FAQs

Here are frequently asked questions which you may find useful

How to use CareFind

  • How do I search for a care home on CareFind?

    CareFind works on similar principles to online marketplaces that you may have used when searching for something like a hotel or a house to buy.

    The simplest way to search for a care home:

    1. Enter the postcode or town where you want to find a home.
    2. You will be presented with a list of care homes*, starting with the closest to the town/postcode that you entered.
    3. Either refine your search further by using the additional search filters or review the list presented. Clicking on a care home will take you to another page where you will find detailed information about what it offers.
    4. If you wish to reach out to the care home, simply select the 'Contact' button, this enables you to email the location directly. If you are on a device that supports making calls - such as a mobile phone - you can call them directly.

    If you know the care provider's name or the brand they belong to i.e. Care UK, you can select the Brands button at the top of the home page and start your search there.

  • Do all care homes appear on CareFind?

    The number of providers engaging with CareFind is increasing daily. CareFind is available free of charge to all CQC regulated care home providers who have chosen to promote their services and vacancies on CareFind. Some providers do not wish to advertise their services widely, or may have waiting lists or be going through refurbishments

  • How can I contact a Care Home for more information?

    On each provider's details page there are three options.

    1. Contact: Select this to request information or if you want a home to get in touch with you. Just choose your request type, add your contact information and press 'Send' – this generates an email to the location for them to respond to you.
    2. Call: If you are browsing CareFind on a device that supports making calls, selecting this will make a call to the care home.
    3. Website: Some providers have added links to their own website that provides more information about their corporate/organisation.

  • Why are the contact buttons not accessible for a location?

    When a care home has not updated its information for more than two months, the contact functionality is removed until their next update.

  • How do I know if a Care Home has vacancies?

    Care homes who have declared that they have vacancies have a green banner that says 'Rooms available' across their image. CareFind does not show how many vacancies a care home has.

  • How up to date is the Care Home information?

    You can see how recently a care home has refreshed their information by looking at the top of a care home's details page, on the right-hand side – for example 'updated 2 days ago'.

    A care home that has not updated for some time may have some functionality removed until they next refresh their information i.e. the option to contact a home.

  • How do I know how much the weekly fees are for a location?

    Care homes must comply with consumer law obligations and provide prospective residents and their representatives with appropriate cost information.

    Further information

    Many care homes have chosen to provide indicative weekly cost information that someone would typically expect to pay as a self-funder. If a care home has chosen not to display their cost information, we encourage the use of the 'Contact' functionality on the care home's details page to request this from them directly.

    • How do I choose the right care home?

  • How do I know what type of care and care home is needed?

    The first thing is to apply for a needs assessment by social services. If this concludes that you do need care, your local authority will complete a further assessment to determine how much, if any, of your care you will need to pay for.

    Further information

  • Do you have Power of Attorney in place?

    If you do not have a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place, then it should be considered. An LPA allows nominated family members to act on your behalf should you become incapacitated in any way.

  • What medical conditions could be a factor in your choice of care home – both in the short and longer term?

    Consider any existing medical condition/s and the long-term prognosis so that you can plan your on-going care needs effectively. These will need to be considered in your choice of care home in terms of the short- and longer-term needs.

  • How much will a care home cost you?

    The gov.uk website has the latest information regarding funding for care homes.

    Further information

  • Where does the care home need to be located?

    Do you have family and friends that you need to be near? Do you want to be in the countryside or in the middle of a busy town?

  • What other factors are important to you before you start on your care home search?

    Once you have settled on the main things such as location, budget, and any medical conditions that you need to take into account you will need to think about what other factors are important to you. The following list is a guide for other things that may influence your decision.

    • What do I enjoy doing when I’m at home – do I want to carry on doing that in the care home?
    • What are my main reasons for wanting to be in a care home?
    • Do I have any concerns about moving into a care home, if so, what are they?
    • Are we just looking for me – or my partner too?
    • What kind of accommodation would I prefer, open and airy, do I prefer modern or traditional?
    • Do I have a preference with my room being upstairs or downstairs?
    • Do I need a lift or a stair lift?
    • Is an en-suite bathroom essential?
    • Do I enjoy a bath, or prefer to shower?
    • Are there any pieces of furniture I’d like to take with me?
    • Will I miss preparing my own meals?
    • Do I like to watch TV/listen to music in bed, will my room have a TV?
    • Do I like being outdoors, does the care home have easy access for me to continue enjoying time outside?
    • Will I miss gardening?
    • Do I do any particular type of exercise regularly, if so can I still do this in the care home?
    • How often do I like to have my hair done; do they have a hairdresser in the care home?
    • How much do I socialise?
    • Do I want a bit of independence – to go into town occasionally, if so, what is around me?
    • Do I want to take my pet/s into the home with me?
  • First contact – how did it make you feel?

    Once you have created the short list of care homes and you make that initial contact with them, first impressions count, consider the following:

    • How quickly did they answer the phone?
    • If they didn’t answer was there a voicemail and if you left a message, when did they get back to you?
    • What is the level of background noise from the care home?
    • Did they make you feel welcome?
    • Were they able to deal with your enquiry?
    • Do the staff seem efficient and well-organized?
    • How willing were they to give you time and answer the questions you have?
    • Did they ask you any questions so that they could consider if their care home was right for you?
    • How did you feel at the end of the call?

    • What should I think about when visiting a care home?

  • The first visit

    When you have selected a care home and are planning your first visit it's important that you take someone with you, ideally a friend or relative that knows you well. Use the visit to get an idea of how being there feels, below are some tips.

    Weekday or weekend visit?

    Consider which day you go and how this may impact your visit, Monday – Friday runs like a working week; whereas weekends may be slightly more relaxed, and the care home manager may not be there.

    Arrival

    • Is it easy to find, is there clear signposting?
    • Is it easy to park?
    • Are you able to park near to the main entrance or is the car park a walk from the main door?
    • Are the grounds well maintained and tidy?

    Care home reception

    • Is it clean and tidy, does it smell fresh?
    • Does it feel welcoming?
    • What is the décor, flooring, and furnishings like, is it well maintained?
    • Is it well-lit and bright or dark?
    • Are there flowers?
    • Who is in the reception area when you arrive and how do they greet you?

    Tour of the Facilities

    • Did they ask you if there was anything in particular you wanted to see?
    • Did the tour cover everything you needed?
    • Were you happy with the answers to the questions you asked?
    • Did you feel that residents’ privacy was respected during the tour?
    • Were you introduced to residents and encouraged to ask them questions?
  • Location
    • Is the care home in a convenient location?
    • Is the care home easily reached by public transport?
    • Does the care home have places to park vehicles?
    • What is the noise level like in the care home’s surroundings?
    • What are the views surrounding the home?
    • Are there any shops, parks, places of worship, areas of natural beauty or other amenities close by?
  • Accessibility
    • Is the care home designed to support all individuals, including those with an illness or disability?
    • Is there wheelchair access throughout the care home, including sufficient space and wide doorways for wheelchair access?
    • Are accessible toilets available in all parts of the home and easy to get to?
    • Do toilets have handrails, raised seats and other mobility aids?
    • Are there handrails near doorways, steps, stairs, along corridors, in toilets?
    • Is there at least one lift that will accommodate two wheelchairs at once?
    • Is there a stairlift in operation?
    • What are the floor coverings throughout the building (trip hazards)?
    • Can wheelchairs go everywhere, including outside?
    • Can residents bring their own mobility vehicle? If so, will it be maintained?
    • What safety provisions are outside to protect residents with compromised mobility?
    • Is the garden/outside space safe and accessible for residents with dementia?
    • Is there direct access from the garden to the drive and parking areas?
  • Security and Safety
    • Is CCTV fitted in the care home?
    • What safety and security measures are in place to keep residents safe?
    • What measures are taken to reduce the risk of falls?
    • What call systems are in place if a resident needs help?
    • Is there a burglar alarm fitted to the care home?
    • Are there window locks?
    • Is a resident’s room accessible by anyone passing by – or just staff?
    • Is there somewhere secure for residents to store valuables, including paperwork?
  • Care
    • What type of care does the home provide?
    • Are members of staff trained in specific areas of care?
    • Does the care home have suitable equipment and facilities for people with an illness or physical, learning or mental disability?
  • Staffing
    • Who manages the care home on a daily basis?
    • When is the manager on duty and who deputises when they are absent?
    • How many staff are there in total?
    • How many management staff, carers and ancillary staff are employed by the care home?
    • What is the ratio of staff to residents?
    • Do staff interact well with residents?
    • Do staff respect the privacy and dignity of the residents in their care?
    • Can staff speak additional languages?
    • Do staff consider cultural and religious beliefs?
    • How often do staff receive training?
    • What training do staff receive?
    • Can resident choose a male or female carer?
    • How many staff are available during the night?
    • Are there any medical staff on call during the night?
  • Rooms
    • What is the overall impression of the bedrooms?
    • Can I specify the floor and type of room I would like?
    • Are all rooms the same size with the same facilities?
    • Are there any double rooms or suites?
    • Do any rooms have a kitchen facility?
    • Are there any apartments within the care home/complex?
    • Are there single sex facilities?
    • What is the view like from the bedroom window?
    • Does every room have en-suite shower and/or bath facilities and if not how far away are they?
    • How do staff know if a resident has fallen in the bedroom – e.g., is falls detection technology in the bedrooms?
    • Does every room have a telephone point, TV and Wi-Fi?
    • Is there fitted furniture in each room?
    • Can a resident bring their own furniture or personalise their room if they wish?
    • Are there bedside lamps and an overhead light?
    • Are all furnishing fabrics flame retardant?
    • Is there an emergency pull cord available?
    • Is there adequate storage space?
    • Can pets stay?
  • Communal Areas
    • Are there a variety of communal areas to choose from, how many?
    • Is there a ‘quiet lounge’ without a television?
    • Is there a library/reading and writing area?
    • What facilities are there for activities – art room, exercise room etc.?
    • Is there easy access to all communal areas?
    • Do the communal areas have televisions, Wi-Fi connections and telephone points?
    • Are the communal areas arranged to encourage socialisation?
    • Are toilet facilities within easy reach of the communal areas?
    • How many wheelchair-accessible downstairs toilets are there within easy walking distance of the communal lounges?
    • Is there an area where teas and coffees are available all day?
    • Are there dedicated areas for smokers/vapers?
  • Food
    • Is all food prepared using fresh ingredients? Is it… cooked on the premises, delivered ready to eat or supplied frozen, for thawing and re-heating?
    • Can residents choose where they eat, whether it be in a dining room or in their own room?
    • Do residents have a choice of menu?
    • How often is the menu changed?
    • Can dietary and cultural requirements be catered for e.g. gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, kosher, halal etc?
    • Can residents receive assistance with eating if required?
    • Do residents have access to snacks at any time?
    • Can visitors visit during mealtimes and can they have meals?
    • Can residents make food and drinks for themselves?
    • Are there opportunities to eat out?
    • What times are meals served in the care home?
    • Does the home have a dedicated dining room?
    • Can residents order in their own food or can visitors bring food with them when they visit?
  • Activities
    • Is there a range of activities designed to support individual needs?
    • Are residents encouraged to continue with their hobbies and interests?
    • Do staff consult with residents on the types of activities planned?
    • Does the care home have activity coordinators?
    • Do staff give residents the opportunity to help with activities within the care home, such as gardening or cooking?
    • Do staff arrange entertainers and groups of interest to visit?
    • Can residents attend events/activities in the local community or does the care home organise external outings?
    • Are there accessible vehicles to transport residents?
    • Are special events, such as birthdays and religious holidays celebrated?
    • Do staff give residents regular exercise opportunities?
    • Do residents play board/card games?
    • Can residents choose what they want to do?
    • Are there any outdoor activities in the care home gardens/grounds?
    • Are books available – is there a reading area?
    • Are newspapers delivered?
  • Outdoor Space
    • Does the care home have a garden or courtyard – and is it visible and accessible from the communal rooms?
    • Is there a kitchen garden?
    • Is there any other outside space for residents?
    • Who maintains the garden – are residents encouraged to take part if they want to?
  • Medical and Wellbeing
    • Is there a GP assigned to the care home and all its residents?
    • If so, does that person visit regularly or just when called?
    • Can a new resident retain their existing GP if they are still living within the relevant catchment area?
    • Does the home arrange for dentists, opticians and chiropodists to visit regularly or do these activities need to organised externally?
    • Are there hair dressing facilities for men and women within the care home?
    • Are there any therapy rooms for beauty and medical treatments, e.g: massage, manicure, pedicure?
    • Can residents continue to visit the therapists they have always used if they prefer?
  • Language, Religion, and Culture
    • What languages are spoken fluently in the care home by care home staff?
    • What languages are spoken amongst residents and their families?
    • How are different religious beliefs catered for in the care home?
    • What efforts are made to ensure people of varying cultural backgrounds feel respected and included?
  • Guests
    • Does the care home welcome visitors at any time or have set visiting hours?
    • Are there facilities for visitors to stay overnight?
    • Where can residents spend time with their visitors?
    • Are relatives encouraged to become involved in the daily activities at the home?
    • Can visitors accompany residents on outings and trips?
    • Can visitors dine with residents?
    • Are children welcome to visit?
    • Does the care home allow family pets to visit?
  • Fees
    • What are the weekly fees for the type of care needed?
    • Is payment made monthly by standing order?
    • What items/services are ‘extras’ and is there a price list for those?
    • How and when are extras invoiced?
    • Do I need to pay a deposit in addition to the first month’s fees?
    • When is the initial deposit returned?
    • What notice period do you require of a resident who is moving elsewhere?
  • Availability
    • What is the room availability and is there a waiting list?
    • How far ahead can I put my name on the waiting list?
    • Will I have to pay a deposit at that point?
    • Would I have to take a room as soon as it becomes available?

    • How can I pay for care?

  • Self Funding

    Individuals who pay for their own care are referred to as self-funders. Self-funders may use their own savings, property, or other sources of personal income to pay for their care. Other individuals might have their care paid for by their local authority.

    We suggest that you do some further reading to discover any benefits you might be entitled to.

    Further information

  • Local Authority Funded Care

    When your local authority pays for your care – sometimes referred to as 'state funding'.

    Further information

  • Local Authority Funded Care with Top Up

    A relative or friend can also pay your fees for you, or pay a top-up fee to make up the difference between what you can afford and the fees of the care home that you would ideally like to live in.

    If you move into a care home and there are changes to your benefits, you will need to report this.

    Further information

  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) & NHS-Funded Nursing Care (FNC)

    NHS Continuing Healthcare

    If you have an assessed 'primary health need' (an ongoing physical or mental health condition) and the care you receive is focussed on treating or preventing this condition, you may be eligible to have your personal care and/or specialist support paid for by NHS CHC.

    NHS-Funded Nursing Care

    If you are not eligible for NHS CHC but need nursing care, you may be eligible for FNC. This is a contribution from the NHS to pay towards the nursing part of your fees. This funding comes through your nursing home's local Integrated Care Board (ICB).

    Further information

  • What happens if I run out of money?

    If you are no longer able to pay for your care, you will need a care needs assessment to see if your local authority or the NHS can pay for your care. Please read this gov.uk article for further information on paying for care.

    Further information

  • If the local authority or NHS pay for my care will this impact my pension and benefits?

    The benefits you receive may change if the local authority or NHS are paying for your care. Please see the article here for further information.

    Further information

  • How do I know which Local Authority to contact for support and information?

    In the first instance, you should contact the local authority in which the individual who is going to stay/live in a Care Home, resides, i.e., who they pay council tax is a good starting point. If you wish to search for Care Homes within a local authority boundary select the Regions button at the top of CareFind. This will return a list of Care Homes that are within the selected local authority.

    • Glossary

  • Care Home

    Care homes provide care and support for those who can no longer live on their own. There are several different types of care home each tailored to different care needs.

  • Care Needs Assessment

    A care needs assessment is the first step to finding appropriate care for you. The assessment decides the specific type of support or help an individual needs from their care. Care assessments are carried out by trained professionals and are organised by your local authority. Anyone can request a care needs assessment. It is a requirement for local authorities to complete a care needs assessment for anyone who may need care and support.

    Please see the link below (1) for further information. A care needs assessment is a great opportunity for you to ask questions or raise any concerns or requests that you may have about care for your loved ones or your own care. Please look at these resources (2,3) for further information about how to arrange a care needs assessment. The gov.uk link will ask you for your postcode, then will take you to your Local Authorities Adult Social Care page.

    Further information

  • Care Plan

    A care plan is a record of the required care and support an individual needs. It includes any care needs determined by the care needs assessment. Care plans also include any emotional, cultural, social, spiritual and religious requirements. For further information about care plans, please follow this link to the NHS Care and support plans page.

    Further information

  • CQC (Care Quality Commission)

    The Care Quality Commission, or CQC, are the independent regulator of health and social care in England. CQC carry out inspections of registered care providers and present reports and ratings on the quality of care provided. On CareFind.com, providers will have one of four ratings, Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, Inadequate. If a Care Home has not yet been inspected by CQC, it will have a rating of Unknown/Not Rated. The CQC are updating the way they work; this rating system may change. When CQC implement their Single Assessment Framework, CareFind will be updated to reflect this change. You can read more about the CQC here.

    Further information

  • Day Care Services

    Day care services may provide practical assistance, activities, and an opportunity to socialise with support from staff and potentially volunteers.

  • Dementia Care

    Staff in this type of care home are trained on the different types and symptoms of dementia, and appropriate treatments to best support those with dementia. Residents with dementia receive tailored support to help them cope with navigating around the care home, perception, and memory loss. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia in the UK, and principally affects memory. Some nursing homes may be appropriate for those with dementia.

  • End of Life Care

    End of life care is support for people who are in the last months or years of their life. End of life care should help you to live as well as possible until you die and to die with dignity. The people providing your care should ask you about your wishes and preferences and take these into account as they work with you to plan your care. They should also support your family, carers or other people who are important to you.

  • Intermediate Care

    Intermediate care may be provided to you following a stay in hospital or an illness or fall; it is temporary short-term care to help you get back to normal and stay independent.

  • Local Authority Funded

    Local authority funded is sometimes referred to as 'state funding' and is when your local authority pays for your care.

  • Local Authority with Top Up Fees

    A relative or friend can also pay your fees for you, or pay a top-up fee to make up the difference between what you can afford and the fees of the care home that you would ideally like to live in.

  • NHS Funding (CHC or FNC)

    NHS Continuing Healthcare - if you have an assessed 'primary health need' (an ongoing physical or mental health condition) and the care you receive is focused on treating or preventing this condition you may be eligible to have your personal care and/or specialist support paid for by the NHS CHC.

    NHS funded nursing care (FNC) - if you are not eligible for NHS CHC but need nursing care, you may be eligible for FNC. This is a contribution from the NHS to pay towards the nursing part of your fees. This funding comes through your nursing home's local Integrated Care Board (ICB).

  • Nursing Care

    Nursing care is suitable for those who need support from an on-site nurse, but don't need to be in hospital. Nursing care homes have qualified nurses as part of their workforce to provide regular medical support to those with specific health conditions and requirements. Nursing homes also provide residential care.

  • Palliative Care

    Palliative care is care tailored to support those in the last months or years of life. Specialist palliative care teams offer tailored support using a holistic approach and have discussions with you and your family about your wishes before you get to this stage. This considers social, psychological, and spiritual support alongside your physical needs, and offers support to your friends and family.

  • Reablement Support

    Reablement support is a type of care that helps you relearn how to do daily activities, like preparing drinks or snacks and washing. Most people who receive this type of care do so for a short period of time and may be provided following a stay in hospital or an illness or fall.

  • Regulator

    See CQC (Care Quality Commission)

  • Rehabilitation

    Rehabilitation support may help you become as independent as possible after a hospital stay or help you to continue to live at home if you are having increasing difficulty with daily activities due to illness or disability. It may prevent a premature, permanent move into residential care. Based on your current health, abilities and wishes you agree and work towards personal goals. You will be supported by staff trained to observe, encourage, and guide you so you can do things yourself.

  • Residential Care

    Residential care homes offer support for those who don't need nursing care but are no longer able to live on their own. They offer 24-hour support and typically help with day-to-day tasks like taking medication, meal provision, washing, and dressing.

  • Respite Care

    Respite care is a short-term care service to allow the person who typically cares for you to take some time for themselves. Respite care could involve a short term stay in a care home, or a carer coming to visit you at home.

  • Self-Funding

    This is when you pay for care home fees yourself.