This site explains how the care system works in general and is provided for informational purposes only. It does not provide medical, legal, financial or care advice. Every family's situation is different, and what you find in practice may differ from what is described here. Use this as a starting point to understand the process and know the right questions to ask — not as a definitive account of what will happen in your case. Always verify information with the relevant professionals before making decisions.
What this site is
CareGuide UK is a free, independent resource built to help families across England understand how the care system works. The guides, glossary, and directory are designed to help you ask the right questions and know what to expect — not to tell you what the outcome of your specific situation will be.
The care system in England is complex. Rules are set nationally but applied locally. Social workers, local authorities, NHS integrated care boards, and care homes all exercise discretion. What happened for one family will not necessarily happen for another, even in similar circumstances.
What this site is not
Nothing on this site constitutes legal advice, financial advice, or clinical advice. No content on this site should be used as the sole basis for any decision about care funding, care placement, legal action, or medical treatment.
If you are facing a specific decision — appealing a CHC decision, challenging a financial assessment, making a complaint, or considering legal action — you should seek advice from a qualified professional. The Support page lists organisations that can help.
Accuracy and currency of information
Content on this site is sourced from primary sources including NHS England, GOV.UK, the Care Quality Commission, and Age UK. All content carries a review date. Figures such as capital thresholds, weekly fee averages, and contact numbers are correct at the time of publication but are subject to change.
CQC ratings for care homes listed in the directory reflect the most recently published inspection at the time the directory was last updated. Ratings change. Always verify the current rating directly on the CQC website before making any decision about a specific home.
This site was last reviewed in March 2026. The next scheduled review is September 2026. If you believe any information is out of date or incorrect, please contact us.
Care home directory
The homes directory lists CQC-registered care homes. It is not a comprehensive list of all homes in England. Inclusion in the directory does not represent a recommendation or endorsement of any home. No care home has paid to appear in the directory.
Descriptions of individual homes are based on publicly available information from CQC inspection reports and home websites at the time of the last review. They should be used only as a starting point. Always visit a home in person and speak directly with the management before making a placement decision.
No connection with statutory bodies
CareGuide UK has no connection with any local authority, NHS integrated care board, the Care Quality Commission, or any other statutory body. This site does not represent or speak on behalf of any of those organisations.
External links
This site contains links to external websites including GOV.UK, CQC, NHS, and third-party organisations. We have no control over the content of those sites and are not responsible for their accuracy. Links are checked at the time of each review but may change between reviews.
This disclaimer was last reviewed March 2026. Next scheduled review September 2026.