How to Choose a Care Home in the UK

Choosing a care home for yourself or a loved one, can feel like a big decision, and often difficult, decision to make. It’s not just about finding somewhere safe to live — it’s also about ensuring the right level of care, comfort, and quality of life. 

Whether you’re looking for a temporary stay or a permanent move, taking the time to research your options can make the transition easier and less stressful.

In this guide, we’ll explore how care homes in the UK differ in the services they offer, the environment they provide and how they’re funded, to help you make an informed choice that suits your needs, preferences and budget. 

Understanding the Different Types of Care Homes

 

Before you begin visiting care homes, it’s helpful to understand the main types available in the UK, so you can focus on the right options for you.

 

• Residential care homes: these provide accommodation, meals, and personal care (washing, dressing, taking medication, going to the bathroom) and sometimes day-time activities for residents. 
• Nursing homes: offer everything a residential care home does, plus 24-hour care from qualified nurses.
• Specialist care homes: focus on specific needs such as dementia care, physical disabilities, or palliative/end-of-life care.
• Dual-registered care home: suitable for people who need both personal care and nursing care so if someone starts off with only needing personal care, but then needs nursing care in the future, they won’t have to move into a different care home altogether. 
• Short-term or respite care: temporary stays for recovery, to give a family carer a break, or as a trial before moving in permanently.
  
  

Considering Location and Accessibility

While it’s not always possible to find the perfect home that’s close to your family, friends, and familiar surroundings, being nearby can make the transition more seamless and easier for loved ones to make frequent visits.

When thinking about location, ask yourself:

 

• Is the home near friends or family so visits are easy and regular?
• Are there good public transport links for visitors who don’t drive?
• Is the home close to places that are important to you, such as parks, faith centres, or your favourite shops?
• Is the surrounding area safe, pleasant, and easy to navigate if you want to go out?
  
  

Checking Care Quality and Standards

In the UK, all care homes must be registered and inspected by a regulator:

• England: Care Quality Commission (CQC)
• Wales: Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW)
• Scotland: Care Inspectorate
• Northern Ireland: Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA)
  
  

Before visiting a care home, it’s good practice to read its most recent inspection report. These reports can give you  insight into how well the home meets standards for safety, care, staffing, and overall quality of life.

 

When you visit, here are some things to look out for:

 

• Cleanliness, safety measures, and maintenance of the building.
• Staff behaviour: are they respectful, friendly, and attentive?
• Do the residents look happy, engaged, and well cared for?
• The ratio of staff to residents, especially at busy times of day.
  
  
  

Understanding Costs and Funding

 

Care home fees vary widely depending on the type of care provided, location, and facilities. In England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, local councils may help with funding based on a means test but the rules and thresholds differ for each council. 

 

Key points to check are:

 

• What’s included in the fees: meals, laundry, activities, personal care, nursing care, toiletries, internet access?
• Any extra charges for things like hairdressing, outings, newspapers, or specialist therapies.
• Whether the home accepts residents whose fees are partly or fully funded by the local authority.
• The council’s financial assessment process and how your savings, property, or income affect funding eligibility.
  
  

For more detailed funding advice, visit our financial assessment guides to paying for care. (INSERT LINK TO MEANS TEST ARTICLE)

 

Visiting and Asking the Right Questions

 

A visit to the care home you have in mind is essential, ideally more than once, and at different times of the day, if possible.  This helps you get a realistic idea of the daily routine, atmosphere, and level of care.

 

Things to ask during a visit:

 

• Can you personalise your room with furniture or decorations if you want?
• What’s the daily routine like and how flexible is it?
• Are meals freshly prepared and can dietary needs be accommodated?
• What activities and social opportunities are available?
• How are residents supported to maintain independence?
  
  

Considering Specialist Needs

 

If you or your loved one has a health condition such as dementia, Parkinson’s, or a mobility-limiting illness, it’s important to choose a care home that can meet those needs both now and in the future.

 

Ask specifically about:

 

• Staff training in specialist care
• The availability of specialist equipment like hoists and pressure-relief mattresses
• How care plans are created and updated.
• Links to local NHS services and specialists

Making a Joint Decision 

If you’re helping a loved one choose a care home, involve them as much as possible in the decision-making process. Feeling in control and having a say can ease anxiety and help them settle in faster.

 

Here are just some of the ways you can help them be more involved:

• Take them along for visits
• Talk about what’s most important to them,  whether it’s a garden, privacy, pets, or social activities.
• Let them try a short-term stay first if possible 

Making the Move Easier

The first few weeks in a care home can be emotional for everyone involved. Planning ahead can make it easier:

 

• Pack familiar items like photos, blankets, and keepsakes.
• Set up a regular visiting schedule.
• Keep communication open with staff to address any concerns quickly.