Compare the best dementia care homes in England

What to look for in dementia care

Dementia care can be provided in either a residential or a nursing setting. A dementia nursing home adds 24-hour nursing for people whose dementia is advanced or who have additional health needs.

When comparing dementia care homes, look at the CQC rating, how staff are trained in dementia care, the design of the building, and how the home keeps residents safe, engaged and calm.

The counties with the most dementia care homes are Greater London (568), West Midlands (406), Greater Manchester (340), West Yorkshire (301), Lancashire (300), Hampshire (282). Choose your area to compare local homes, each with its current CQC rating and a link to the full inspection report.

The Care Quality Commission inspects every care home in England and gives one of four ratings: Outstanding, Good, Requires improvement or Inadequate. The rating reflects whether the home is safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led. A Good or Outstanding rating is a strong starting point, but it is worth reading the full inspection report, which we link to on every profile, to understand the detail behind the rating.

When you visit a shortlisted home, it helps to ask how staff are trained for dementia care, what the staff-to-resident ratio is on each shift, how care plans are reviewed, what activities are on offer, and how the home communicates with families. Trust your impression of how residents and staff interact, and ask current residents' families about their experience where you can.

Fees for dementia care homes depend on the home, the level of care and how the place is funded. Self-funded residents pay the full weekly fee; nursing and specialist care cost more than basic residential care. Where savings fall below the means-test threshold the local authority may contribute, and the NHS funds the nursing element of care in a nursing home, or the full placement through NHS Continuing Healthcare for those with the highest health needs. Fees are not held in the CQC record, so confirm the current fee with each home.

Every home in this directory is listed using official information from the Care Quality Commission, including its rating, registered beds and the care it is registered to provide. As homes claim and complete their profiles, you will also be able to compare facilities, photos, current vacancies and reviews to help you choose with confidence.