How to Choose a Care Home
Finding the right care home can feel overwhelming. This guide walks you through the process step by step.
Step 1: Understand What Care is Needed
Before you start looking at care homes, it's important to understand what level of care is needed:
- Residential care: Help with daily activities like washing, dressing, and eating, but no nursing care.
- Nursing care: 24-hour care from qualified nurses for people with medical conditions or complex health needs.
- Dementia care: Specialist care for people with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia, in a secure and adapted environment.
A care needs assessment from your local council can help determine what level of care is appropriate.
Step 2: Research Care Homes
Start by creating a shortlist of care homes that meet your basic criteria:
- Location: Close enough for family and friends to visit regularly
- Type of care: Offers the level of care needed now and can accommodate future needs
- Rating: Look for homes rated Good or Outstanding
- Specialisms: If relevant, check for expertise in specific conditions
Use our search tool to find and compare care homes in your area, and read the full inspection reports for any homes you're considering.
Step 3: Visit Your Shortlist
Nothing replaces an in-person visit. Try to visit at least 3-5 homes, and if possible, visit at different times of day. Pay attention to:
- First impressions: Is it clean, fresh, and welcoming?
- The residents: Do they look happy, clean, and well cared for?
- The staff: Are they friendly, attentive, and interacting warmly with residents?
- The atmosphere: Does it feel like a home rather than an institution?
- Activities: Is there a programme of activities? Are residents engaged?
Questions to Ask
When you visit, don't be afraid to ask detailed questions:
About Care
- What is the staff-to-resident ratio during the day and at night?
- How do you manage medication?
- How do you handle medical emergencies?
- Can residents keep their own GP or will they need to change?
- How do you support residents with declining health or end-of-life care?
About Daily Life
- What does a typical day look like?
- Can residents choose when to get up and go to bed?
- What activities and outings are available?
- Can residents personalise their rooms?
- Are visitors welcome at any time?
About Costs
- What is included in the basic fee?
- What extras might I be charged for?
- How much notice is required for fee increases?
- What is the notice period for leaving?
- Are fees still payable during hospital stays?
Red Flags to Watch For
Be cautious if you notice any of the following:
- Unpleasant odours (urine, stale food)
- Residents left alone for long periods or calling for help
- Staff who seem rushed, stressed, or dismissive
- Residents who appear unkempt or unhappy
- Reluctance to show you around or answer questions
- Pressure to make a quick decision
- Vague or evasive answers about fees and contracts
- Recent rating of Requires Improvement or Inadequate