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Choosing a care home for a parent or loved one is rarely straightforward. For many families, it happens at a time of worry or urgency, when decisions need to be made quickly and emotions are running high.
Around 60% of care home searches are made by people looking for care for their parent, and a significant number of these searches are time-sensitive — with around half needing a placement within a month and 16% within a week. Others are planning ahead, with around one third looking for respite or temporary care, and two thirds seeking a permanent home. At BCOP we're fortunate that most of our new residents and their families have had a word of mouth recommendation about our homes, however many families are 'starting from scratch'.
Whatever the situation, the questions are often the same.
Location is usually top of the list. Families want somewhere peaceful, often with gardens and outdoor space, but also easy to reach, whether by car or public transport. Being able to visit regularly — without it becoming a logistical headache — really matters.
Close behind that comes people. Families are looking for kind, attentive staff, a warm family atmosphere, and facilities that genuinely meet both the physical and emotional needs of their parent. It’s not just about rooms and lounges — it’s about how a place feels when you walk through the door.
At BCOP, we understand that choosing a care home isn’t something families do lightly. That’s why we try to make the process as open, flexible and pressure-free as possible.
Rather than limiting visits to a formal tour, we encourage more informal introductions. Families are welcome to come in for a coffee, spend time in the home, and get a sense of everyday life. Where it’s helpful, we invite relatives to bring their mum or dad along for a trial morning activity, giving them the chance to meet staff and residents and experience the atmosphere for themselves.
These small, relaxed visits often make a big difference — helping families feel reassured and helping future residents build familiarity before any bigger decisions are made.
We also offer daycare, where your mum or dad can join us for a morning, afternoon or full day — perhaps once a week — taking part in activities and enjoying time in the lounge with others. For many families, this is a gentle way to introduce support while maintaining independence.
For carers who need a break, or families wanting to explore longer stays, we provide respite care, allowing your loved one to stay with us for a week or more in their own room.
Both daycare and respite care are carefully assessed in advance. This ensures that your loved one’s needs are well matched with what the home can provide — because the right fit matters for everyone involved.
Our home managers are always happy to talk things through — whether that’s care options, availability, or advice about funding and next steps. These conversations can happen over the phone, during a visit, or as part of a tour.
And if you live further away, we can offer a virtual tour, with the manager walking you through the home on a video call — answering questions as they go and helping you feel connected, even from a distance.
There’s no single “right” way to choose a care home, and no obligation to decide quickly unless circumstances demand it. At BCOP, our aim is simply to support families with clear information, honest guidance and opportunities to experience our homes in a way that feels comfortable.
Sometimes, the best decisions are made not in a rush — but over a cup of coffee and a friendly chat.