How Do I Choose The Right Nursing Home For A Family Member - Austenwood Nursing Home
Choosing a nursing home for a family member means weighing up medical needs, daily care and finances, but also asking, will they be happy here?

It’s a big decision, and unfortunately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. However, this guide will walk you through exactly how to make the right choice, providing practical tips and a checklist to help you feel confident in your decision.



How Do I Choose the Right Nursing Home for a Family Member?

In the UK, here’s how to choose the right nursing home step by step:

1. Match care needs to services – decide whether your loved one needs residential care, nursing care, dementia or respite care.

2. Check official ratings – use the Care Quality Commission website to see inspection reports and ratings for each home.

3. Visit in person – look for friendly staff, a clean and safe environment and residents who appear comfortable and happy.

4. Ask detailed questions – about staffing levels, GP access, visiting hours, activities, meal choices and how they handle emergencies.

5. Look for red flags – repeated poor CQC reports, high staff turnover, strong odours or residents left unattended.

6. Figure out costs – ask for a written breakdown of fees, what’s included and what’s charged extra, like hairdressing and outings.

7. Involve your loved one – if possible, let them visit and share their thoughts on whether they feel comfortable and at ease.

What Support Does Your Loved One Need?

Before you begin looking at homes, it’s helpful to be clear about the type of support your loved one actually needs, so you can ensure the home can genuinely provide the right level of care.

Being clear about these areas early on provides a checklist to compare against when you begin visiting nursing homes.

Some factors to consider:

  • Do they need help with washing, dressing, meals or moving around safely?
  • Is nursing support required for ongoing health conditions, medication or specialised needs, such as dementia care?
  • Will they benefit from regular activities, companionship and a sense of community?
  • Consider cultural, religious or lifestyle needs that matter to them.

Research and Shortlist Nursing Homes

Once you know what kind of care your loved one needs, the next step is to draw up a realistic shortlist of homes to explore in more detail.

Start with trusted sources, such as the CQC website, for inspection reports and ratings on every registered home in England. These reports highlight both strengths and areas where a home may have fallen short.

You can also ask your GP, local council or friends and family for recommendations.

Online reviews can be useful, but treat them with caution. One glowing review or one angry complaint won’t tell the whole story. Look instead for patterns over time.

Aim to narrow your list down to three to five nursing homes that:

✓ Provide 24-hour nursing care appropriate for your loved one’s needs.

✓ Have a CQC rating of “Good” or “Outstanding.”

✓ Are within a practical distance for family visits.

✓ Are transparent about fees and what they cover.

Consider Costs and Contracts

Nursing home fees vary widely, so it’s important to understand precisely what you’re paying for before you make a decision. The average weekly cost of a UK nursing home is higher than that of a residential home because it includes 24-hour medical support from qualified nurses.

When you start comparing nursing home fees, ask for a written breakdown. A good contract should clearly state:

  • What’s included.
  • What may be charged as extra.
  • How fees might change in future.

If your loved one is being assessed for NHS Continuing Healthcare or local authority funding, check how this affects the fees you’ll pay. Some people are eligible for contributions toward nursing costs, which can make a significant difference. If you are choosing a premium nursing home for your loved one, it will cost more because it offers more amenities and a more luxurious lifestyle than a regular nursing home.

It’s also worth asking about notice periods and deposits. For example, if your loved one moves out or sadly passes away, will you still be charged for a set number of weeks?
The details can feel overwhelming, but being clear on costs and contracts now prevents stressful surprises later and ensures the nursing home you choose is financially sustainable in the long term.

Nursing Home Red Flags to Watch Out For

Not every nursing home will be the right fit and some warning signs are worth taking seriously. When you visit or research a home, keep an eye out for these red flags:

  • Limited activities or no social engagement
  • Inflexible visiting hours
  • Residents looking withdrawn or distressed
  • Call bells going unanswered
  • Dismissive or vague answers to questions
  • Poor food quality or lack of choice
  • Unsafe environment, including clutter, trip hazards and inadequate equipment
  • Poor CQC ratings or repeated breaches
  • High staff turnover
  • Unpleasant smells or poor cleanliness
  • Residents left unattended
  • Staff who seem rushed, defensive or disengaged
  • Lack of transparency on fees or policies
  • Frequent use of agency staff

Trust your instincts if something feels ‘off’, whether it’s the atmosphere, how residents are spoken to or just the general mood in the home. Because it’s better to know the home isn’t right before you go through the process of signing contracts, making payments and moving your loved one in. Remember, a good nursing home will have a feeling of safety and be respectful and welcoming from the moment you walk in.

A Nursing Home That Feels Right

Once you’ve done your research, asked questions and compared options, the final choice will become clear for you and most importantly, your loved one, where they can live in a place where they can be safe, cared for and treated with dignity.

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