The Complete Guide to Choosing a Care Home
Choosing a care home for someone you love is one of the most difficult decisions you will ever make. It can feel overwhelming, emotional, and uncertain. You may worry about making the wrong choice, or feel guilt about needing residential care in the first place.
But choosing a care home is not about giving up. It is about finding a place where your loved one can be safe, comfortable, and cared for with dignity and compassion. It is about finding a home where they can continue to live well, with support tailored to their needs.
This guide will take you through the process step by step, from understanding what type of care is needed, to visiting care homes, understanding costs, and making your final decision. Whether you are just starting to explore options or ready to arrange a visit, this guide is here to help.
1. Before You Start: Consider All Your Options
Before committing to residential care, it is worth considering whether other options might meet your loved one’s needs.
Alternatives to a care home include:
- Home care services: Professional carers visit your loved one at home to help with personal care, meals, and daily tasks
- Live-in care: A carer lives in your loved one’s home and provides round-the-clock support
- Supported living or extra care housing: Independent flats with care and support on-site
- Respite care: Short stays in a care home to give family carers a break or allow recovery after illness or surgery
For more on when residential care becomes the right option, see our guide: When Is It Time for a Care Home? A Guide for Families.
Get a Care Needs Assessment (Optional but Recommended)
If your loved one may need help with funding, a care needs assessment from the local council is essential. This free assessment identifies what support they need and whether the council can contribute to costs.
If your loved one will be paying for care privately (self-funding), a formal council assessment is not required. However, many families find it helpful as it clarifies the level of care needed and ensures you choose a home that can meet those needs. Alternatively, the care home itself will carry out its own assessment during the admissions process.
If you would like a council assessment, contact your local council’s adult social care department to request one.
2. Understanding What You Need
Care homes offer different types and levels of care. Understanding these will help you narrow your search.
Types of Care Homes
- Residential care homes:
- Provide support with personal care such as washing, dressing, and eating
- Help with medication and daily living tasks
- Do not provide nursing care
- Nursing homes (care homes with nursing):
- Provide all the support of a residential home, plus 24-hour nursing care
- Suitable for people with complex medical needs
- Specialist dementia care homes:
- Designed specifically for people living with dementia
- Team trained in dementia care approaches
- Adapted environments to support safety and wellbeing
- Short stay or respite care:
- Temporary stays from a few days to a few weeks
- Allows family carers to take a break or supports recovery after illness
For more on respite care, see: Respite Care for Elderly: What It Is & Who Pays.
What Level of Care Does Your Loved One Need?
Consider physical health, mobility, cognitive ability, personal care needs, and social wellbeing.
Questions to ask:
- Can they wash, dress, and use the toilet independently?
- Do they need help with meals or medication?
- Do they have a medical condition requiring nursing care?
- Do they have dementia or memory problems?
- Are they at risk of falls or wandering?
- Are they socially isolated?
- What activities would support their wellbeing?
3. Finding and Researching Care Homes
Once you know what type of care is needed, you can start researching care homes in your area.
Where to Look
- Care Quality Commission (CQC): Check inspection ratings and reports at www.cqc.org.uk (look for homes rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’)
- Online directories and review sites:
- www.carehome.co.uk
- www.lottie.org
- www.autumna.co.uk
- www.carechoices.co.uk
- NHS website: Search for care homes with and without nursing
- Local council websites: Often list care homes in the area
- Recommendations: Ask your GP, social worker, hospital discharge team, friends, or family
What to Look for During Your Research
- Location: Close to family and familiar surroundings
- Type of care: Appropriate level of support
- Specialist services: Experience with dementia, Parkinson’s, or other conditions
- Activities and lifestyle: Engaging daily life and structured programmes
- Cost: Affordable fees and funding options
- Availability: Room availability or waiting list
Create a shortlist of three to five homes and arrange visits before making a decision.
4. What to Look for When Visiting
Visiting a care home is essential. Online research cannot replace seeing the home in person and meeting the team.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
- Visit more than once: Try different times of day
- Book ahead or drop in: Both approaches have value
- Bring your loved one: Involve them where possible
- Prepare questions: Write them down in advance
What to Observe
Atmosphere:
- Warm, welcoming, and homely?
- Residents engaged?
- Calm and pleasant environment?
Team:
- Friendly and respectful?
- Warm interactions with residents?
- Adequate staffing levels?
Residents:
- Well-cared for and comfortable?
- Engaged and content?
Cleanliness and Safety:
- Clean and well-maintained?
- No unpleasant smells?
- Safety features in place?
Rooms:
- Can residents personalise their room?
- Ensuite or shared facilities?
- Natural light and space?
Activities and Engagement:
- Daily, weekly, and monthly activities?
- Tailored to residents’ interests?
- Structured programme?
Questions to Ask
- What is included in the care fee?
- How are care plans created and reviewed?
- How do you support people with dementia?
- Can residents see their own GP?
- What is the team-to-resident ratio?
- How are families involved?
- What happens if care needs change?
- Can I see the contract before committing?
5. Understanding Costs and Contracts
Care home fees vary depending on location, type of care, and facilities offered.
Average Costs in the UK (2024/25)
- Residential care: £1,000–£2,000 per week
- Nursing care: £1,200–£2,500+ per week
- Dementia care: Often higher due to specialist support
What Is Included?
- Accommodation
- Meals and snacks
- Personal care and support
- Utilities and cleaning
- Activities and entertainment
What May Cost Extra
- Hairdressing or beauty treatments
- Specialist therapies
- Outings and trips
- Personal items
- Premium room options
Who Pays?
- Self-funding: If assets exceed £23,250 (England)
- Council funding: If assets are below the threshold
- NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC): For severe ongoing health needs
For more details, see: Care Home Costs UK: A Complete Breakdown.
6. The Care Journey: From Visit to Move-In
Step 1: Research and Shortlist
Create a shortlist based on care type, location, cost, and lifestyle.
Step 2: Make Enquiries
Arrange visits and speak to the Admissions team.
Step 3: Visit the Home
Discuss needs, tour the facilities, meet residents and team members, and review next steps.
Step 4: Arrange a Care Needs Assessment
A personalised assessment ensures the right level of care and support.
Step 5: Confirm Move-In Date
Receive a formal offer, confirm fees, and complete documentation.
Step 6: Move-In Day
The team will support you and your loved one to ensure a smooth, welcoming transition.
7. Making Your Final Decision
Trust Your Instincts
- Did you feel welcome?
- Did your loved one feel at ease?
- Did the team seem caring and competent?
Compare Your Options
- Best meets care needs?
- Right balance of quality and cost?
- Feels most like home?
Consider a Trial Stay
Short respite stays can help you experience the home before committing long-term.
Involve Your Loved One
Where possible, respect their preferences and reassure them that you will remain involved.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a care home takes time, research, and careful thought. By visiting, asking questions, and trusting your instincts, you can find a place where your loved one will be safe, comfortable, and cared for with dignity and compassion.
At Boutique Care Homes, we are committed to providing exceptional, personalised care in warm, homely environments where residents feel valued. Our Life Enrichment Programme ensures every day is filled with purpose, connection, and joy.
If you would like to visit one of our homes or speak to our Admissions team, please get in touch. We are here to help.
