Guides · Updated November 2026
Care guides
Plain-English guides to arranging care in England: what it costs, how to pay, how to choose a provider and what the council must do. Written from official guidance and the CQC register.
- All guides
- Live-in Care · 15
- Elderly Care · 99
- Carer Support · 48
- End-of-Life & Palliative · 28
- London · 99
- Respite for Carers · 16
- Personal Care · 15
- Care homes · 124
- Alzheimer's & Dementia · 50
- Reablement · 16
- Regulation & Quality · 62
- Cost & Funding · 146
- Retirement living · 22
- Overnight Care · 11
Alzheimer's & Dementia
Dementia support groups in the UK: how to find oneDementia support groups in the UK include dementia cafes, peer groups, activity groups and online forums. Use the Alzheimer's Society directory or call 0333…
Alzheimer's & Dementia
Coping with a dementia diagnosis: first steps and supportAfter a dementia diagnosis, ask for written information, tell people when you are ready, notify the DVLA and put legal plans such as a…
Alzheimer's & Dementia
What is a memory clinic? What happens at an appointmentA memory clinic is an NHS specialist service that assesses memory and thinking problems to find out if someone has dementia. A GP usually…
Alzheimer's & Dementia
How is dementia diagnosed? The NHS pathway step by stepDementia is diagnosed through the NHS, starting with a GP who rules out other causes and then usually refers to a memory service for…
Alzheimer's & Dementia
The ‘dementia tax’ explained: do you have to pay for dementia care?The 'dementia tax' is a nickname, not a tax: dementia care is mostly means-tested social care, so many families pay until capital falls to…
Care homes
Equality and diversity in care homes: rights and what good looks likeCare homes in England must not discriminate against residents because of a protected characteristic and must treat everyone with dignity and respect. The Equality…
Care homes
What is the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and what does it do?The Care Quality Commission is the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England. It registers providers, inspects and rates them, and…
Choosing Care
What is social care? What it covers, who it is for and who paysSocial care is practical help and support for adults with illness, disability, frailty or other needs, delivered in care homes, at home and in…
Choosing Care
What is advocacy in health and social care? Who can get an advocateAdvocacy is independent support to help a person understand information, express their wishes and secure their rights. In England, councils must arrange an independent…
Elderly Care
The 6 Cs of care explained: care, compassion, competence and moreThe 6 Cs of care are care, compassion, competence, communication, courage and commitment, values launched by NHS England in December 2012. They are not…
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