Residential and nursing care homes

Finding the right care home for you or your loved one can be a difficult decision. There are some key things that you need to think about before taking the next steps.

  • Do I need a care home?
  • What type of care do I want?
  • How do I find a care home in my area?

Do I actually need a care home?

It may have been suggested that you need a care home or you have considered moving to a care home because of an accident or some other event, but you have a choice and there may be other options available to you. Make sure you look into all the options, seek advice, and make the right decision for you.

Some of the other options may include:

  • Adapting your home to make life easier
  • Getting someone to help you with things that are becoming difficult
  • Supported living, where you can live independently but with support in your home

The NHS Choices guide to care homes sets out the different options and the various types of care home available, with or without nursing care.

Finding a care home in your area

All local care homes can be found on the Care Quality Commission (CQC) website and you will be able to see their recent CQC inspection. You can also use the NHS Choices care services register to search for the type of care home you are looking for in your local area.

Local care homes are also listed on the Talk Community Directory and you can download the Patients guide to residential care homes and nursing homes in Herefordshire.

Once you have shortlisted a few which meet your needs, arrange a visit if possible, to get an idea of what they're like and whether the home will suit you.

Paying for residential or nursing care

Always seek advice about your care options and the costs - please visit our Paying for care section for more information.