Website of the UK government

Care homes can be run by local councils, private businesses or not-for-profit companies.

Your local council can help you find a care home to meet your needs. Or you can also contact the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI), who has a list of all registered care homes in England.

Charities that offer support for particular disabilities can be very helpful and may have lists of care homes that offer specialised support and experienced staff.

An important consideration when you are choosing a care home is whether you need one that offers nursing as well as personal care.

• Find your local council

• Organisations and charities - specific needs

• Visit the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) website Opens new window

Care homes

You may choose to go into a care home (sometimes called residential home) if you can no longer manage in your own home. Services you should expect at a care home include:

Care homes with nursing

If you have a disability or illness that means you often need nursing care, then a care home with nursing might be more appropriate. This is sometimes called a nursing home. A qualified nurse will be on duty 24 hours a day.

You have the right to choose your care home but it must meet your needs. For example,  if you need a care home with nursing - you may not be able to move into one that cannot provide nursing care.

You may qualify for full NHS funding of your care home. You will have to meet your health authority's criteria. You can ask them for a copy of these.

• Find your local health authority Opens new window

• More about your care home fees

Specialist care homes

You may choose to move into a care home that provides specialist care for your particular disability or needs. This might include specially trained staff or adapted facilities.

Your local council should have lists of specialist care homes or ones that might offer services appropriate to your needs. Charities can also be very helpful in finding the right care home.