Care homes provide a lifeline for lots of older adults who need support beyond what they can get in their own homes. If you hate the thought of receiving home care services, care homes could help you avoid that.

This guide answers questions about care home services, providing information that you can use to find the best options for you or someone you love.

You can search for care homes using Autumna and get free advice about finding, funding or planning care by calling 01892 335 330.

What types of care home services are there?

Residential care homes

This is a type of purpose-built accommodation for older people who need a moderate amount of personal care.

All care homes differ on the facilities that are provided but typically a residential care home has staff that provide support with getting dressed, washing and bathing, administering medicine, laundry, cleaning and cooking meals.

Nursing homes

A nursing home has qualified nursing staff who provide round-the-clock assistance for the residents in their care.

A care home with nursing may have facilities that accommodate for very specific or complex needs. Older people with serious physical disabilities, for example, might receive specialist support at a nursing home.

Care homes that specialise in dementia

Residential and nursing care homes may offer care for residents with dementia but not all.

A care home that specialises in dementia provides attentive support from qualified nurses with experience in caring for people with severe dementia.

They might specifically cater for the needs of older people with Alzheimer's disease and dementia including but not limited to:

• frontotemporal dementia
• mild cognitive impairment
• posterior cortical atrophy
• primary progressive aphasia
• vascular dementia

What are care homes for?

Care homes are residential facilities designed for elderly people or individuals with disabilities who require assistance with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and taking medication. 

Care homes provide a safe and comfortable environment where residents can receive round-the-clock care and support from trained professionals. 

In addition to providing basic care, care homes also offer opportunities for socialisation, entertainment, and recreational activities to enhance residents' quality of life.

Who are care homes for?

Care homes are for individuals who require assistance with daily living activities and personal care. 

They are designed to provide a safe and supportive environment for people who may no longer be able to live independently in their own homes due to physical or mental health conditions. 

Care homes can cater to a wide range of needs, from those who require minimal support to those who require round-the-clock care. 

They can also be an option for older adults seeking temporary respite care, individuals with disabilities, and those recovering from illness or surgery. 

Reablement care also is sought after by lots of older adults after major surgery for help with mobility and recovery. Typically, this type of care is provided for around two weeks and during that time, carers are responsible for assistance with washing, medication administration, mobility and mealtimes. 

Usually, the goal of reablement care is to ensure that the person receiving the care can go home and lead a safe and independent life. 

Do you have to have mobility issues to ask for care home services?

No! Care homes can be provided for a range of reasons and you certainly don’t need to struggle with mobility issues to ask for support.

It doesn’t matter if you don’t have a diagnosed condition, ongoing illness, or mobility issues, care homes are for anyone.

How much do care homes charge per week?

An assessment of the care home providers on the Autumna website shows an average weekly rate of around £1,100 a week for care homes across the UK.

Within each geographic area of course there can be large variations in price. If you were to search for care homes in Greater Manchester on the Autumna directory for example, you’d find care homes that charge £1300+/week and others charging below £700.

To calculate how much care homes could cost, you’ll need to know your area's care home costs. Autumna can send you a list for free or you can search yourself using the ‘weekly fees from’ filter.

Find dementia care homes near you

When you need dementia care fast, compare care homes on Autumna. You can filter by price, location, and the type of care needed.

You can also adjust the filters based on whether you’re searching for care homes for moderate, mild, or severe dementia (EMI).

Autumna can also help you find care home professionals that assist with different dementia behaviours and dementia specialisms.

What do you need?

Tell us your care requirements and we'll match you with the best care home service providers near you.

Call 01892 335 330 to speak to a member of our team. They can listen to what you need from a care home, assist with your search and provide guidance on how to pay for care.

People also ask

Where can I find respite care homes?

Respite care at a care home refers to the short-term support provided by a care worker to offer a break to family members or unpaid caregivers. It can also be relied upon for reablement and recovery assistance.

You can search for care homes offering respite care on Autumna. Use the simple filters to search by location, price and care type: Respite Care.

Are care home services in England registered with the CQC?

Yes, care home services in England are registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). 

The CQC regulates and inspects all care homes in England to ensure that they meet the required standards of safety, effectiveness, and quality of care. 

You can check the CQC ratings of any care home you are considering on the Autumna website 'under the 'Regulators Ratings’ tab or by visiting the CQC website directly.