Choosing a care home for someone you love is a major step, and it’s completely normal to feel a mixture of uncertainty, concern, and hope throughout the process. There’s a lot to consider; the standard of care, the facilities available, the overall atmosphere, and whether the home truly feels welcoming and supportive. At Mulberry Manor, we recognise how important this decision is for families, and we’re committed to making the experience as straightforward and reassuring as possible, offering confidence that your loved one will be cared for with kindness and respect.
To help you navigate the journey, we’ve put together a range of useful resources designed to support you at every stage. Here you’ll find practical guidance on what to look for during home visits, along with information about potential funding options and financial assistance. These tools are here to help you feel informed, empowered, and prepared when choosing the right place for your relative.
A particularly helpful resource is the AgeUK care home checklist. This simple yet effective guide lets you compare different homes side by side, focusing on the aspects that matter most to your loved one’s comfort and wellbeing. It’s available to download online here and serves as a clear, step-by-step reference to support you throughout your search.
PayingForCare.org
Payingforcare.org is an impartial and consumer friendly website providing information on all aspects of care funding including local authority assessments, care entitlements, costs of care and arranging care for someone else. Visitors have instant access to professional, specialist care fees advice through a live chat service.
Government Agencies
The Benefits Agency – The best place to find government services and information
The Department of Health – The Department of Health (DH) exists to improve the health and wellbeing of people in England.
The National Health Service – The official website of the NHS in England.
The Care Quality Commission –The Care Quality Commission is the independent regulator of health and social care in England.
The English Community Care Association –The English Community Care Association (ECCA) is the largest representative body for community care in England.
Patient UK – Comprehensive health information as provided by GPs and nurses to patients during consultations.
Charities
Age UK – offers services and support at a national and local level to inspire, enable and support older people. t: 0800 8086060
Counsel and Care – Advice and support for older age. t: 0845 3007585
Health Issues
Alzheimer’s Society – Alzheimer’s Society is a membership organisation, which works to improve the quality of life of people affected by dementia in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Multiple Sclerosis Society – The MS Society is the UK’s largest charity for people affected by multiple sclerosis.
The Motor neurone Disease Association – A definitive resource for people with MND and those who care for them.
The Parkinson’s Disease Society – No one should have to face Parkinson’s on their own. If you are affected by the condition, The Parkinson’s Disease Society are here to support you.
The Stroke Association – Working for a world where there are fewer strokes and all those touched by stroke get the help they need.
Independent Financial Advisors
SAGA Care Funding Advice – provides care funding advice for people who have to pay for their own care needs. t: 0800 0567996