Is a care home the right move?

Before deciding on a move to a care home it’s important to know the difference between the main types of accommodation available for people in later life so you can make an informed choice.

It can be helpful to think about the different aspects of your current home that work well for you, those that present you with challenges, and also consider your future needs when researching and making decisions about your housing options.

Different types of housing

There are a range of different types of accommodation available for older people, here we look at the benefits of each of them.

Care homes

Providing 24-hour support, care homes are most suitable for those who require regular or continual residential care. Residents have their own bedrooms and bathrooms but also share communal areas within one building. There are different types of care homes offering varying levels of support.

Sheltered housing

Sometimes referred to as sheltered accommodation or retirement housing, this describes a group of self-contained houses, bungalows or flats supported by a manager, with access to 24-hour emergency help. This is offered on a rental or leasehold basis and can include at-home care. When at-home care and support is available, this type of housing may also be called extra care or housing with extra care.

Retirement villages

This describes a variety of rental and leasehold properties set out in a village development. They offer independence with a sense of community, access to a wide range of leisure facilities and the option to build in at-home care if required. Some retirement villages also have a care home on-site.

Next steps 

Once you have decided that a care home would best meet your needs, your next step is to consider the options in the area you wish to live. You can use our search tool below to look for Anchor homes in your local area.