When to consider a care home

Before choosing a care home for you or someone you know, it's worth considering all of the options.

A care home may be the best option if you or someone you know:

is struggling to live alone - even with help from friends, family or paid carers
had a needs assessment that suggested a care home is the best choice
has a complex medical condition - that needs specialist attention during the day and night

Care homes can reduce the stress of looking after your health and care. This may help you focus on other things, like your social life and general wellbeing.

Which? Later Life Care has more information on when to consider a care home.

Other ways to get care and support

Many people feel they don't need to move into a care home, or are worried about moving out of their home.

You may want to consider other options, which could be cheaper or help you feel more independent.

Making changes to your home:

adapting your home - for example, adding stairlifts, hand rails or extra security
using household gadgets and equipment - to help you cook, clean and get dressed

Hiring a carer or getting more support:

hiring a care worker - where someone comes to your home to provide help and care
supported living services - where you live in agreed accommodation, with staff that visit you to provide help and care

Moving to a new home:

more independent housing options include extra care housing, supported living or retirement villages

If you decide a care home is the best place to meet your health and care needs, you'll need to choose which type of care home is right for you.