information and explore funding options. Request a council financial assessment if needed.
Complete Assessment
The care home will conduct their own assessment to ensure they can meet your loved one's needs.
Move In & Settle
Plan the move carefully, bring personal belongings to make the room feel like home, and allow time for adjustment.
Costs & Funding Options
Understanding the costs involved and how care homes can be funded.
Typical Costs
* Costs vary by location, provider, and level of care required. Contact providers for accurate quotes.
Funding Options
- Self-funding (if assets exceed £23,250)
- Local council funding (if assets below £23,250)
- NHS Continuing Healthcare (for complex medical needs)
- NHS-funded Nursing Care (FNC) contribution for nursing homes
- Deferred Payment Agreements (delay selling home)
- Top-up payments (family pays difference for more expensive homes)
How to Choose the Right Provider
Key considerations to help you find a quality care homes provider.
Questions to Ask
- •What is your latest CQC rating and report?
- •What's included in the weekly fee and what costs extra?
- •What's your staff-to-resident ratio?
- •How do you handle medical emergencies?
- •What activities and entertainment do you provide?
- •Can residents personalise their rooms?
- •How do you communicate with families?
- •What's your approach to end of life care?
What to Look For
- CQC rating of 'Good' or 'Outstanding'
- Clean, well-maintained environment
- Friendly, engaged staff who know residents by name
- Residents who appear well-cared for and content
- Varied activities programme
- Good food quality (ask to see a menu or stay for a meal)
- Welcoming attitude to visitors
Red Flags to Avoid
- Poor CQC rating or reluctance to discuss inspections
- Unpleasant odours or untidy communal areas
- Staff who seem rushed, stressed, or dismissive
- Residents sitting alone with no interaction
- Vague answers about fees or hidden charges
- High staff turnover
- Restricted visiting hours without good reason
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about care homes answered by our care experts.
Related Care Types
Explore other care options that might suit your needs.
Ready to Find Care Homes?
Search our directory of CQC-registered providers or speak to our care advisors for free, impartial guidance.
Free, no-obligation support available Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm