Choosing a Care Home

Start with what matters most

Choosing a care home is rarely a decision anyone plans to make. It often arrives during a crisis — after a fall, a hospital stay, or a gradual realisation that living at home is no longer safe. Whatever brought you here, know that taking time to choose carefully is one of the most important things you can do.

Begin by thinking about the person who will live there. What matters to them? Perhaps it is a garden to sit in, the ability to have a pet visit, or simply being close enough for family to drop by regularly. Write these things down. They will guide every conversation and every visit from here on.

Understanding the types of care available

Care homes in England fall into broad categories. Residential care homes provide personal care — help with washing, dressing, eating, and medication — but do not have qualified nurses on site. Nursing homes have registered nurses available around the clock, which is essential for people with complex medical needs.

Many homes also offer specialist care for dementia, learning disabilities, mental health conditions, physical disabilities, or sensory impairments. You can browse homes by specialism in our dementia, nursing, or residential directories.

Using CQC ratings to compare homes

The Care Quality Commission inspects every registered care home in England and rates them across five areas: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive, and Well-led. The overall rating can be Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, or Inadequate.

A CQC rating is a useful starting point, but never the whole picture. A home rated Good might suit your loved one perfectly, while an Outstanding home might not feel right. Always read the full inspection report — it contains specific observations about staffing levels, medication management, activities, and how residents are treated. Our guide to CQC ratings explains each rating in more detail.

What to look for when you visit

A care home visit is your most valuable tool. Here is what to pay attention to:

• The atmosphere. Does it feel warm and welcoming? Is there conversation, laughter, or music? Or does it feel quiet and institutional? Trust your gut — the feeling you get walking through the door matters.
• Staff interactions. Watch how carers speak to residents. Do they make eye contact? Use first names? Show patience and genuine warmth? The relationship between staff and residents is the single best indicator of quality.
• Cleanliness and smell. A well-run home should be clean without smelling of heavy disinfectant. Occasional odours are normal in care settings, but persistent smells suggest staffing or hygiene issues.
• Activities and engagement. Are residents doing things — reading, chatting, gardening, watching something together? Or are they sitting alone in front of a television? Ask to see the activity schedule.
• Bedrooms. Can residents personalise their rooms with photos, furniture, and belongings? Is there natural light? Is there a call bell within easy reach?
• Food. Ask to see the menu, and if you can, visit during a mealtime. Is there choice? Are meals served at a table, with company? Is there help for residents who need it?
• Outdoor space. A garden or courtyard — even a small one — makes an enormous difference to wellbeing. Is it accessible and well maintained?

Questions to ask the care home manager

Do not feel awkward about asking questions. A good care home will welcome them. Here are some to consider:

• What is the staffing ratio during the day and at night?
• How do you handle medical emergencies?
• What training do staff receive, particularly for dementia or end-of-life care?
• How are care plans created and reviewed? How often is the family involved?
• What happens if my relative's needs change — can the home adapt?
• Are there any additional charges beyond the published weekly fee?
• What is the complaints process?
• Can we do a trial stay before committing?

Involving your loved one in the decision

Wherever possible, include the person who will be moving in. Their feelings about a home — the people, the surroundings, the routines — are the most important factor. Even when cognitive ability is reduced, a person can often express whether they feel comfortable in a place.

If visiting in person is not possible, many homes offer video tours or can send photos. Some homes arrange trial stays of one or two weeks, which can ease the transition enormously.

Thinking about location

Proximity to family is one of the strongest predictors of a good care home experience. Regular visits — even short ones — reduce loneliness and help your loved one feel connected. A home that is 10 minutes away and visited twice a week will almost always be better than a home 90 minutes away visited monthly.

Use our location directory to find homes near you, or browse by council area to see every option in your local authority.

Understanding the costs

Care home fees in England vary significantly by region and type of care. Residential care typically costs between £800 and £1,200 per week, while nursing care is often £1,000 to £1,500 or more. Our guide to funding care home fees explains the different ways to pay, including local authority support, NHS continuing healthcare, and attendance allowance.

Making your decision

There is no perfect care home — but there is often a right one for your family. Trust the evidence of your visits, the warmth of the staff, and the feeling your loved one had when they were there. If something does not feel right, listen to that instinct.

This is a decision made with love, and that is always the right place to start.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many care homes should I visit before deciding?

There is no set number, but most families find it helpful to visit at least three homes. This gives you enough comparison to feel confident in your choice. Visit at different times of day if you can — mealtimes and afternoons give different impressions.

Can I visit a care home without an appointment?

Most care homes prefer a booked visit so they can show you around properly, but CQC-registered homes cannot refuse entry to prospective residents or families. An unannounced visit can give you a more realistic picture of daily life.

What is the most important thing to look for in a care home?

The interaction between staff and residents is the single most telling sign. Watch how staff speak to residents — is it warm and respectful? Do they use first names? Are residents engaged, or sitting silently? The atmosphere tells you more than any brochure.

How do I know if a care home is right for my parent?

Consider their daily routines, social preferences, and care needs. A good care home will feel warm and welcoming. Your parent should be involved in the decision wherever possible — their comfort and sense of belonging matters most.

What CQC rating should I look for?

Aim for homes rated Good or Outstanding by the CQC. A "Requires Improvement" rating does not necessarily mean poor care — it may indicate specific areas being addressed. Always read the full inspection report for context.