There are several different types of care homes, and the level of support can vary considerably between them. Residential care homes provide help with everyday personal care, while nursing homes provide additional support from qualified nurses. There are also specialist dementia care homes and dual-registered homes that provide both residential and nursing care.

Understanding these differences is important when choosing care for yourself or an older family member. The most suitable option will depend on a person’s health, mobility, personal care needs, independence and whether they require nursing support.

What Are the Different Types of Care Homes?

The main types of care homes for elderly people are residential care homes, nursing homes, dementia care homes and dual-registered care homes.

Type of care home	Main support provided
Residential care home	Accommodation, personal care and help with everyday activities
Nursing home	Personal care alongside regular nursing support
Dementia care home	Specialist care for people living with dementia
Dual-registered care home	Both residential and nursing care

These categories provide a useful starting point, but care can differ between individual homes. Before choosing a home, check that it can provide the specific support the person needs.

Residential Care Homes for Older People

Residential care provides accommodation and support for people who need help with everyday activities but do not necessarily require regular nursing care.

Staff can help with personal care such as washing, dressing and using the toilet. Support may also include medication, meals, mobility and other daily routines.

Living in a residential care home can also provide access to communal areas, activities and social opportunities. For someone who is finding it increasingly difficult to manage alone, this can provide a more supported daily routine while still allowing them to maintain as much independence as possible.

Elderly residential care may be suitable for someone whose main needs involve personal care and day-to-day support rather than ongoing nursing care.

When comparing residential homes for elderly people, look beyond the type of registration. Ask what personal care is provided, how staff support residents with changing needs, what activities are available and what the accommodation is like.

What Is a Nursing Home?

A nursing home provides accommodation and personal care alongside nursing support from qualified nurses.

Nursing care may be appropriate for someone whose health needs require regular nursing input rather than only assistance with everyday activities. The level of nursing support required will depend on the individual’s condition and care plan.

This is one of the main differences between residential and nursing care. A person may need substantial help with washing, dressing, eating or mobility but not require regular nursing care. Another person may have additional health needs that make a nursing home more suitable.

If nursing care is being considered, ask the home what nursing support is available and whether it can meet the person’s particular health and care requirements.

Care Home vs Nursing Home: What Is the Difference?

The difference between a care home and a nursing home mainly relates to the type and level of care provided.

A residential care home focuses primarily on personal care and support with everyday activities. A nursing home provides these forms of support as well as nursing care.

Residential care	Nursing care
Personal care	Personal care
Help with daily activities	Help with daily activities
Accommodation and meals	Accommodation and meals
Support with everyday routines	Regular nursing support
Primarily for people who do not require ongoing nursing care	For people who require nursing care alongside personal support

There is no simple rule based on age alone. Someone may need residential care because they cannot safely manage personal care independently, while another person of the same age may require nursing care because of more complex health needs.

Care needs can also change. Someone who initially moves into residential care may later require a higher level of support. It is therefore worth asking a home how it responds when a resident’s needs increase.

Dementia Care Homes

Dementia care homes provide specialist support for people living with dementia.

Dementia can affect memory, communication, mobility, behaviour and a person’s ability to manage everyday tasks. A suitable care environment can provide structure and support while helping residents maintain familiar routines and interests.

When looking at dementia care, consider whether staff have appropriate dementia training, whether the environment is suitable for people with different levels of cognitive impairment and how the home supports residents with personal care, medication, meals and activities.

The right setting will depend on the person’s individual needs and how their dementia affects their everyday life.

If you are considering whether residential dementia care may be appropriate, our guide on when to consider a dementia care home provides further information.

What Is a Dual-Registered Care Home?

A dual-registered care home can provide both residential and nursing care.

This can be useful for people whose care needs may increase over time. For example, a person may initially need assistance with personal care but later require nursing support.

Being able to receive different levels of care within the same setting can reduce the need for a move solely because someone’s needs have changed. However, families should always check what nursing and residential services the individual home actually provides.

Check: Home Care vs Care Home

What Are the Alternatives to Care Homes?

Moving into a care home is not the only option for an older person who needs additional support. Depending on their circumstances, there are alternatives to care homes that may allow them to remain at home or retain more independence.

Home care

Home care allows someone to remain in their own home while receiving support with personal care or everyday activities.

The amount of help can vary according to individual needs. For someone who is still able to live safely at home with additional assistance, this may be an alternative to residential care.

Check: What Is Residential Care

Adapting the home

Some people may benefit from changes to their home rather than moving into a care setting.

Adaptations could include improving bathroom access, installing grab rails or making other changes that help someone move around and manage everyday tasks more safely.

Sheltered or retirement housing

Sheltered or retirement housing can offer more independence than a care home while providing additional facilities or some level of support.

The arrangements vary, so it is important to establish exactly what care and support are available before deciding whether this is suitable.

When is a care home more appropriate?

An alternative may not provide enough support when someone needs frequent personal care, cannot safely manage at home, requires substantial assistance throughout the day or needs regular nursing care.

The person’s preferences should also be considered alongside their safety and care requirements.

How Do You Know Which Type of Care Home Is Right?

There is no single type of care home that will suit everyone. Start by considering the person’s current needs and the type of support they require.

Personal care needs

Consider whether they need help with washing, dressing, eating, using the toilet or taking medication.

Nursing requirements

If the person has ongoing or complex health needs, establish whether regular nursing support is required.

Dementia support

For someone living with dementia, look at the home’s experience, staff training, environment and approach to dementia care.

Changing care needs

Ask what happens if the person’s health or mobility deteriorates. A home that can accommodate changing needs may be preferable to one where another move could become necessary.

Daily life and wellbeing

Care is not limited to physical support. Find out about meals, activities, social interaction, personal routines, outdoor areas and opportunities for residents to maintain their interests.

Location

Think about how practical the location is for family and friends. Regular visits can be an important part of life in a care home.

Also Read: How to Choose the Right Care Home

What Should You Look for When Choosing a Care Home?

Once you have established the type of care required, compare individual homes rather than choosing based on the category alone.

When visiting a care home, ask:

• What type of care does the home provide?
• Does it offer residential care, nursing care or both?
• Does it support people living with dementia?
• What level of staffing is available?
• How are individual care plans created and reviewed?
• How does the home respond when a resident’s needs change?
• What activities are available?
• What are the bedrooms and communal areas like?
• How are meals provided?
• What are the visiting arrangements?
• What is included in the care home fees?
• Are there additional charges?
• What do the home’s latest inspection results show?

A visit can tell you things that a website or brochure cannot. Pay attention to how staff speak to residents, whether residents appear comfortable and whether the environment feels appropriate for the person who may be moving there.

Getting a Care Needs Assessment

If you are unsure what level of support someone requires, a care needs assessment can help identify their care and support needs.

The assessment considers how a person’s health and circumstances affect their ability to manage everyday life. It can help establish whether they may benefit from support at home or whether a care setting should be considered.

Where nursing needs are involved, advice from relevant health professionals can also help clarify the level of care required.

Having a clearer understanding of someone’s needs before contacting care homes makes it easier to ask relevant questions and compare suitable options.

Finding the Right Care Setting

Understanding the different types of care homes is the first step, but choosing the right individual home requires a closer look at the person’s needs and the care available.

Residential care may be appropriate when someone needs regular help with everyday activities, while nursing care is intended for people who also require nursing support. Specialist dementia care can provide a more suitable environment for someone living with dementia, while a dual-registered home may be useful when both residential and nursing care could be required.

Landona House Care Group provides a range of care services across its care homes, including residential, nursing, dementia and respite care. Families can explore the individual homes and discuss their requirements with the relevant care team to understand whether a particular setting is suitable.

If you or someone you care for is finding it harder to manage everyday life, a care needs assessment can help identify what support may be appropriate.

In England, the assessment is carried out by the local authority’s adult social care service. It looks at how a person’s needs affect their everyday life, wellbeing and ability to achieve the things that matter to them. The assessment can help identify whether support at home, adaptations, community services or a move into a care home may be appropriate.

Having an assessment does not automatically mean that someone needs to move into a care home. It is about understanding the person’s circumstances first and then considering the most appropriate ways to meet their needs.

What Is a Care Needs Assessment?

A care needs assessment is an assessment of the help and support an adult may need with everyday life.

It is carried out by the local authority and is designed to build a clear picture of the person’s circumstances rather than simply deciding which service they should receive.

The assessment considers:

• what the person can do independently
• where they are finding things difficult
• how their needs affect their wellbeing
• what they want to achieve
• what support they already receive
• whether family, friends or other people are providing help
• whether changes to their current arrangements could help

The assessment should consider the person’s needs as a whole. Under the Care Act, local authorities must assess an adult who appears to need care and support, regardless of their financial circumstances or whether the council initially believes they will meet the eligibility criteria.

You may also hear the process referred to as a care assessment, social care assessment, adult social care assessment or a Care Act assessment.

Who Can Ask for a Care Needs Assessment?

A care needs assessment may be appropriate when an adult is struggling with everyday activities or when their care and support needs have changed.

For example, someone may need an assessment after:

• a change in their mobility
• an illness or injury
• increasing difficulty managing personal care
• repeated falls or safety concerns
• changes in memory or cognitive ability
• difficulty preparing meals or managing medication
• increasing reliance on family members
• a change in their ability to live safely at home

A family member or carer can also raise concerns with the local authority. The assessment should involve the person receiving care and, where appropriate, a carer or another person they want involved. If someone has difficulty taking part or communicating their needs, additional support or advocacy may be available.

Unpaid carers can also request a separate carer’s assessment to consider the effect that caring responsibilities are having on them.

How Do You Get a Care Needs Assessment?

The usual starting point is the adult social care department of your local council.

You can contact the council and ask for a care needs assessment. NHS guidance confirms that the assessment is free and that anyone can ask for one if they believe they need help managing day-to-day life.

Depending on the local authority and individual circumstances, the assessment may take place:

• face to face
• over the telephone
• online
• through a self-assessment process

If you are unsure which council to contact, your local authority’s adult social care service can explain the process.

It is worth being as clear as possible when making the request. Saying that someone is “struggling” may not give the council enough information to understand the situation. Explain what they are struggling with and how this affects everyday life.

For example:

“They now need help getting dressed each morning and cannot safely use the stairs without someone nearby.”

Specific examples give a clearer picture of the person’s care needs.

What Happens During a Care Needs Assessment?

The assessor will look at how the person manages everyday activities and what support would help them maintain their independence and wellbeing.

A physical needs assessment may consider areas such as mobility, personal care and managing safely at home. The assessment can also consider social, emotional and practical needs.

Questions may cover:

• washing and bathing
• getting dressed
• using the toilet
• eating and drinking
• preparing meals
• taking or managing medication
• getting around the home
• going outside safely
• maintaining a safe home
• communicating with other people
• maintaining relationships
• taking part in work, education or social activities
• managing existing support
• emotional wellbeing and loneliness

The assessor should also consider what the person wants to achieve, rather than looking only at what they cannot do.

For example, someone may want to continue visiting friends, attending a place of worship or going shopping independently. These goals can form an important part of understanding what support may be useful.

The assessment should also consider the wider circumstances, including where the person lives and what help they already receive from family, friends or other people.

Also Read: How Much Does a Care Home Cost

What Questions Are Asked in a Care Needs Assessment?

There is no single list of questions that applies identically to everyone. The questions should reflect the person’s individual circumstances.

Questions about daily activities

You may be asked:

• Can you wash and dress yourself?
• Do you need help getting out of bed?
• Can you prepare and eat meals?
• Can you manage household tasks?
• Can you use the toilet independently?

Questions about mobility and safety

The assessor may ask about:

• walking around the home
• using stairs
• falls
• getting in and out of chairs or bed
• using mobility equipment
• leaving the home safely

Be honest about difficulties rather than describing what you can do on your best day if your ability varies.

Questions about medication and personal care

You may be asked whether you can manage medication, personal hygiene and other aspects of personal care independently.

If another person already helps with these tasks, explain what they do and how often they provide support.

Questions about support at home

The assessor may ask who currently helps you and whether that support is sustainable.

This might include:

• a partner
• children
• relatives
• friends
• unpaid carers
• existing professional care services

Questions about wellbeing and social needs

The assessment is not only about physical tasks.

You may also discuss relationships, social activities, emotional wellbeing, maintaining independence and the things you want to continue doing.

This person-centred approach is part of the Care Act assessment process.

How Should You Prepare for a Care Needs Assessment?

Preparation can make it easier to explain what is happening, particularly if you are discussing the needs of a parent or relative.

Before the assessment, make a note of:

• tasks that have become difficult
• tasks where help is already being provided
• changes in mobility or independence
• recent falls or safety concerns
• medication support
• personal care needs
• changes in eating or drinking
• support provided by family or friends
• existing professional care
• what the person would like to continue doing

It can also help to keep a short record over several days if needs fluctuate.

For example, someone may manage reasonably well in the morning but require considerably more support later in the day. Giving the assessor an accurate picture of typical days can help them understand the person’s needs more fully.

If appropriate, a family member, friend or carer can be involved in the assessment. NHS guidance also recommends having someone with you if you are not confident explaining your circumstances yourself.

What Happens After a Care Needs Assessment?

After the assessment, the local authority considers whether the person has eligible needs under the national eligibility framework.

The decision is based on the person’s assessed needs, the impact those needs have on wellbeing and whether the relevant eligibility criteria are met.

The outcome does not automatically mean that the council will arrange a care home place.

Depending on the person’s circumstances, support could include:

• help from a paid carer at home
• equipment or adaptations
• day services
• community support
• respite support
• residential care
• nursing care

If the local authority is going to meet eligible needs, a care and support plan should set out how those needs will be addressed.

A financial assessment may also be carried out to establish whether the person needs to contribute towards the cost of care. The financial assessment is separate from the assessment of care needs.

Does a Care Needs Assessment Mean You Need a Care Home?

No.

A care needs assessment is not a care-home admission assessment. Its purpose is to understand the person’s needs and determine what support may be appropriate.

Someone may be able to remain at home with:

• home care
• equipment or adaptations
• support from family
• community services
• day care
• respite care

For some people, however, the assessment may highlight that managing safely at home has become increasingly difficult or that a higher level of ongoing support is needed.

At that point, residential or nursing care may become one of the options worth considering.

When Might Residential or Nursing Care Be Considered?

Residential care may be considered when an older person needs regular help with personal care and everyday activities and would benefit from living in a supportive care-home environment.

Nursing care may be appropriate when someone has additional nursing or clinical needs requiring support from qualified nurses.

The distinction matters because the right setting depends on the person’s actual needs rather than simply their age or diagnosis.

For families considering a care home, the provider will normally carry out its own assessment before admission. This is different from the local authority’s care needs assessment. A care provider needs to understand the person’s health, mobility, medication, personal care requirements, routines and preferences to establish whether the home can safely meet those needs.

Landona’s care homes use individual assessments and care planning to understand the support a resident requires. For example, its homes may assess areas such as mobility, medication, nutrition, personal care and individual routines before admission.

What Is a Care Plan?

A care plan sets out how a person’s identified care and support needs will be met.

It should reflect the individual rather than simply listing a set of standard services.

A care plan can include:

• what matters to the person
• what they can do independently
• the support they need
• equipment or other assistance
• who is involved in their care
• how and when support will be provided
• important preferences and routines
• relevant contact information

NHS guidance explains that care and support plans should reflect the person’s circumstances, preferences and required support, and should be reviewed to make sure they continue to meet changing needs.

This is also important when someone moves into a care home. A care home care plan should give staff a clear understanding of the person’s needs, preferences, routines and the support they require.

At Landona House Care Group, families are encouraged to contribute to care planning so that individual wishes and choices are considered alongside their care needs.

What If the Assessment Says You Need More Support?

If you disagree with the outcome of your assessment, or believe important needs have not been properly considered, you can raise your concerns with the local authority.

Start by asking the council to explain its decision and discuss the areas you believe have been missed.

If you remain unhappy, you can use the council’s formal complaints procedure. NHS guidance confirms that people have the right to complain about how a needs assessment was carried out or about its outcome.

It can be helpful to explain your concerns with specific examples rather than simply saying that you disagree.

For example, explain how often help is required, what happens without that help and how the situation affects the person’s safety, independence or wellbeing.

Getting Help to Understand Your Care Options

A care needs assessment is often the beginning of a wider conversation about what support will work best.

If the assessment shows that additional support is needed, families can consider the options available based on the person’s circumstances. This might mean arranging care at home, using respite care or exploring residential or nursing care.

If a move into a care home is being considered, it is sensible to speak directly with potential providers about the person’s needs and ask how those needs would be supported.

Landona House Care Group provides residential care, nursing care, dementia care and respite care, with individual care planning based on residents’ needs and preferences.

For families supporting someone living with dementia, our guide on when to consider a dementia care home can help explain some of the signs that additional support may be needed.

If temporary support is needed while a family carer takes a break, our guide to what respite care is explains how short-term care can work and when it may be useful.

The important point is that there is no single care option that is right for everyone. Understanding the person’s needs first makes it easier to compare the available choices and decide what level of support is appropriate.

Choosing a care home is a significant decision, whether you are looking for yourself, a parent or another family member. The right home should provide the level of care needed while also offering a comfortable environment, respectful support and a lifestyle that suits the person living there.

It can help to compare several homes rather than choosing based only on location or appearance. Understanding the person’s care needs, visiting potential homes and asking the right questions can give you a much clearer picture of whether a care home is suitable.

How Do You Choose the Right Care Home?

The first step when choosing a care home is to understand what support the person needs now and whether those needs are likely to change.

A suitable care home should be able to provide the right level of support while encouraging residents to remain as independent as possible. When comparing care home choices, consider:

• The type and level of care provided
• Location and how easy it is for family to visit
• Staff and their approach to residents
• Bedrooms and communal areas
• Food and dietary requirements
• Activities and social opportunities
• Visiting arrangements
• Weekly fees and additional costs
• The home’s latest inspection information
• Whether the home can continue meeting changing care needs

You should also consider what matters most to the person who will live there. A home that works well for one person may not necessarily be right for another.

Read: Care Home Funding Help

What Type of Care Home Do You Need?

The type of care required is one of the most important things to establish before choosing a care home.

Residential care

Residential care is generally suitable for people who need regular help with personal care and everyday activities but do not require ongoing nursing care.

Support may include assistance with washing, dressing, mobility, meals and other daily routines.

Nursing care

Nursing care may be appropriate for someone with additional or ongoing nursing needs that require support from qualified nursing staff.

If someone’s health or care needs are more complex, it is important to discuss these requirements with potential homes before making a decision.

Dementia care

Someone living with dementia may benefit from a care home with staff who have appropriate dementia care experience and an environment designed around their needs.

When comparing homes, ask how staff support people with dementia, how activities are adapted and how the home manages changes in a resident’s condition.

Respite care

Respite care provides temporary care and accommodation. It can be useful when a family carer needs a break, when usual care arrangements are unavailable or when someone needs short-term support.

The home should confirm what type of respite care it can provide and whether it can meet the person’s needs during their stay.

What Should You Look for in a Care Home?

Knowing what makes a good care home involves looking beyond the building itself. The quality of everyday care and the way residents are treated are just as important as the facilities.

Does the home meet the person’s care needs?

Ask whether the home can support the person’s current needs and how it would respond if those needs change.

Depending on the individual, this could include support with:

• Personal care
• Mobility
• Medication
• Continence
• Eating and drinking
• Dementia
• Nursing needs
• Emotional and social wellbeing

A care home should be able to explain how it assesses a new resident’s needs and how care is planned around the individual.

What are the staff like?

Pay attention to how staff speak to residents during your visit.

Are they respectful and patient? Do they appear to know the residents? Do residents seem comfortable approaching staff?

It is also worth asking about staff training, how care is coordinated and what staffing arrangements are normally in place.

What is the home like day to day?

A brochure or website can give you useful information, but visiting the home gives you an opportunity to see how it actually feels.

Look at the cleanliness, noise levels, bedrooms, communal areas, outdoor spaces and accessibility. Notice whether residents are spending time together or taking part in activities, and consider whether the atmosphere would suit the person you are choosing the home for.

What Questions Should You Ask a Care Home?

Knowing which questions to ask a care home can make visits much more useful. Rather than simply asking whether a home provides care, ask questions that help you understand what living there would actually be like.

Questions about care

Ask:

• What level of care do you provide?
• Can you meet the person’s current care needs?
• How do you assess someone before they move in?
• What happens if their care needs increase?
• How do you respond when a resident’s condition changes?
• How are individual care plans reviewed?

Questions about staff

You may want to ask:

• What training do staff receive?
• How is care coordinated?
• Are qualified nurses available if required?
• Who should family members contact if they have concerns?
• How are new residents supported when they first move in?

Questions about daily life

Find out:

• What activities are available?
• Can residents choose how they spend their day?
• How are meals planned?
• Can dietary requirements and personal preferences be accommodated?
• Can residents bring personal belongings or furniture?
• Are there outdoor areas residents can use?

Questions about family and visitors

If regular contact with family is important, ask:

• When can relatives visit?
• Are there any visiting restrictions?
• Can family members take part in activities?
• How does the home communicate important changes in a resident’s care?

Questions about fees

Make sure you understand the financial arrangements before agreeing to anything.

Ask:

• What is included in the weekly fee?
• Are there additional charges?
• Could the cost change if care needs increase?
• What are the terms if the resident leaves the home?
• What notice is required?

Ask for the fees and terms in writing so you can compare them accurately with other homes.

What Should You Check When Visiting a Care Home?

A care home visit should be more than a tour of the building. Try to observe how the home operates and how residents interact with staff.

Look at:

• The general atmosphere
• Cleanliness and maintenance
• How staff communicate with residents
• Whether residents appear comfortable
• Bedrooms and privacy
• Communal spaces
• Gardens and outdoor areas
• Accessibility
• Meal arrangements
• Activities and social opportunities

It can also be useful to visit more than once. If possible, seeing the home at a different time of day may give you a broader understanding of what daily life is like.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions during the visit. A good care home should be willing to explain how it provides care and answer reasonable questions about life at the home.

Check: Home Care vs Care Home

How Do You Find a Care Home Near You?

Finding a care home is only the beginning. Once you have identified homes in suitable locations, you need to establish which ones can meet the person’s needs.

Potential sources of information include local council social care services, online searches, recommendations from people you trust and the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The CQC’s information can also help you understand the regulatory position of a care home and review its inspection information.

It is sensible to create a shortlist rather than relying on the first suitable-looking home you find. Location matters, but it should be considered alongside care, quality, cost and the person’s preferences.

How Do You Compare Care Homes?

If you have visited several homes, comparing them against the same criteria can make the decision easier.

What to compare	What to consider
Care	Can the home meet current and future needs?
Staff	Do staff appear attentive, respectful and approachable?
Location	Is it practical for regular family visits?
Accommodation	Is the bedroom comfortable and suitable?
Activities	Are there activities that match the person’s interests?
Food	Can dietary needs and preferences be accommodated?
Visitors	Does the visiting policy suit the family?
Fees	What is included and what costs extra?
Quality	What does the latest inspection information show?
Overall feel	Could the person feel comfortable and at home here?

It can help to write down your impressions immediately after each visit. Details that seem clear during a tour can become difficult to remember when comparing several homes later.

What Should You Check About Care Home Fees?

Cost is an important part of choosing a care home, but the lowest weekly fee is not necessarily the best option if the home cannot meet the person’s needs.

Find out exactly what the quoted fee covers. Some services or personal expenses may be charged separately.

You should also ask what could happen to the cost if the person’s care needs change and check the contract for notice periods and other important terms.

If you are unsure how care may be funded, it is worth getting advice about the person’s financial assessment and available funding arrangements before making a commitment.

Also Read: How to Pay for a Care Home in UK

How Do You Know If a Care Home Is Right for Your Parent?

Choosing a care home for a parent can be particularly difficult because you may be helping with a decision that will significantly affect their daily life.

Where possible, involve your parent in the process and listen to what matters to them. This could include the location, type of room, food, activities, personal routines and how often they want family to visit.

During visits, pay attention to their reaction to the home. Do they feel comfortable? Can they imagine spending time there? Does the environment fit their personality and preferences?

It is also important not to assume that you should make every decision on their behalf. If they are able to make their own decisions, their wishes should remain central to the choice.

How Do You Choose a Dementia Care Home?

When choosing a dementia care home, there are some additional points to consider.

Ask about the staff’s experience and training in dementia care and how the home supports residents as their needs change.

You may also want to look at:

• How the environment supports safety and independence
• Whether activities are suitable for people living with dementia
• How staff communicate with residents
• How changes in behaviour or care needs are managed
• How families are kept informed
• Whether the home can continue providing appropriate support as dementia progresses

A visit can be particularly valuable because it allows you to see how staff interact with residents rather than relying solely on written information.

What Are the Red Flags When Choosing a Care Home?

A single observation does not necessarily mean that a care home provides poor care, but some things may be worth asking about further.

For example, you may want to investigate if:

• Staff consistently appear rushed or unavailable
• Residents appear uncomfortable or disengaged
• Staff cannot clearly explain how care is planned
• Pricing or additional charges are unclear
• Staff are reluctant to answer reasonable questions
• There are obvious concerns about cleanliness or maintenance
• You are unable to speak to staff about the person’s specific needs
• The home cannot explain how it would manage changing care requirements

Trust your overall impression, but give the home an opportunity to explain anything that concerns you. Asking direct questions can often provide useful context.

What Should You Do Before Choosing a Care Home?

Before making your final decision, make sure you have considered the following:

• Understand the person’s current care needs
• Consider whether their needs may change
• Visit more than one care home where possible
• Ask questions about care, staff and daily life
• Check what is included in the fees
• Read the contract carefully
• Review the home’s latest CQC information
• Discuss the decision with the person who will live there
• Check availability and any waiting list
• Compare the homes using the same criteria

There is no single checklist that can tell you which care home is right. The best choice is the home that can meet the person’s care needs while also providing an environment, routine and level of support that they can feel comfortable with.

Choosing the Right Care Home

Choosing the right care home takes more than comparing photographs, facilities or prices. The most important questions are whether the home can meet the person’s care needs, whether they will be treated with dignity and respect, and whether the environment is suitable for their everyday life.

Taking time to visit potential homes, ask detailed questions and compare your options can make the decision more informed.

If you are considering residential, nursing, dementia or respite care, you can also explore the different care options available and look at individual care homes to understand the services and support they provide.