We understand that the whole process may seem daunting at first—and that's why we're here to make sure you know what to look out for when searching through options and making decisions!
Location, amenities, and the type of care services available can have an effect on quality of life as well as peace of mind for both parties. That’s why Hamberley is proud to point you in the right direction.
With a range of locations across the UK, we can advise you and help you find something close to your preferred area while making sure your chosen residence meets all necessary criteria.
Use the information below to help you locate care homes near you.
Finding the perfect care home can initially feel overwhelming, as the care sector is large and complex. But - don't worry. There are ways to ensure a smooth and well-informed decision-making process.
Online search tools offer a convenient and comprehensive way to find nursing homes and care homes, allowing you to easily compare search results for care homes in your desired area.
Tap into the power of community by seeking recommendations from friends or medical professionals such as your GP, practice nurse or social care contact, as their first hand experiences can provide valuable insights. Care homes tend to be well-known in the local area, so word of mouth can often lead you to the perfect place. Ask neighbours and the local community if they know of any care homes nearby that might be suitable.
Online reviews are a great way to get honest insight, so look through them carefully. Reviews should give you key information on the quality of the home and whether it’s likely to be suited to your needs, or those of a loved one.
Once you've compiled a list of potential care homes, you should arrange visits to experience the atmosphere for yourself. You'll want to meet with staff and other residents, and get to know the home better. This will give you even greater insight into your options and help you make an informed decision.
When choosing care options, it's important to understand the difference between types of care, especially the difference between a nursing home and a care home, two terms that are often used interchangeably. Hamberley provides residential care, nursing care, respite care, dementia care, and end-of-life care, so as people's needs change as they get older, so will their care.
Nursing home care primarily focuses on providing round-the-clock skilled nursing care and medical supervision for older people with chronic illnesses or disabilities.
Residential care homes provide personalised care with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and meals. Residential care can also be referred to as elderly care homes or retirement homes.
Dementia care is a specialist form of residential care and nursing that focuses on providing extra support and activities to people with dementia-related conditions.
Respite care is short-term care that helps provide relief to carers who are looking after someone with a complex medical condition or as they recover from illness or injury. A short period of respite care also allows people to become more comfortable in a home environment.
Palliative care is a type of specialised care for people at the end of their lives. It focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness—whatever the diagnosis.
Your particular circumstances and personal needs should ultimately determine the level of care you need. If you're unsure about what kind of care is required, you can speak to the Hamberley team for advice.
There are several important factors you should think about, such as budget, location, and the level of care needed.
Make sure the home provides a safe, comfortable, and caring environment for elderly residents. Check that staff are qualified and experienced in providing appropriate care and maintaining people's health with good support. The independent regulator, the Care Quality Commission (CQC), has a rating system that is a good indicator of the standard of care provided.
From meals to laundry and housekeeping services, inquire about what is included in the fees. Does the home also offer activities or outings?
Location is one of the most important factors when searching for a home, especially if you plan on visiting frequently. Consider how easy it is to reach from your residence and if the location will allow individuals to maintain ties with their community.
How does the home rate online? Read reviews from current and past residents, family members, and other sources to get a feel for the home.
Care can be expensive, so make sure you understand what fees are included in the monthly or yearly rate. Are there extra charges for specific services?
Selecting the ideal care home can be a difficult decision, but with the right approach, you can find a place that brings comfort and well-being. When you find yourself viewing a potential care home, keep an open mind and ask the right questions.
It's crucial to inquire about the level of care and services provided, the staffing ratio, nursing care, and the qualifications of the care staff. Learn about the flexibility and individual customisation of care plans, as this can make all the difference in creating a tailored experience for the each person.
Be sure also to ask about any additional services like on-site health care, dementia care, rehabilitation, and therapy so you can cover all aspects of well-being. It's also important to find out how the home deals with any potential issues that may arise, such as falls or behavioural challenges.
Ask about their qualifications, experience, and how long they have been at the care home. Also consider how well-staffed it is – the ratio of residents to caregivers should be appropriate for each resident's needs.
Pay attention to how staff members interact with the people who live in the home and how they offer support. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the qualifications of the carers, their procedures in case of emergencies, and the variety of activities available.
Take a tour of the service and gardens. Does the home feel warm, smell clean, and look and feel well looked after? Is the garden a welcoming, well maintained place to relax? Consider the cleanliness and safety measures in place, and ask about infection control protocols that keep people safe from illness.
Is it cheerful and welcoming? Get a feel for the community, the activities offered, and the ways they encourage resident engagement, as these factors greatly contribute to an enjoyable and satisfying experience.
Ask about the types of activities available—are they meaningful and personal? Do they promote independence? Does the home have an active social life and provide opportunities for the residents to connect with friends and loved ones? Talk with new residents and ask what they think of living there.
It's important to make sure that people can visit regularly, so inquire about the policies on visiting hours and guests. It's also important to find out if there are any additional fees associated with having visitors over.
Inquire about the food and ask to see a sample menu. Good care homes will offer all visitors a hot drink and a slice of cake. Ask if flexibility is allowed in terms of special dietary needs and preferences. Visit the dining room and ask what's on the menu today.
Above all else, it should be a place where you or your loved one feels comfortable and respected. Trust your gut instinct; if it doesn't feel right, then keep looking for an option that is more suited to individual needs.
At Hamberley, you'll discover an unparalleled level of care and dedication in a luxury environment. What truly sets Hamberley's award-winning homes apart is our focus on creating vibrant, dynamic, and uplifting environments, tailor-made for each resident to thrive.
As soon as you step through the doors, you'll experience the warm, welcoming atmosphere and stylish, welcoming spaces designed for utmost comfort and relaxation. Our residents tell us our homes feel like a five-star hotel! More importantly, our skilled and passionate carers go above and beyond every day to provide personalised care, ensuring that new residents thrive both physically and emotionally.
Our homes are lively, happy places of activity and meaningful social connections, which act as the backbone of an enriching living experience that people and their families cherish.
Finding a care home for your relative can be an intimidating prospect, but it doesn't have to be when you know what to look for.
From safety features to medical amenities and quality of life options, each is an important consideration that will ensure the chosen home is suitable for your needs. When you visit a Hamberley Home, the friendly team will ensure your visit gives you all the time you need to ask questions.
At Hamberley Care Homes, our residents and their families expect and receive the best possible experience. We invite you to contact us to arrange a visit for the whole family, so you can see first-hand what makes our facilities in England and Scotland stand out from the rest.
Access free advice about choosing the right home, nursing care, or respite care.
Interested in knowing more? Explore our frequently asked questions for new residents, from paying for care and long term funding options to practical considerations, availability, and more.
Explore our jobs in care and search our vacancies.
