What are the top alternatives to care homes?

Moving into a care home isn’t for everyone.

For those that are struggling to manage their daily needs independently or require personal care or medication management that cannot be managed at home, care homes may be the best option.

However, many older adults want to stay in familiar surroundings, maintain their independence, or find a solution that better fits their needs and budget.

Luckily, there are plenty of alternatives to care homes that provide the right level of care without requiring a big move. In this guide, we’ll explore the best options to help you or your loved one live comfortably and safely.

Alternatives to care homes

The main alternatives to care homes are home care, retirement living, respite and day care, and nursing homes, which are a specialist type of care home. We explain the differences between all of these options below. They each offer varying levels of support and independence.

Home care

For those who don’t need full-time assistance, home care provides flexible, tailored support to help with everyday tasks while maintaining independence. Professional carers visit at scheduled times—whether it’s a few hours a week or several times a day—to assist with personal care, household chores, meal preparation, and companionship. This service is particularly beneficial for individuals who need occasional help but want to stay in their own home and continue with their normal routines. To find out more about the benefits and challenges associated with home care check out our blog ‘advantages and disadvantages of home care for the elderly.’

Live-in care

Another alternative to care homes is live-in care which is a type of home care which allows individuals to remain in their own homes while receiving full-time support from a professional caregiver who lives with them.

This option is ideal for those who require continuous care but prefer the familiarity and comfort of home. Couples also benefit from this service and there are usually discounts available for two people. Live-in carers assist with daily tasks such as personal hygiene, cooking, medication management, and mobility support while also providing companionship. It’s a highly personalised solution, offering one-on-one attention and continuity of care that isn’t always possible in a care home setting.

Retirement living

Retirement living is a form of assisted living and also includes retirement communities, villages and homes. It offers older adults the opportunity to live in a purpose-built community with like-minded individuals. These communities often provide private apartments, houses or bungalows with access to communal spaces, social activities, and optional support services such as housekeeping or meal delivery. It’s a great option for those who are still active but want the convenience of a low-maintenance home and the added security of an age-friendly environment.

Respite care and day care

Another alternative to care homes is respite care and day care which both provide short-term care for older adults, offering a break for family caregivers while ensuring their loved one receives professional support. Respite care can be arranged for a few days to several weeks, either at home or in a care setting, making it ideal for those recovering from an illness or surgery. Respite care is ideal if a caregiver is feeling overwhelmed, or unwell and it can provide a refreshing change of scenery for the person needing care. Our blog ‘Signs it is time to consider short-term respite care’ contains more information.

Day care services, on the other hand, is a type of respite care which provides social engagement and activities in a supervised setting for a few hours a day, helping individuals stay active while giving their caregivers some much-needed time off.

Nursing home care

While nursing homes fall under the broader category of care homes, they specialise in providing 24/7 medical care for individuals with complex health needs. Staffed by trained nurses and healthcare professionals, nursing homes are ideal for those with chronic illnesses, mobility issues, or conditions such as dementia that require round-the-clock supervision. Unlike standard residential care homes, they offer advanced medical care, rehabilitation support, and palliative care, ensuring residents receive the specialised attention they need.

How to choose the right alternatives to care home

The type of care that will be right for you depends on your health and circumstances. If you are finding every day a struggle, or you have a long-term condition, then a care home may be your best option. On the other hand, if you just need a hand with day-to-day tasks and personal care, then you may want to consider some of the alternatives to care homes above.

But what are the other key things to consider when it comes to choosing a provider?

Cost – Care homes vary significantly in price, and in some cases, can be more expensive than other care options depending on where you live, the facilities at the home, and the type of support you need.

This is why it is important to compare costs, check eligibility for financial support, and consider long-term affordability.

Level of care – The amount of support needed will determine the best option. Those requiring ongoing and regular medical supervision may need nursing home care, while individuals who need occasional help might find home care or retirement living more suitable.

Personal preference – Some people prefer the familiarity of their own home, making live-in or home care ideal, while others enjoy the social aspects of a retirement community. Lifestyle preferences should play a key role in the decision.

Quality of care - When considering alternatives to care homes, it is important to pay attention to reviews about the provider in question, regulator ratings, and the knowledge and training of the staff members. OpenScore can also help you to determine the quality of care homes and nursing homes by aggregating multiple data points into one score, to make it easier to identify high quality facilities. Where possible, it is important to visit the home care agency, care home, or retirement home you shortlist so you can get a better idea of the type of care offered. Be sure to ask plenty of questions about their specialisms, care provision, quality and more.

The importance of seeking advice

There are many alternatives to care homes, each offering different levels of support, flexibility, and independence. However, choosing the right care option can be overwhelming, so seeking guidance from care professionals is highly recommended. Social workers, care coordinators, and independent advisors can assess individual needs and provide expert advice on the best solutions available. Consulting with healthcare providers and local authorities can also help navigate financial support options and ensure the chosen care plan meets both current and future needs.

If all of this seems overwhelming and you don’t know where to start, Autumna can help. If you need some free, impartial care advice, you can contact our elder care experts on 01892 33 53 30. We are open 7 days a week from 8.30am until 5.30pm.

The Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA) can also help with later life financial matters but for a fee. SOLLA will always explain how much the advice will cost, and payment plans.

You can also visit our online directory to find providers in your area. On our homepage, you can select the type of care you need and your area to bring up a list of providers in your location. We also offer a more personalised service on our shortlisting tool. With this tool, all you need to do is answer a few quick questions to be sent a list of providers that are more closely matched with your requirements.

Planning ahead and researching all available options is essential to making an informed decision. Whether you’re looking for occasional support or full-time care, taking the time to explore different services and seek professional advice can help ensure the best possible quality of life for you or your loved one.