How to find the best retirement home for your loved one

Can I bring things to remind me of home? Are pets allowed? Will my medical needs be catered for? Are there social activities on-site? Will I like the food?

If these types of questions are going through your mind as you begin the process of searching for a retirement home, this blog is for you…

Here at Autumna, we recognise that a ‘one size fits all’ approach to finding the right retirement home simply doesn’t work – after all, no two people will have the same requirements. That’s why our team of specialists is dedicated to finding the best possible later life solutions for thousands of people, every year, across the UK.

When it comes to choosing the ideal retirement home, there are countless options and decisions to make: from the location and type of setting to the range of on-site facilities, medical care options – even the choice of food - it can feel understandably confusing! By designing an intuitive online directory to assist families who are unsure or overwhelmed by where to begin, Autumna has made the search process much easier.

Location and type of accommodation

For many older people, staying close to home, friends or family is the first step in finding their ideal retirement home. Using the Autumna directory and searching for care homes by county, town or postcode will deliver multiple options across most regions of the UK, from Belfast to Bristol, Wiltshire to Warwickshire.

Once you’ve selected the location - let's say it's Leicester that you're looking for - now try searching for ‘Care Type’. Depending on which you choose, you'll be able to find residential care homes, nursing homes, homes that can help people living with dementia and those that offer respite care - a temporary stay to allow both carer and the cared for to have a short break.

Now you’ve chosen the location, start to use the additional filters to fine-tune your search more specifically.

What level of care and support will I receive from a retirement home?

As well as providing a safe, secure and welcoming ‘home from home’, many retirement homes are also an ideal setting for those needing additional medical or personal care from the outset, including for people living with dementia, cancer, MND, MS or Parkinson’s disease.

Specially trained carers are on hand to support residents who rely on a wheelchair or frame, those who are bed bound – and in some cases, those who require round-the-clock palliative care. Whatever your needs, now – and in the future, Autumna’s directory of every registered elder care provider in the UK, will help you to find the right level of care for your needs.

How can I find what social activities retirement homes offer?

With Autumna, under the ‘Additional Filters’ menu button, you can simply tick and choose features that matter to you. These might include an on-site coffee shop, communal garden, swimming pool, library, a hair salon or games room. If an active social life is important, look for properties which have quiz nights, exercise classes or craft sessions. Some retirement homes have an on-site cinema, where residents can enjoy screenings of the latest releases or classic favourites.

The purpose-built Chawley Grove retirement home in Oxford, for example, even boasts a specialist cinema club, where people living with dementia can enjoy the silver screen experience in a warm and welcoming environment.

Do retirement homes allow pets?

In many cases, pets are welcome, by prior arrangement with the retirement home manager – but again it’s easy to check on the Autumna directory simply by using the ‘Additional Filters’ section. Just scroll down and check the ‘Pets welcome’ button.

The beautiful, wheelchair-friendly, landscaped gardens at Foxland Grange in Wolverhampton, for instance, are ideal for anyone wanting to keep active and continue gentle strolls with their four-legged friends.

Can I choose what I eat in a retirement home?

Health and nutrition in older age is paramount. Since many people who move into retirement homes will have specific dietary needs, a choice of meals is typically available, including special diets such as diabetic, halal or puréed food.

Some residents will prefer room service, others have kitchenettes to offer the freedom of partially independent catering. Some others will encourage residents to eat together, or even invite guests for a catered meal. Residents who have difficulty in feeding themselves will be helped by specially trained carers.

In 2022 Autumna launched CHOICE Dining which is the only nationally recognised food accreditation for the care sector. Once again, under the ‘Additional filters’ you can search for care homes that have managed to attain the CHOICE Dining badge.

Can I bring things that remind me of my old home to my new retirement home?

Residents can enjoy sympathetically decorated bedrooms, furnished to the highest standards – many boasting en-suite bathroom facilities, such as the 76-bedroom property at Butlers Mews Care Home in Rugby.

However, settling in can sometimes take a little while and bringing some mementos from home is not only allowed, but strongly recommended. Keepsakes, photographs, books or a favourite cushion can really contribute to a sense of homeliness.

Independent and impartial retirement home advice

With so many types of retirement homes available across the UK, boasting an enviable array of on-site facilities, the perfect place for you exists - it's just a case of finding it. The good news is that Autumna has made that process easier. The website is free and simple to use but if you need extra help, you might find this shortlisting tool useful.

Alternatively Autumna’s team of in-house care experts is always on hand with independent, impartial and, most importantly, useful answers to any questions you might have.

By using a personalised approach to care and combining your specific needs, wants and budget with our knowledge of retirement homes across the UK, Autumna will help you continue living life to the full.