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
- Respite for Carers · 16
- Elderly Care · 99
- Carer Support · 48
- End-of-Life & Palliative · 28
- London · 99
- Live-in Care · 15
- Overnight Care · 11
- Care homes · 124
- Alzheimer's & Dementia · 50
- Reablement · 16
- Regulation & Quality · 62
- Cost & Funding · 146
- Retirement living · 22
- Personal Care · 15
Care homes
How old are care home ratings in England?How long ago care homes and home care agencies in England were last rated by CQC, by region and council area, and how to…
Regulation & Quality
CQC rating changes: which care services improved and which fellCare homes and home care services in England whose CQC rating went up or down, month by month, with the latest Outstanding and Inadequate…
Care homes
Where it’s hardest to find a care home bed in EnglandCare home beds per 1,000 people aged 65 and over in every council area in England, and where the biggest shortfalls are.
Care homes
Care home fees by region in England: the latest figuresTypical care home and home care fees in each English region this quarter, from residential and nursing care to home care by the hour.
Care homes
The best and worst council areas for care home qualityWhich council areas in England have the highest and lowest share of care homes rated Good or Outstanding by CQC, updated every quarter.
Care homes
Benefits you can still claim in a care homeWhich benefits continue when someone moves into a care home in England: Attendance Allowance, PIP, Pension Credit, State Pension and Carer's Allowance.
Care homes
Choosing a care home when the council paysYour right to choose a care home when the council funds your care in England: choice of accommodation, the council rate, and top-ups.
Care homes
Deferred Payment Agreement: How It Works and What It CostsA deferred payment agreement lets the council pay care home fees now and recover them from your home later. Who qualifies, interest (4.75% in…
Care homes
Deprivation of assets: what councils can and can’t countWhat counts as deprivation of assets for care fees in England, how councils decide, the myth of the seven-year rule, and what is safe.
Cost & Funding
The £23,250 rule: how the care means test worksHow the council means test for care works in England in 2026/27: the £23,250 and £14,250 limits, tariff income, your home, and what you…
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