Choosing care: where to start

Start with the day, not the service

Before comparing providers, write down what a normal day looks like and where it becomes difficult — mornings, medication, meals, mobility, nights, company. This becomes the checklist you use with every provider, and it keeps the decision practical rather than overwhelming.

Ask the council for a needs assessment

Anyone in England can ask their local council for a free care needs assessment, whatever their income. It identifies the level of support needed and whether the council may help with the cost. You can arrange care privately at the same time — asking for an assessment does not delay anything.

Check the regulator, then check the feel

Every regulated care service in England is inspected by the Care Quality Commission. CareLink shows the official CQC rating, inspection date and registration status on each provider profile. Use that to build a shortlist, then judge the shortlist on how the team communicates with you.

• Shortlist three or four providers, not ten.
• Visit or call each one and ask the same three questions.
• Ask who you will speak to when something goes wrong.