Find out about different types of care homes and how to choose the right one for your needs.

Choosing a care home

If you can no longer manage in your own home, you might need to move into a care home.

A care home is a place where you receive accommodation, meals and personal care. Residents usually have their own bedroom, bathroom and toilet, as well as access to a communal sitting room, dining room and often a garden.

You can move into a care home permanently, or short-term if you’re recovering from an illness or a hospital stay.  A temporary stay in a care home can also give the person who looks after you a break, known as respite care.

Different care homes provide different types of support.

Finding a care home that’s right for you

When choosing a care home, it’s important to make sure you choose one that will be right for you now and in the future.

Care homes are run by various organisations, including private firms, voluntary sector organisations and local councils.

You can approach most homes directly to organise your own care.

Search for a care home

There are many online resources to help you find the right care home.

Ensuring care standards

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is responsible for checking standards in a care home. All care homes should be registered with the CQC. They visit registered homes to inspect the facilities and standard of care. The reports of these visits are published online.

You can search for all registered care homes in an area through the CQC.

Get help or advice

To help you decide you can get advice from:

  • a district nurse
  • a health visitor
  • your family doctor
  • your social worker

You can also:

Moving into a care home

There is usually a 6-week trial period after you move into a care home. This is to ensure it meets your needs and that you’re happy there. If you decide it's not suitable for you, you can consider other options.

Types of care home

Care homes without nursing (residential homes)

Residential homes are for people who don’t have complex needs and are less likely to need regular or urgent medical attention. The staff are usually trained care workers rather than nurses. They’ll be able to provide the support needed. 

Care homes with nursing (nursing homes)

These are care homes that provide support for you if you have more complex needs. There will be more trained nurses working alongside trained care workers. 

Care homes with nursing cost more because they provide a greater level of support. 

You might need to move into a care home with nursing because you:

  • need people or specialist equipment to help you stand or walk
  • can’t control your bladder or bowel movements (incontinence) 
  • have complex medical needs such as help feeding, receiving fluids, or regular medical treatment
  • demonstrate challenging behaviour, such as being aggressive to others

Care homes with and without nursing (Dual-registered)

Some care homes provide care both with and without nursing. These are known as dual-registered homes. If your needs increase after you move in, you can get the right care without moving again. 

Specialist care homes for dementia, learning disabilities or mental health problems

Some care or residential homes can also provide specialist support to people with dementia. Other care homes can provide specialist support for people with complex mental health issues or learning disabilities.

You cannot force people with dementia, mental health issues or learning disabilities to move to a care home if they don't want to. Unless it can be proved:

  • they lack the mental capacity to make a decision on their situation
  • a move to a care home is the only way they can receive the necessary support the move is in their best interests

Paying for a care home

Standard residential care homes in Sutton cost from £950 a week.

Most people have to pay something towards their care.

Learn more about paying for care homes