Last updated:
10th June 2024
Guide to choosing a care home
Find out about care homes and paying for your care
Care homes and guidance
Read the The Berkshire Care Directory which lists all the care homes in Berkshire and offers useful advice:
Types of housing
Different types of housing can cater for different levels of needs.
- If your needs are not high you may find that sheltered, retirement homes or extra care housing is the right choice for you
- Residential or nursing care homes are available for people with high levels of need, where 24 hour personal care support is available
Residential care homes
- Range in size from very small homes with few beds to large scale facilities
- Offer care and support throughout the day and night
- Staff help with washing, dressing, at meal times and with using the toilet
Search the directory for care homes
Nursing homes
Nursing homes will normally offer the same of care as residential ones but with the addition of 24 hour medical care from a qualified nurse.
Search the directory for nursing homes
Specialist care homes
Other homes are also registered to provide specialist care for other types of needs such as physical disabilities, mental health health problems or dementia.
They do this by providing appropriate services and facilities to meet those special needs.
Search the directory for specialist care homes
Sheltered housing and retirement homes
Sheltered housing provides purpose built, independent accommodation for older people over 60. Schemes vary, but all offer:
Privacy and Independence
By moving into sheltered accommodation you will become a council tenant with your own self contained accommodation.
You will have your own front door and you and your visitors can come and go as you please.
Support
Sheltered scheme managers providing on site support during office hours. This includes daily checks to make sure that you are well, assisting you with day to day issues such as reporting repairs. They may also help with accessing other services such as social services or health services if you need them.
Help in emergencies
Emergency alarms systems are provided so if you become ill, have a fall or want to report an emergency repair you can call for help anytime of the day of night.
Companies and activities
When you move into sheltered housing you can choose how involved you become with community activities. This could range from chatting to your neighbours, participating in, or even helping to arrange social activities. If this isn’t for you it's your right not to get involved.
Search the directory for sheltered housing
Paying for your care
To find information on:
- Options for paying for your care
- Paying for support with direct payment
- Charging for residential care
- Deferred payments
- Financial assessments
- Personal budgets
Visit our web pages:
