Your first step will be to do some research, either online or by checking with your local authority. The next and most important stage in your decision will be to visit different care homes to see which ones you and/or your relative like. If you would like to visit Acton Care Centre, please contact us. 

There are several agencies that give impartial advice on choosing a care home. We recommend that you know your rights as a patient, what you are entitled to in relation to paying fees, and what levels of service you can expect as a patient in a care home:

• The Care Quality Commission is the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England. The CQC registers care services if they meet their essential standards
• The Citizens Advice Bureau advice finder provides information on NHS patients’ rights (for patients in England and Northern Ireland)
• Help the Aged provides advice on choosing a care home
• EAC Housing Care is a charity that can provide advice on finding accommodation for older people
• Counsel and Care is a charity that publishes a useful set of guides on care homes, especially their ‘what to look for guide’