Care Level Quiz — For Family — Retirement Housing UK
Care level finder
Not sure what level of care they actually need?
Answer 5 quick questions and we'll guide you to the right type of retirement property — based on where your loved one is today, not where you fear they might end up.
Question 1 of 520%
Question 1 of 5
How well does your loved one manage day-to-day life on their own?
Think about the last few weeks — meals, personal care, getting around, managing the home. Be honest rather than optimistic.
Question 2 of 5
Does your loved one have any memory concerns or cognitive difficulties?
This includes forgetfulness that affects daily life, getting confused, or a diagnosis of dementia or mild cognitive impairment.
Question 3 of 5
How important is having their own private, self-contained home?
Some people are very attached to having their own front door and complete independence. Others are more open to a communal setting with more support.
Question 4 of 5
Are there any physical mobility or health concerns?
Think about stairs, walking distances, falls risk, or managing in an emergency — as well as any ongoing medical conditions.
Question 5 of 5
Thinking about the next 3–5 years — how might their needs change?
It's worth choosing somewhere with room to grow. The best moves are ones that still work in the future, not just today.
They're ready for independent retirement living
Based on your answers, your loved one sounds well, capable and independent. What they may benefit from most is a community of like-minded people their own age — without the burden of a large home.
Best match · Level 1
Age-restricted independent living
A self-contained retirement property — bungalow, apartment or house — in a development exclusively for the over-55s. No care or support services on site. Just a community of neighbours at the same life stage, freedom from maintenance, and the security of an age-appropriate home.
Own front door, fully self-contained home
Neighbours all in the same life stage
No maintenance burden
Often releases significant equity from the family home
Based on your answers, your loved one is largely independent but would benefit from the reassurance of a warden, an emergency alarm system and a community of people their own age nearby.
Best match · Level 2
Sheltered housing
Self-contained flats or bungalows with a scheme manager or warden available on site, an emergency pull-cord or alarm in every room, and regular wellbeing checks. Fully independent living — but with the security of knowing help is nearby if needed.
Own self-contained flat or bungalow — full privacy
On-site scheme manager or warden
Emergency alarm in every room
Regular wellbeing checks
Communal lounge, laundry and sometimes a guest suite
Based on your answers, your loved one would benefit from having care available on site — but still values having their own home and their independence. Extra care gives them both.
Best match · Level 3
Extra care housing / assisted living
Self-contained apartments with 24-hour care staff available on site. Care packages are tailored to each resident — from a few hours per week to daily visits — and can increase as needs change. Residents keep their independence, their front door, and their privacy.
Self-contained apartment — own front door
24-hour on-site care team
Personal care tailored to individual needs
Care can scale up without having to move again
Restaurant, activities, social programme on site
Couples can stay together even with different care needs
Based on your answers, your loved one's needs sound significant enough that a care home — where personal care and support is provided around the clock — may be the right level. This is not the end of independence; it's choosing a setting built for this stage of life.
Best match · Level 4
Residential care home
A care home provides accommodation, all meals, and full personal care for people who can no longer safely live independently. Residents have a private room — often with en-suite — within a professionally staffed building. Nursing homes also have registered nurses on site for complex medical needs.
Private room with personal belongings and familiar items
All meals and personal care provided
24-hour staffing and supervision
Activities, social programme and communal spaces
Regulated and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC)
Nursing homes also available for complex medical needs
This quiz provides general guidance only and is not a substitute for a formal care needs assessment. For a free professional assessment, contact your local council's adult social care team or speak to your loved one's GP.
