Swarthmore Care Home – Advice and Guidance
Finding the Right Care for a Loved One
Choosing care for someone you love can feel overwhelming. There are practical decisions to make, as well as the emotional side of helping someone move into a care home.
Whether you are considering residential care, dementia care or nursing care, taking things one step at a time can make the process feel more manageable.
Our aim is to help you understand what to consider, where to start and what questions to ask when looking for the right care.
CARE HOME ADVICE
When is it time to consider a care home?
Living safely and independently at home may become more difficult, even with help from family, friends or carers. Residential care can provide consistent support, companionship and peace of mind.
For someone living with dementia, a care home can also provide familiar routines, appropriate supervision and specialist support.
CARE HOME ADVICE
Start by Understanding Their Care Needs
The first question is whether your loved one is finding it difficult or unsafe to manage at home, even with support from family, friends or carers.
They may need increasing help with:
- Personal care and dressing
- Medication
- Eating and Drinking
- Mobility
- Everyday Activities
- Safety and Supervision
For someone living with dementia, there may come a point when they need more consistent support or specialist care than can realistically be provided at home.
Arrange a Care Needs Assessment
If you are considering a care home, your first step should usually be to contact your local authority Adult Social Care team and request a care needs assessment.
This looks at the person’s individual needs and helps determine what type of care and support may be appropriate. A financial assessment can then establish whether the local authority may contribute towards the cost.
You can still begin researching care homes at this stage. Understanding the level of care required will help you focus on homes that are suitable.
CHOOSING CARE
Understand the Different Types of Care
Not every care home provides the same type or level of support.
Residential Care
Provides accommodation and support with everyday personal care, such as washing, dressing, eating, medication and using the toilet.
Dementia Care
Provides care designed around the needs of people living with dementia, including appropriate supervision, familiar routines, meaningful activities and staff who understand the effects of dementia on communication, memory and independence.
Nursing Care
Provides personal care alongside registered nursing support for people with more complex healthcare needs.
Some homes offer a combination of these services, which can be helpful if a person’s needs change over time.
FINDING THE RIGHT HOME
Finding and Shortlisting Care Homes
Once you understand the type of care needed, start looking at suitable homes.
Things worth considering include:
- Location and how easy it is for family to visit
- The type and level of care provided
- Dementia experience and staff training
- Activities and social opportunities
- Food and mealtimes
- Gardens and outdoor spaces
- Bedrooms and bathrooms
- Visiting Arrangements
- Availability
- Weekly fees and what is included
- The home's latest inspection report
If you are looking for care in England, check the home’s Care Quality Commission (CQC) report and rating.
COME AND SEE FOR YOURSELF
Visit Before You Decide
A visit can tell you far more than photographs or a website.
Take time to look around and notice how residents and staff interact.
Ask yourself:
Does it feel welcoming and homely?
Do residents appear comfortable and well cared for?
Are staff friendly, attentive and respectful?
Would my loved one feel at home here?
- How many staff are on duty during the day and night?
- What dementia training do staff receive?
- How are care plans created and reviewed?
- How are changes in someone's needs identified?
- What activities are available?
- How are medicines managed?
- What happens if a resident becomes unwell?
- Can residents bring personal belongings or furniture?
- What are the visiting arrangements?
- What is included in the weekly fee?
- Are there any additional charges?
For someone living with dementia, consider whether the environment is calm, familiar and easy to navigate, and whether the home can continue to meet their needs if their condition changes.
CARE HOME COSTS
Understanding the Cost of Care
The cost of care varies depending on location, the type and level of care required, accommodation and the individual care home.
Always ask a home for a clear breakdown of its fees rather than relying on national averages.
FEES AND FUNDING
How might care be funded?
We understand that arranging care for yourself or someone you love is a major decision. We aim to make our fees as straightforward and transparent as possible.
Before moving into Swarthmore, we carry out an assessment to understand the care required and discuss the appropriate fee with you.
Making the cost of care easier to understand
We understand that talking about the cost of care can feel daunting.
When you’re making decisions about the care of someone you love, there is already so much to think about. The last thing you need is to feel confused about fees or unsure about what happens next.
At Swarthmore, we believe in being transparent about our fees from the very beginning. We’ll take the time to talk everything through with you, answer your questions and make sure you understand what is included before you make any decisions.
OUR CARE FEES
£1,267 – £1,687
depending on the room selected.
Are there additional costs?
Hairdressing, chiropody, personal toiletries and newspapers
How will the care be paid for?
There isn’t one answer that applies to every family. Care can be funded in different ways, depending on someone’s individual circumstances.
We’re happy to help you understand the options and point you towards the right sources of advice.
CLEAR & TRANSPARENT
What Is Usually Included in Care Fees?
Every care home has its own fee structure. Depending on the home and care package, fees may include:
- Accommodation
- Meals and Refreshments
- Personal Care and Support
- Activities and Social Events
- Care Planning and Monitoring
- Utilities and General Maintenance
- Laundry and Housekeeping
- Communal Areas and Gardens
There may also be additional charges for services such as hairdressing, chiropody, personal items or transport.
Always ask what is included before agreeing to a move.
PAYING FOR CARE
How might care be funded?
Self-Funding
Some people pay for their care privately using income, savings, investments or other financial arrangements.
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
In some circumstances, the NHS may fund the full cost of care where a person has a primary health need and meets the eligibility criteria.
Local authority funding
Depending on individual needs and financial circumstances, your local authority may contribute towards care costs following a needs and financial assessment.
In England, the capital limits for 2026–27 are £14,250 and £23,250. The rules are different in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
NHS-Funded Nursing Care (FNC)
The NHS may contribute towards nursing care for eligible residents who require nursing support but do not qualify for Continuing Healthcare.
Funding can be complicated, so if you are unsure, speak to your local authority, healthcare professional or an independent financial adviser.
FUNDING QUESTIONS
What About the Family Home?
This is often one of the biggest concerns for families.
How a property is treated in a financial assessment depends on individual circumstances, and there are situations where a person’s home may be disregarded.
MAKING IT FEEL LIKE HOME
Take Your Time. Ask Questions. Find the Right Fit
Choosing care doesn’t have to happen all at once.
Start by understanding your loved one’s needs, arrange the appropriate assessments, research suitable homes and visit your preferred options. Take time to understand the fees and funding arrangements.
Most importantly, look for somewhere your loved one can feel safe, respected, comfortable and at home.
HERE WHEN YOU NEED US
Thinking About Care for Someone You Love?
At Swarthmore Care Home, we provide residential and dementia care in a warm, homely and supportive environment.
We understand that choosing care is a big decision. Our team is here to answer your questions, talk through your loved one’s individual needs and help you decide whether Swarthmore is the right choice.
Get in touch with our team or arrange a visit. We’d be delighted to welcome you.