Where someone lives matters. It affects their daily happiness, their health, their sense of security, and their quality of life. When that place is a care home, getting the decision right becomes even more important.

The process can feel overwhelming, particularly if you’re making the decision during a crisis or hospital discharge. This guide walks you through each step, helping you approach the choice methodically whilst keeping what truly matters at the centre.

Start With Your Specific Needs

Level of Care Required

Residential care provides support with daily activities like washing, dressing, eating, and medication management. It’s suitable for people who need help but don’t have complex medical needs.

Nursing care includes everything residential care offers, plus 24-hour access to registered nurses who can manage more complex health conditions, wound care, catheter care, or regular medical monitoring.

Specialist dementia care focuses specifically on supporting people with dementia, with staff trained in dementia care approaches, environments designed to support cognitive impairment, and structured activities appropriate for different stages of the condition.

Some people need multiple types of care (for example, nursing care plus dementia expertise). Being clear about this from the start narrows your search significantly.

Physical Health Needs

Consider current health conditions and likely progression. Does the person need help with mobility? Do they require regular physiotherapy? Are they approaching end-of-life care? Make sure any home you consider can meet these needs both now and as they change.

Mental Health and Cognitive Needs

Beyond dementia, some people have anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions that affect their care needs. Homes vary in their experience and capability with mental health support, so this should be part of your assessment.

Personal Preferences

Think about what matters to the person who’ll be living there. Are they sociable or more private? Do they have strong religious or cultural needs? Do they smoke? Are specific dietary requirements essential? What hobbies or interests should the home support?

These aren’t luxuries (they’re fundamental to quality of life and settling in successfully).

Research and Shortlist Homes

Once you understand what you need, start identifying potential homes in your preferred area.

Location Considerations

Most families prefer homes close to where family members live, making regular visits easier. However, balance this with other factors. A slightly further home that’s demonstrably better may be worth the extra travel.

Consider the local area too. Is it somewhere the person knows and feels comfortable? Can family members visit using public transport if needed? Is it near friends or community connections they might want to maintain?

Finding Care Homes

The Care Quality Commission regulates care homes in England and publishes inspection reports for every registered home. These reports are invaluable. They tell you whether the home is rated Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, or Inadequate across different categories including safety, effectiveness, caring approach, responsiveness, and leadership.

Read recent inspection reports for any home you’re considering. Look at what inspectors observed, what residents and families said, and whether any concerns were raised. If a home has areas requiring improvement, check whether recent re-inspections show progress.

Your local council’s adult social care department can provide lists of registered homes in your area. The NHS website also has a care home search facility. Word of mouth from friends, support groups, or healthcare professionals can provide honest perspectives you won’t find in marketing materials.

Create a Shortlist

Aim for a shortlist of three to six homes that seem potentially suitable based on location, type of care, CQC ratings, and initial impressions from websites or phone calls. This gives you meaningful choice without becoming overwhelmed.

Making Contact and Asking Initial Questions

Before visiting, phone each home on your shortlist. This initial conversation can be revealing.

Questions to Ask

• Do you have availability now, or what’s the typical waiting time?
• What level of care do you provide? Can you meet [specific needs]?
• What are your fees, and what’s included versus what costs extra?
• Can you accommodate specific dietary, religious, or cultural requirements?
• What’s your approach to [relevant concerns: dementia care, end-of-life care, etc.]?
• Can we arrange a visit?

How the Conversation Goes Matters

Notice whether staff seem helpful, patient, and willing to answer questions. Are they genuinely interested in understanding your specific situation, or giving generic responses? Do they encourage you to visit and see the home for yourself?

If someone is dismissive, rushes you, or seems irritated by questions, that tells you something important about the culture of that home.

Visiting Care Homes

Never choose a care home without visiting. Ideally, visit each shortlisted home at least once, and consider visiting your top choice multiple times at different times of day.

What to Look For: First Impressions

Trust your instincts when you walk in. Does it feel welcoming? Is there a pleasant atmosphere? Can you imagine your loved one living here?

Notice the smell. Good homes shouldn’t have unpleasant odours. They should be clean but feel lived-in rather than clinical. Look for personal touches, residents’ belongings on display, and signs that this is genuinely people’s home rather than an institution.

Observing Staff and Residents

Watch how staff interact with residents. Are they kind, patient, and respectful? Do they speak to residents as adults, not children? Do they take time with people rather than rushing?

Notice whether residents seem comfortable and content. Are some engaged in activities? Are staff actively interacting with residents, or are people largely left sitting alone?

Look for laughter, conversation, and genuine warmth. These things can’t be manufactured for a visit (they reflect the everyday culture of the home).

The Environment

Communal areas should be comfortable and inviting, with different spaces for different activities and preferences. Bedrooms, whether single or shared, should allow for personalisation with someone’s own furniture, photographs, and belongings.

Check that the home is well-maintained, with working equipment, adequate heating, good lighting, and accessible facilities. Gardens or outdoor spaces matter—can residents get outside easily?

For dementia care specifically, look for environments that support orientation (clear signage, good lighting, contrasting colours) and provide safe walking routes for people who need to move around.

Food and Mealtimes

Ask to see menus and, if possible, time your visit around a mealtime. Food quality and choice matter enormously to quality of life. Are meals appetising? Do residents have genuine choice? Can dietary preferences and cultural requirements be met?

Observe how mealtimes are managed. Is there a pleasant, social atmosphere? Do staff help those who need assistance with eating in a dignified way? Are residents rushed?

Activities and Stimulation

Ask about what activities are offered and whether you can see an activities schedule. Good homes provide varied activities appropriate for different abilities and interests (not just bingo and quizzes, though those have their place).

Look for activities that promote physical health, mental stimulation, social connection, and purpose. Do activities happen throughout the week, including evenings and weekends?

Consider whether the home supports residents to maintain hobbies and interests they’ve always had, and whether there are opportunities to go out into the community.

Questions to Ask During Your Visit

Come prepared with specific questions based on your needs. Don’t worry about seeming demanding (homes should welcome thorough questioning).

About Care and Support

• What’s the staff-to-resident ratio during the day and at night?
• How do you ensure continuity of care so residents see familiar faces?
• What’s your approach to personal care and maintaining dignity?
• How do you manage medication?
• What happens if someone’s needs increase (can you continue caring for them)?
• How do you work with GPs, district nurses, and other healthcare professionals?
• What’s your approach to falls prevention and management?
  

About Daily Life

• What time do residents typically get up and go to bed? Is there flexibility?
• Can residents choose when and where they eat?
• What happens if someone wants a snack or drink outside mealtimes?
• How do you support people who don’t join group activities?
• Can residents bring their own furniture and belongings?
• What are visiting hours? Can family visit anytime?
• How do you involve families in care planning and decisions?

About Specialist Needs

If relevant, ask detailed questions about dementia care approaches, end-of-life care philosophy, management of specific health conditions, or cultural and religious support. A home claiming expertise should be able to discuss these areas knowledgeably.

About Practical Matters

• What’s included in your fees and what costs extra?
• How often do fees typically increase?
• What’s your policy on holding rooms during hospital admissions?
• How much notice is required on either side if the arrangement isn’t working?
• Can we see your most recent CQC inspection report?
• Can you provide references from current residents’ families?

Speaking With Residents and Families

If possible, talk with current residents and their family members during your visit. Homes confident in their care will facilitate this.

Ask residents if they’re happy, whether staff are kind, if the food is good, and what they do each day. Their answers and how freely they speak will tell you a lot.

Family members can share honest perspectives about communication, how concerns are handled, and whether their loved one is thriving or just existing.

Understanding Fees and Contracts

Care home fees vary significantly based on location, level of care, and facilities. Make sure you fully understand costs before committing.

What Should Be Included

Core fees should cover accommodation, meals, personal care, and basic activities. Ask specifically what’s included and what attracts additional charges. Some homes charge extra for things like laundry, toiletries, hairdressing, newspapers, or one-to-one activities.

Fee Increases

Understand how often fees are reviewed and increased. Most homes increase annually, but the amount varies. Ask what typical increases have been over recent years.

Funding

If the local council is funding care, they’ll specify how much they’ll pay. If that’s less than the home’s fees, you’ll need to pay a “top-up” fee. Make sure this is clearly documented and sustainable for your family.

If you’re self-funding, consider how long your finances will last. What happens if money runs out? Some homes participate in council contracts; others don’t accept council-funded residents.

Contracts and Terms

Read contracts carefully before signing. Understand notice periods, what happens if someone needs hospital care, and under what circumstances the home can ask someone to leave. Don’t rush this (take the contract home, read it thoroughly, and seek advice if anything’s unclear).

Making Your Decision

After visiting and gathering information, compare your shortlisted homes against what matters most.

Prioritise Your Non-Negotiables

Some factors are essential: adequate care for specific health needs, strong safety record, acceptable location. Other factors are preferences (en-suite bathroom versus shared facilities, large grounds versus smaller garden, specific activities on offer).

Be clear about what you absolutely need versus what would be nice to have. This helps if your ideal home isn’t available or affordable.

Trust Your Instincts

The “best” home on paper might not be the right home for your specific person. If somewhere felt welcoming, if residents seemed genuinely content, if you could imagine your loved one settling there – those instincts matter.

Conversely, if something felt off despite good ratings and facilities, pay attention to that feeling.

Involve the Person if Possible

If the person moving into care can participate in the decision, their preference should carry significant weight. They’re more likely to settle somewhere they’ve chosen themselves, even if it wasn’t your first choice.

The Transition Period

Once you’ve chosen a home, plan the move thoughtfully to help the person settle.

Personalising the Room

Bring familiar furniture if possible, photographs, favourite possessions, and anything that makes the space feel like theirs. This isn’t being indulgent (familiar items provide comfort and help with orientation).

Gradual Introduction

If time allows, visit the home together several times before moving in. Have meals there, join activities, and meet staff and other residents. This makes the actual move less overwhelming.

Communication with Staff

Provide detailed information about the person’s routines, preferences, likes, dislikes, medical history, and anything that helps them feel comfortable. The more staff know, the better they can provide personalised care.

Supporting the Adjustment

Expect an adjustment period. Most people take several weeks to settle into a new environment. Visit regularly initially, but also give them space to form new relationships and routines.

Stay in communication with staff about how the settling-in process is going, and address any concerns promptly.

If Things Aren’t Working

Sometimes, despite careful choice, a placement doesn’t work out. Perhaps care needs have changed, the home isn’t as represented, or the person is genuinely unhappy.

You can raise concerns with the home’s manager. Good homes take feedback seriously and work to resolve issues. If problems persist, you can contact the CQC or your local authority safeguarding team.

If the placement is fundamentally unsuitable, you can look for an alternative. Don’t see this as failure, it’s acknowledging that care needs are complex and sometimes it takes more than one attempt to find the right fit.

Finding the Right Home Takes Time

Choosing a care home is a significant decision that deserves time, thought, and careful evaluation. Whilst urgent situations sometimes force quicker decisions, whenever possible, take the time to visit, ask questions, and feel confident in your choice.

At Blissful Care Homes, we welcome families who want to thoroughly understand what we offer before making a decision. We encourage visits, questions, and honest conversations about whether we’re the right fit for your family. Our homes provide person-centred care in comfortable, welcoming environments where residents are genuinely valued.

We understand that choosing the right care is about more than facilities and fees (it’s about finding somewhere your loved one will feel safe, supported, and at home). If you’d like to visit, discuss your specific needs, or simply ask questions about our approach to care, please get in touch. We’re here to help you make the best decision for your family.