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
- Alzheimer's & Dementia · 50
- Care homes · 124
- Reablement · 16
- Overnight Care · 11
- Personal Care · 15
- Cost & Funding · 146
- Regulation & Quality · 62
- Retirement living · 22
- Carer Support · 48
- Elderly Care · 99
- Respite for Carers · 16
- Live-in Care · 15
- London · 99
- End-of-Life & Palliative · 28
Care homes
Person-centred care explained: what it means in practicePerson-centred care means care built around the individual's needs, preferences and history, with the person involved in every decision. In England, Regulation 9 makes…
Care homes
Duty of care in health and social care explainedDuty of care is the legal and professional obligation to take reasonable care to keep the people you support safe from harm, while respecting…
Care homes
TV licences in care homes: who needs one and who gets freeCare home residents who watch live TV in their own room usually need a licence, and most eligible residents can get the £7.50 ARC…
Care homes
How to make a loved one’s care home room feel like homeFill the room with familiar things such as photos, favourite bedding and music, set up before the move and chosen with the person, after…
Care homes
What does an activity coordinator do in a care home?An activity coordinator plans, runs and reviews individual and group activities for care home residents but does not provide front-line personal care. This guide…
Care homes
Meaningful activities in care homes: why they matterMeaningful activity is anything that gives a resident purpose, enjoyment or connection, and NICE says care homes should offer it during the day. This…
Care homes
What is a care plan in a care home? What it contains and your rightsA care home care plan is a written record of a resident's needs, preferences and agreed support, which CQC says the person should help…
Care homes
What do carers do in a care home? Daily duties explainedCare home carers help residents with washing, dressing, eating, moving, medicines, appointments and social activity, and record changes in health. This guide explains their…
Care homes
What does a care home manager do? Role and registrationA care home manager runs the home day to day and, in England, must be registered with CQC as the registered manager, sharing legal…
Care homes
Who works in a care home? Every role explainedA care home team is led by a registered manager, with care workers giving most hands-on support, nurses in nursing homes, and activity, catering,…
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