How to choose the right care home: step by step

By sima kornbluth · Published 2025-10-26 · Last reviewed 2026-09-18

Choosing the right care home starts with a needs assessment to decide between residential, nursing or dementia care. Next, work out how fees will be paid now and if savings run out, shortlist homes registered for the right care, read their latest inspection reports, visit more than once, and check the contract before signing. Involve your relative in the decision as far as they are able.

To choose the right care home, start by getting your relative's needs assessed, so you know whether they need residential, nursing or dementia care. Then work out how the fees will be paid, shortlist homes in the right area that are registered for that care, read their inspection reports, visit more than once, and check the contract before signing. Above all, involve your relative in the decision as much as they are able.

This step-by-step guide covers each stage. It is general information; for advice on paying for care, speak to the council or an independent adviser.

Step 1: What care does your relative need?

Ask the council's adult social care team for a free needs assessment. It records what help your relative needs, which helps you decide between:

• **a residential care home**, for help with personal care such as washing, dressing and medicines;
• **a nursing home**, where registered nurses are on duty around the clock for people with medical needs;
• dementia care, in a residential or nursing home that is set up and staffed for people with dementia.

If your relative has complex health needs, ask whether they should be assessed for **NHS continuing healthcare**, which is not means-tested and can pay care home fees in full in England.

Also consider whether a care home is the right answer at all. More care at home, live-in care or extra care housing may suit some people better.

Step 2: How will the fees be paid?

Fees vary a lot by area, type of care and room. In England:

• the council carries out a financial assessment (means test) of your relative's income and savings;
• people with capital above the upper limit (£23,250 in 2026/27) usually pay in full, and the home can count for a permanent stay, with exceptions;
• if the council is paying, it must offer at least one suitable home within your relative's personal budget; if you choose a more expensive home, someone may be asked to pay a top-up.

The NHS explains the rules for people paying for their own care, including contacting the council about three months before savings fall below the upper limit.

If your relative is paying privately, ask each home whether it accepts council rates and whether a top-up would be needed if the money runs out. A move later, because savings have gone, can be very unsettling.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different funding rules. In Scotland, for example, personal care is free for those assessed as needing it.

Step 3: How do you draw up a shortlist?

Think about:

• Location: close to family and friends, so visiting is easy, or near your relative's community and GP.
• Registration: check the home is registered for the type of care needed.
• Inspection report: in England, search the CQC's care home directory for the latest rating and report. In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, check the Care Inspectorate, Care Inspectorate Wales or RQIA.
• Availability: ask about waiting lists and whether rooms are held for people who are funded by the council.
• Fees: homes should publish key information upfront, including fees. The Competition and Markets Authority's guide to consumer rights in care homes explains what homes should tell you.

Step 4: What should you look for when you visit?

Visit your top two or three homes, ideally more than once and at different times, such as a mealtime. The NHS guide to care homes suggests considering location, services, costs and whether residents can go out.

Look and listen for:

• how staff speak to residents, and whether they have time for them;
• whether residents seem comfortable, clean and engaged;
• the atmosphere, cleanliness and smells;
• activities going on, and whether people in their rooms are included;
• the rooms: size, light, en-suite facilities, and whether your relative could bring furniture and belongings;
• outdoor space and accessibility;
• the manager's openness to difficult questions.

Ask about staffing on each shift, care planning, medicines, GP access, food, visiting, and what happens if needs increase, including at the end of life.

Step 5: What should you check in the contract?

Before your relative moves in, get a copy of the contract and check:

• the weekly fee, and exactly what it includes and excludes;
• any deposit or upfront payment;
• how and when fees can rise, and how much notice is given;
• the trial period, notice period and what happens if the home asks your relative to leave;
• charges after death, which should be limited to a short, reasonable period;
• whether a third party (such as a family member) is being asked to guarantee payment.

If anything is unclear or seems unfair, ask for it to be explained or changed before signing. Citizens Advice can help with consumer rights questions.

Step 6: How can you help your relative settle in?

• Personalise the room with photographs, familiar bedding, furniture and objects.
• Share a one-page profile with staff: routines, likes and dislikes, faith, and what comforts your relative.
• Visit regularly in the first weeks, while respecting the home's routines.
• Get to know the key worker and agree how you will keep in touch.
• Attend care plan reviews, and raise concerns early and calmly.

It can take several weeks for someone to settle. If problems persist, talk to the manager, and use the complaints procedure if needed.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to choose a care home?

It depends on urgency. After a hospital stay, decisions can be needed within days, and a temporary placement may be arranged while you look further. If you can, start researching before a crisis.

Should my parent be involved in choosing?

Yes, as much as they are able. If they lack capacity to decide, the decision must be made in their best interests, considering their past wishes and views, and involving family and anyone with a lasting power of attorney for health and welfare.

Can the council make my parent move to a cheaper home?

If the council is paying and no one pays a top-up, it may only fund a home within the personal budget. If your relative has been paying privately and their money runs out, ask the council early whether their current home will accept its rate.

What if we choose the wrong home?

Your relative can move. Check the notice period in the contract, and consider a trial period at the start.

Key takeaways

• Get a needs assessment first, and ask about NHS continuing healthcare for complex health needs.
• Understand how fees will be paid now and if savings run out.
• Shortlist homes registered for the right care and read recent inspection reports.
• Visit more than once and ask detailed questions.
• Read the contract carefully before signing, and support your relative as they settle in.