Choosing a care home for someone you love is one of the most emotional and personal decisions you’ll ever make. We believe this choice should be guided by clarity and trust. It isn’t simply about finding a place with the right facilities, but it’s about choosing an environment where your loved one will feel safe and genuinely cared for.
Whether you are just beginning your search or narrowing down a shortlist, taking a thoughtful step-by-step approach can help you feel more confident in your decision. Here’s our guide to making the process a little bit easier.
Start with your loved one’s needs
Every person is unique, and so are their care requirements. Begin by thinking about what your loved one needs now and what they may need in the future.
Things to consider include:
- Whether they require residential care, dementia care, nursing level support or any other types of care.
- Any medical conditions that need monitoring.
- Any personal or emotional preferences that matter to them.
- Whether they would feel happier in a smaller, quieter home or a busier, more social environment.
Look at location and access
Being close to family, friends and familiar surroundings can greatly ease the transition into a care home.
You might think about:
- How easy it is for family members and friends to visit regularly.
- Whether your loved one prefers countryside, town/city or coastal settings.
- Access to local amenities, transport links or GPs.
- Whether the area feels welcoming or safe.
Review independent reports and rating
In the United Kingdom, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) provides independent inspection reports on all registered care homes. These reports highlight strengths, areas for improvement and how well a home meets national standards of care.
It is helpful to:
- Look at the most recent CQC report.
- Read comments from families and inspectors.
- See how consistent the home’s ratings have over time.
Visit in person, and more than once if you can
A care home should feel right the moment you walk in. When you visit, spend time observing the atmosphere. Notice how staff interact with residents and whether residents appear settled and content. Look around and see if the home is tidy and pleasant without feeling too clinical.
Pay attention to mealtimes if possible. Food that looks appealing and nutritious, and staff who assist residents respectfully, are good signs. Imagine how your loved one might personalise their room to make it feel like their own. Visiting at different times of day gives you a fuller picture of daily life.
For practical tips, see our blog: https://www.highgatecare.co.uk/what-to-look-for-when-viewing-a-care-home-for-your-loved-one/
Ask open and honest questions
A good care home will always be transparent. Ask about:
- How staff are trained and supported, especially in dementia care.
- How care plans are created, reviewed and adapted.
- How communication with families is handled.
- How the home encourages social engagement through events and activities.
Understand the costs clearly
Care home fees can vary significantly, so take time to understand:
- What is included in the weekly rate.
- Whether there are additional costs for things like outings or hairdressing.
- What financial support may be available.
- How fees might change over time.
We work with families to make funding as clear and stress-free as possible. Residents may be:
Privately funded: Covering the full cost of care.
Local authority funded: Support is provided based on assessed eligibility.
Combination Funding: A mix of private and local authority contributions.
Our team will guide you through the process, explain eligibility for local authority contributions, and provide transparent breakdowns of what is included in our fees and any optional extras. We do this so you can plan ahead with confidence.
Think about the home’s values and culture
Every care home has its own character. Some feel lively and social. Others are cosy and quiet. At Highgate, we priorities kindness, dignity, respect and individuality.
We always emphasise that families should feel encouraged to choose what is right for them. The best home prioritises people rather than pressure.
Involve your loved one as much as possible
Including your loved one is the decision-making process can make the transition smoother. Even if they cannot make every choice, being part of the conversation helps them feel respected and in control. Visiting homes together, looking at photos and videos, or meeting staff can ease anxiety and build familiarity.
Trust your instincts
While reports and practical considerations matter, your instincts are equally valuable. Families often describe a sense of “knowing” when a place feels right. Perhaps it’s the warmth of the staff or the calm atmosphere. These impressions often reflect the quality of life in the home.
Summary
Finding the right care home is not about choosing the most luxurious option or the one with the longest list of facilities. It is about finding a place where your loved one will be supported and treated with authentic warmth.
Take your time. Ask questions. Remember that your decision is an act of care and love. If you would ever like to explore our homes, you are welcome to visit with no pressure or obligation, simply to see whether we feel like the right fit for your family.
The next steps:
If you have any enquiries or would like to arrange a visit, please get in touch:
Call us: 01262 609865