Choosing the right care home for you
Your care home should be a happy and comfortable place to live. Choosing the right one can be a big decision – but...
Types of care home
There are several different types of care home to consider, along with alternatives to care homes. Look into all the options, seek advice, and make the right decision for you.
What types of care home are available?
While all care homes offer accommodation and personal care, there are specialist types of care homes that offer extra services for residents with greater needs.
Care homes can be run by private companies, local councils or charitable organisations.
Type of care home |
What they offer |
| Care homes |
These have staff who help with personal care such as washing, dressing, taking medication and going to the toilet. They might also offer social activities and day trips for residents. |
|
Care homes with nursing |
These are also known as 'nursing homes'. These offer staff who offer personal care as well as 24-hour assistance from qualified nurses. |
|
Care homes with dementia care |
These are designed to make people with dementia feel comfortable and safe. They often have qualified nurses with dementia training. |
| Dual-registered care homes | These accept residents who need both personal care and nursing care. This means that if someone moves in only requiring help with personal care, but their needs increase over time, they won't have to move to a different home. |
Are there alternatives to care homes?
Someone may have suggested that you need a care home – maybe because you've had an accident or you're starting to need more help on a day-to-day basis. But this doesn't necessarily mean that it's the right decision for you. You might find that a different option suits you better.
It's your decision so you should look into all the options and ask for help and advice if you need it. There are other options you could explore if you don't feel ready to move into a care home at the moment.
Adapting your home
Small adjustments around your home might be just what you need to feel more safe and independent. You might also be able to get some adjustments paid for by your local council.
Find out more about adapting your home
Getting help at home
If you're having trouble with day-to-day tasks around the house, then arranging to have some help at home (also known as home care) could make you feel more comfortable.
Find out more about arranging home care
Sheltered housing
Sheletered housing (also known as retirement housing) allows you to live more independantly than a care home, but provides a little bit of support to give you peace of mind.
Where do I start in arranging care?
The first step to getting any kind of care is to get a care needs assessment from your local council.
We're here to help
We offer support through our free advice line on 0800 678 1602. Lines are open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year. We also have specialist advisers at over 120 local Age UKs.