Best Care Homes in Exeter

Exeter has 49 CQC-registered care homes with a combined 1,615 beds. 4 homes have achieved an Outstanding rating — the highest possible CQC grade, including Lucerne House. 36 homes are rated Good. 4 homes require improvement — always check the latest CQC inspection report before visiting.

When choosing a care home in Exeter, we recommend shortlisting three to five homes and visiting each in person. Pay attention to the atmosphere, speak with staff and current residents' families, and use our choosing guide to compare them systematically. Understanding how care home fees are funded — including NHS Continuing Healthcare and local authority support — is also essential before making a decision.

Exeter has care homes specialising in dementia care, learning disability care, mental health care and 4 other care types.

Exeter has a strong care sector relative to its size: 4 Outstanding homes from 49 registered gives an 8.2% Outstanding rate, well above the national average. Devon County Council manages social care assessments for Exeter residents, and the local authority has historically maintained reasonable processing timescales. Homes are clustered in Heavitree, Topsham Road, and the Alphington corridor, with several newer developments in the St Thomas area. The University of Exeter's medical and nursing programmes support a skilled local workforce, which shows in consistently positive CQC inspection outcomes. With only four Requires Improvement homes and zero Inadequate providers, Exeter's risk profile is low — but Outstanding homes fill quickly, so register interest early if targeting top-rated provision.