Choosing Between Standard and Premium Care Homes
Choosing a care home isn’t something most of us do very often, so it can feel like stepping into unknown territory.
You might notice that there are two main types of care homes available. These are standard care homes and premium care homes, which add an extra layer of comfort and lifestyle. And many families wonder if the upgrade is really worth it.
In this article, we’ll break down the differences between standard and premium care homes, look at what premium actually means and help you decide which option might be the best fit for your loved one.
Are Premium Care Homes Worth the Extra Cost?
Premium care homes can be worth the extra cost if comfort, personalised care and a hotel-like environment are priorities for your loved one. These kinds of homes often offer private rooms, better dining, more activities and a higher staff-to-resident ratio. For some families, those extras bring peace of mind and a better quality of life for their loved one.
Feature | Standard Care Home | Premium Care Home |
|---|---|---|
| Living Spaces | Private or shared rooms, basic but comfortable | Private rooms or suites, usually with en-suites and boutique design |
| Care & Staffing | Trained staff provide essential care & support | Higher staff-to-resident ratio, more personalised attention |
| Meals & Dining | Set menus, simple home-style meals | Chef-prepared food, menus with choice & more flexible dining |
| Activities | Social activities and group events | Wider variety, often including creative hobbies, outings & bespoke programmes |
| Environment | Safe, homely, practical | Modern, stylish, designed for comfort & independence |
| Cost | More affordable, covers core care needs | Higher fees to reflect extras in comfort, lifestyle & staffing |
In More Detail:
What Is a Standard Care Home?
At its core, a standard care home is about covering the basics well, giving residents a safe place to live, support with everyday tasks like washing, dressing and eating and staff on hand around the clock to provide care when it’s needed.
You won’t usually find luxury extras here, but that doesn’t mean the quality of care isn’t good. A standard home offers support, companionship and the reassurance that loved ones are being properly looked after.
What Is a Premium Care Home?
A premium care home takes the basics and adds another layer of comfort and choice. Residents typically have their own private room, which they can decorate to their taste, often with an en-suite bathroom, and the surroundings feel more like a hotel than a traditional care home. Meals are nourishing and freshly prepared, with a variety of menus to choose from. And residents can enjoy a full, diverse activity calendar, featuring everything from gentle fitness sessions to trips and special events.
Another big difference that families appreciate is the level of personal attention their loved one gets. Premium homes often retain staff and have more carers available, which means residents receive more one-on-one time and care customised to their preferences. The setting itself is usually more modern and welcoming too, with thoughtful touches that make day-to-day life more enjoyable.
As with regular care comes, many premium homes also offer specialised services, such as dementia care or short-term respite stays, providing families with added peace of mind when their loved one requires extra support.
Because of these extra luxuries, premium care homes cost more than your average home in the UK. Councils or the NHS do not cover these costs, and they are self-funded. Contact the management at your chosen facility to determine if you have a sustainable way to fund this type of care.
How to Decide What’s Right for Your Family Member
The choice between a standard and a premium care home often comes down to what really matters for your loved one. Some people value comfort, privacy and extra activities, while others are happiest knowing the essentials, like good care, are in place.
When you’re weighing things up, it can help to ask yourself:
- What kind of support is needed on a day-to-day basis? Does it mainly help with routines or more specialised care?
- What would make life more enjoyable? A quiet, homely setting or a busier environment with lots going on?
- What’s realistic financially? Premium homes can be wonderful, but their higher cost needs to be sustainable in the long term.
- Have you seen the difference first-hand? Visiting both types of homes gives you a feel for the atmosphere you just can’t get from a brochure.
So, Standard or Premium?
Deciding between a standard and a premium care home is a personal choice, based on what your loved one’s needs, their lifestyle, finances and what feels right for your family. The most important step is to visit some homes, ask questions and trust your instincts, because the right choice is the one where your loved one feels safe, supported and right at ease in their new home.
Ready to explore...
