How to find a care home that’s right for you

When choosing a care home, it is essential to have a good think about what really matters to you.

There are a few personal questions that you should ask yourself or a loved one when considering the move to a care home, it’s crucial to be honest about the support you require to live well, to properly think about the aspects of your day that bring you comfort and not to overlook the little things that spark joy in your life.

It is important you think about your personal priorities. Do you or your loved ones wish to maintain independence and participate in regular activities and day trips? Do you want reassurance that your changing care needs will be met without you having to move again? How important is location? Do you want to be close to friends and family or particular local amenities? Are there hobbies or daily tasks that you enjoy and form part of your routine that you would want to continue wherever you live.

Thinking and talking about these details will help you form a clear opinion of what you really value and help you when you start looking at particular homes.

What is a care home? 

A care home is a residential setting that provides accommodation and personal care for individuals who can no longer live independently. Residents have their own bedrooms and bathrooms and also share communal areas within one building with other people. Care homes are most suitable for those who require regular or continual residential care, such as assistance with daily tasks like washing, dressing, and meal preparation, as well as some health related, personal or medical care. 

There are different types of care homes that offer varying levels of support but all have staff on hand 24 hours a day.

What’s the difference between a residential care home and a nursing home? Which do I need?

Choosing between a care home (also known as a residential home) and a nursing home is a decision you may need to consider, which is why it's essential to understand the differences when selecting the right home for you. 

The primary difference between a residential care home and a nursing home lies in the level of medical care provided. 

Care homes focus on assisting with daily living activities and personal care, while nursing homes provide 24/7 medical care and support from registered nurses and are designed to support residents with more complex health needs.  

Research different types of care home

A care home provides accommodation and 24-hour support for individuals who need assistance with daily living activities.  

In addition to personal care, many care homes offer social activities, healthcare services, and emotional support to enhance the quality of life for residents.

Some care homes may offer advanced support for people with severe or chronic age related health conditions, such as advanced dementia or mobility issues, who need continuous support and assistance. Many care properties may also be able to provide convalescent or respite care for older people who require rehabilitation and ongoing care while recovering from surgery, illness, or injury. 

Arrange a visit to find care homes that meet your needs

Choosing a care home is just like choosing any other place to live – within a few seconds most people instinctively know whether a place ‘feels right’. It is important to visit a number of homes and choose the one that best suits your needs. 

When you visit a care home either for yourself or for a relative, consider taking someone with you for a second opinion and moral support.

Trust your gut feeling – you’ll know what you like when you see it. If the home is for a relative, try to put yourself in their shoes and think about what they might prefer.

Speak to care home residents and care home staff

Speaking to people who are already residents in the care home is an excellent way to start. There’s no comparison for a personal recommendation and trusted insight into what life is really like in the home.

In addition to speaking with residents in person, you can also gain valuable insights from websites that share care home reviews. 

CareHome.co.uk is a care home review website that invites care home residents and their family members to share their experiences of a home and the professionals who work there.

It is important to consider how care needs may change to ensure that you or your loved one has access to the right care at every stage of life. It’s a good idea to speak with the care home manager about the available options and consult with staff members to inquire about hiring procedures, to make sure that staff have professional backgrounds and are properly qualified.

Choosing a care home checklist

It may be the little things that appeal to you about the home, such as being able to have visitors whenever you want or having a telephone line in your room.

You will likely have many questions when you visit. To help we have compiled a care home selection checklist that can assist you with any queries you may have. It contains the questions most commonly asked about care homes, as well as issues our customers have told us were most important to them. It covers questions on areas such as:

Care home staff

• Do staff seem friendly and caring? How do they talk to the residents?
• Do staff receive regular training, and what are the staff-to-resident ratios?

Accommodation and location

• Is the home well-decorated, is it safe and secure and would you have private bathroom facilities?
• Can you bring your furniture or your pet?
• Are there separate dining and social areas?
• Is the home a reasonable distance from family and friends making regular visits easier? 

Find out what your potential home might look like by reading our guide called What could my new home be like?

Facilities and food

• Is it well-adapted to any specific needs, e.g. sight, hearing or mobility? 
• Is there access to medical services, hairdressing and opticians? 
• Does the home have a good choice of meals, and can residents choose where to eat?

Activities in care homes

• Can you continue to pursue the hobbies you enjoy, and does the home have indoor and outdoor spaces for you to enjoy? 
• Does the home have a library for residents?
• Does the home organise regular outings? 
• Is there an accessible garden for residents to enjoy?

Cost, care home fees and contracts

• How much are the fees? Does that include everything and how often are the fees reviewed? 
• Is separate funding available to support towards the cost of any fees? 
• How often do you need to pay for something?
• What are the terms and conditions and complaints policies?

We’d recommend you download and take a copy of this care home selection checklist with you when you visit each care home. 

When is a care home the right choice for someone living with dementia?

A care home is usually an option considered when a person living with dementia can no longer manage safely or comfortably at home, even with support, or when their care needs become too demanding for their caregivers to support.

Certain care homes offer tailored support for individuals living with dementia, focusing on their physical, emotional, and cognitive needs. This type of care includes personalised activities, assistance with daily tasks, and strategies to help manage symptoms like memory loss, confusion, and behavioural changes. They aim to enhance the quality of life for individuals living with dementia by creating a safe and supportive environment that promotes dignity and well-being.

Arrange a trial stay at your ideal care home

To ensure you are completely happy with your decision to move, you could also request a trial stay in the care home of your choice. This will give you a chance to meet other people living in the home properly, take part in a broader range of activities and get a real feel for what your new home is like. Trial stays vary based on the availability of a vacant room and the length of time you would like to stay.

Anchor care homes near you

We have Anchor care homes all over England. If you would like to see if we could be the perfect match for you, then don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team and arrange a visit.