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
Palliative and end of life care in care homesMany care homes can provide palliative and end of life care so residents can stay in familiar surroundings. NICE sets out what good care…
Care homes
Care homes with gardens: why outdoor space matters and what to checkA care home garden is worth checking for because it gives residents a place for fresh air, gentle activity and routine, but only if…
Care homes
Parkinson’s care homes: what to look for and ask before choosingChoose a care home that can give Parkinson's medication on time. Parkinson's UK defines on time as within 30 minutes of the prescribed time,…
Care homes
Care homes for people with learning disabilities: options and rightsAdults with a learning disability usually live in small registered care homes, supported living or shared lives. CQC expects services to follow right support,…
Care homes
Care homes for mental health needs: what is availableSome registered care homes in England support people with mental health conditions, and people leaving hospital after certain detentions may be entitled to free…
Care homes
Luxury care homes: what you get for the priceLuxury is a marketing label, not a regulatory category. Premium homes typically add space, hospitality and facilities, but the CQC rating, not the fee,…
Care homes
Moving to a care home in another area: who pays and your rightsIf a council arranges your care home place in another council's area, it generally stays responsible for funding. A self-funder who moves on their…
Care homes
Who to inform when moving into a care home: the full checklistTell the organisations that pay benefits first, then the council, GP, banks, DVLA and the electoral register. GOV.UK says to report a care home…
Retirement living
Social housing for older adults: how to apply and what to expectIn England, older adults apply through their council's housing register, which places them in a band or gives points. Councils must give reasonable preference…
Choosing Care
Assisted living in the UK: extra care housing explainedAssisted living is not a regulated term in England and usually means extra care housing: your own flat with on-site support. The CQC regulates…
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