Finding Quality Care Homes

Choosing a care home for someone you love is one of the most emotional and personal decisions you’ll ever make. It isn’t simply about finding a place with the right facilities. It’s about choosing an environment where your loved one will feel safe and genuinely cared for. Whether you are just beginning your search or narrowing down a shortlist, taking a thoughtful step-by-step approach can help you feel more confident in your decision.

We’ve curated an easy-to-follow guide to help you navigate the process. It draws on common considerations families often share with us. The advice applies wherever you choose to look.

Start with your loved one’s needs

Every person is unique, and so are their care requirements. Begin by thinking about what your loved one needs now and what they may need in the future.

Things to consider include:

• Whether they require residential care, dementia care, nursing level support or any other types of care.
• Any medical conditions that need monitoring.
• Any personal or emotional preferences that matter to them.
• Whether they would feel happier in a smaller, quieter home or a busier, more social environment.

Look at location and access

Being close to family, friends and familiar surroundings can greatly ease the transition into a care home.

You might think about:

• How easy it is for family members and friends to visit regularly.
• Whether your loved one prefers countryside, town/city or coastal settings.
• Access to local amenities, transport links or GPs.
• Whether the area feels welcoming or safe.

Review independent reports and rating

In the United Kingdom, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) provides independent inspection reports on all registered care homes. These reports highlight strengths, areas for improvement and how well a home meets national standards of care.

It is helpful to:

• Look at the most recent CQC report.
• Read comments from families and inspectors.
• See how consistent the home’s ratings have over time.

 

Visit in person, and more than once if you can

A care home should feel right the moment you walk in. When you visit, spend time simply observing the atmosphere. Take note of how staff interact with residents and whether residents themselves appear content and settled. Look around and see if the home is tidy and pleasant without feeling clinical.

As you tour communal areas, try to imagine your loved one spending time there and consider whether the environment feels relaxed and welcoming. Pay attention to mealtimes if you can, as this can tell you a great deal about the quality of life in the home. Food that looks nutritious and appealing, and staff who assist residents respectfully, are usually good signs.

It can also help to imagine how your loved one might personalise their room to make it feel like their own. If possible, visiting at different times of the day will give you a fuller picture of daily rhythms and routines.

Many families find it helpful to have a clear idea of what to look for during a visit. Our blog, What to look for when viewing a care home: https://www.stmarysgroup.co.uk/what-to-look-for-when-viewing-a-care-home/ offers practical guidance on the small but important details that can help you make a more informed decision. If possible, visiting at different times of day can also give you a more complete picture of daily life in the home.

Ask open and honest questions

Asking questions is an essential part of the process. A good care home will always be transparent and open. Rather than feeling hesitant, think of yourself as gathering the information needed to make the best choice for your loved one.

You might want to explore how staff are supported and trained, especially in areas such as dementia care. It is also worthy finding out how care plans are created, reviewed and adapted as needs change. This will give you insight into how personalised the care truly is.

You may also want to ask how the home encourages residents to stay engaged socially, whether through organised activities, hobbies or events. Communication with families is another important point, so asking how the home keeps relatives informed can give you reassurance. These conversations help you build confidence that the home will work in partnership with you.

Understand the costs clearly

Care home fees can vary significantly, so take time to understand:

• What is included in the weekly rate.
• Whether there are additional costs for things like outings or hairdressing.
• What financial support may be available.
• How fees might change over time.

Understanding any available funding or financial support can also make a difference. Care home teams are happy to guide families towards the right sources of advice. Having a clear understanding of the costs helps prevent surprises later and ensures you can plan with confidence.

 

Think about the home’s values and culture

Every care home has its own character. Some feel lively and social. Others are cosy and quiet. Look for places where the values align with your loved one, where kindness and personal choice come first.

We always emphasise that families should feel encouraged to choose what is right for them. The best home prioritises people rather than pressure.

Involve your loved one as much as possible

If possible, involving your loved one is the decision-making process can make the transition into a home far smoother and more positive. Even if they are unable to make every choice, being included in the conversations can help them feel respected and in control of their own life. You might talk through different care options together; look at photographs of the homes you are considering or visit a few homes side by side so they can experience the atmosphere for themselves.

Some people feel more comfortable when they meet a few members of staff or take part in an activity during a trail visit. These small interactions can help them build familiarity. It can also be reassuring for them to hear that their preferences matter. Involving your loved one helps the care home understand who they are as an individual. This fundamentally makes it easier to create a welcoming environment that supports their identity as well as their care needs.

Trust your instincts

While information, reports and practical considerations are all very important, your instincts are equally valuable. Families often describe a sense of “knowing” when a place feels right, even if they cannot immediately pinpoint why. Perhaps it is the warmth of the staff, the tranquil atmosphere in the communal areas or simply noticing that residents appear genuinely at ease. These small impressions can say a great deal about the quality of life in a home.

It is also helpful to remember that choosing a care home is not only a practical step, but an emotional one too. Strong emotions can occasionally make the process feel overwhelming, but take a moment to listen to your instincts can bring clarity. When both the factual information and your inner sense of reassurance point in the same direction, you are very likely choosing a place where your loved one will feel cared for.

Summary

Finding the right care home is not about choosing the most luxurious option or the one with the longest list of facilities. It is about finding a place where your loved one will be supported and treated with authentic warmth.

Take your time. Ask questions. Remember that your decision is an act of care and love. If you would ever like to explore our homes, you are welcome to visit with no pressure or obligation, simply to see whether we feel like the right fit for your family.

Taking the next step

Finding the right care home is a journey, and there is no single “right” way to move forward. Some families are ready to speak to someone straight away, while others prefer to spend more time reading, reflecting and discussing options together.

For any enquiries, you are welcome to call 01262 213108 and speak to a member of our team, who will be happy to answer questions and offer guidance. We are here to support you whenever you feel ready.