Elderly Care in Gloucestershire: A Guide to Care Homes and In‑Home Support
Caring for an ageing loved one can be challenging, especially as Gloucestershire has one of the highest concentrations of older people in the West of England. The good news is that there are many elderly care options available in our county, from welcoming care homes to helpful services that assist seniors in their own houses. This guide will walk you through care home choices and in-home help services in Gloucestershire. Our aim is to inform and reassure you that support is available locally.
Prefer to watch?
We’ve created a short explainer video to walk you through the key elderly care options in Gloucestershire, including how to decide between home help and care homes, and where Ellia fits in. Whether you're just starting to explore your options or need help now, this video will give you a clear starting point.
Care Home Choices in Gloucestershire
Many families consider a care home when an older adult needs more support than can be provided at home. Gloucestershire offers a wide range of care homes – one directory lists 192 care homes in the county (including 58 with nursing care)c. These homes vary in type, size and ethos, giving you plenty of choice. It helps to understand the types of care homes and what to look for when choosing one.
Care homes are a great option for older adults who need round-the-clock support
Residential vs Nursing Homes
A standard residential care home provides 24-hour personal care; help with daily tasks like washing, dressing and taking medication. In contrast, a nursing home has qualified nurses on duty and can provide medical care for people with more complex health needs. Essentially, if your loved one has significant medical requirements, a nursing home might be appropriate; if they mainly need help with personal care and supervision, a residential home could suffice. Some facilities offer both residential and nursing care in different units, which can be helpful if needs change over time.
Local Options (Public, Private & Charity-run) Care Homes
In Gloucestershire, care homes are run by various providers. Many are private businesses, but there are also homes run by charities or non-profit organizations. For example, the local charity Lilian Faithfull Care operates six care homes in the county, offering residential, nursing, dementia and end-of-life care on a not-for-profit basis. There are similar charitable trusts in Gloucester and Cheltenham that provide care with a community-focused approach. The local authority (Gloucestershire County Council) can also assist with placement – while the council doesn’t directly run most homes, it can help assess your needs and suggest options. In fact, the council maintains an online Your Circle directory of care services to help residents explore local care and support choices.
What to Look for in a Care Home
Choosing the right care home is a big decision. It’s a good idea to visit a few homes and consider a checklist of factors, such as:
Location and atmosphere: Is the home in a convenient location for family visits? Does it feel welcoming, clean and homely when you walk in?
Quality of care: Do the staff seem friendly and caring towards residents? What is the staff-to-resident ratio, and are staff trained for specific needs (e.g. dementia care)?
Facilities and activities: Are bedrooms and common areas comfortable and accessible? Is there a garden or outdoor space? Check if they offer social activities, outings, or therapies that your loved one would enjoy.
Reputation and ratings: Ask around for others’ experiences and look at the home’s Care Quality Commission (CQC) rating. The CQC inspects care homes and rates them (Outstanding, Good, etc.), which can give you an idea of their standards.
Cost and funding: Understand the fees and what they include. Some care homes in Gloucestershire accept local authority funded residents, while others may be private only. Make sure to ask about any extras.
Paying for a Care Home
Funding is often a concern. Depending on your family member’s financial situation, they may need to pay towards the cost of care. Gloucestershire’s council will arrange a financial assessment to determine how much the person can contribute and whether the council will pay part of the fees. Generally, if the person has modest savings and income, the council can help fund care (and ensure they receive any benefits they’re entitled to). If they have above a certain savings threshold, they might pay privately (self-fund) until their assets reduce. It’s worth getting advice on this process. Organisations like Age UK Gloucestershire offer free guidance for older people and their families on care fees and benefits. The key is not to panic: there are options like deferred payment schemes or charity grants that can assist, and professionals who can walk you through the financial side.
In-Home Help and Support Services
Many seniors prefer to stay in their own home for as long as possible. In Gloucestershire, there is a strong network of in-home care and support services to help older adults live safely and comfortably at home. Whether your loved one needs a little help with housework or more intensive daily care, you can likely find a service to match. Care at home can be very flexible – it can range from a brief visit once a day to check in and help with a task, to having a trained caregiver live with the person full-time. Here are some key forms of home-based support available:
In-home support allows older adults to stay independent in the comfort of their own home, with help tailored to their daily needs.
Personal Care and Domestic Help
Home care agencies across Gloucestershire can send care workers to assist with day-to-day tasks. This can include personal care (like helping someone get out of bed, bathe, dress, and manage their hygiene) as well as domestic chores. For example, a daily caregiver visit might help with washing and dressing, medication prompts, preparing meals, tidying the house, laundry or even a bit of gardening – whatever is needed to support the individual’s routine. The frequency and scope of visits can be tailored to the person’s needs. Live-in care is another option if continuous support is required: an experienced caregiver moves into the home to provide help around the clock. This allows the person to remain in familiar surroundings with one-on-one support, which can be an alternative to moving into a residential home.
If your loved one wants to stay at home but needs support to manage everyday tasks, there are excellent options for home help across Gloucestershire. Trusted home care agencies can send professional carers to assist with both personal care (such as getting out of bed, bathing, dressing, and hygiene) and household chores like preparing meals, light cleaning, laundry, or even a bit of gardening. At Ellia, we specialise in this kind of in-home support, offering flexible and compassionate help designed around you. Whether you’re recovering from a hospital stay, managing a long-term condition, or just need a hand with the shopping and washing, our personal care services are here to make everyday life easier.
We also understand that it's not just about the tasks – it's about trust, comfort, and continuity. That’s why our Meet Your Carer approach introduces you to the same friendly face each visit, building a genuine relationship and sense of familiarity. Our team is fully trained and DBS-checked, and we make sure that every carer is carefully matched to your preferences, personality and routine.
Whether you need short-term support after an illness, regular weekly help, or something in between, Ellia is proud to be part of the local care community here in Gloucestershire. You can browse our full range of support options or get in touch to talk through what would work best for your family.
Home Adaptations and Equipment
Supporting an older person at home isn’t just about human help – sometimes the home itself needs to be adapted for safety and convenience. Gloucestershire County Council’s occupational therapy service can assess an elderly person’s home and suggest adaptations or equipment to make daily life easier. This might include simple fixes like installing grab rails in the bathroom, higher toilet seats, or improved lighting to prevent falls. It could also involve larger modifications such as fitting a stairlift, creating a walk-in shower, or widening doorways for wheelchair access. There are minor adaptation grants and Disabled Facilities Grants available (via local district councils) to help fund necessary home improvements in many cases. An Occupational Therapist will consider what the person wants to achieve (for instance, “I want to shower without help” or “I want to get upstairs safely”) and identify if the environment is hindering that. Often, with the right equipment – like a hoist, adjustable bed, or even simpler gadgets to open jars or reach high shelves – an older adult can maintain much more independence.
Gloucestershire also has an equipment loan service for items like wheelchairs, mobility aids and lifeline alarms. Many charities and the NHS work together on these services. For example, Age UK and the British Red Cross sometimes lend out equipment or run home support schemes. Don’t overlook telecare devices either: personal alarm pendants, fall detectors, and medication reminder systems can provide reassurance that help is one button-press away. These technologies are available locally (often through the council or private companies) and can be a lifesaver for seniors living alone.
Respite Support for Family Carers
Taking care of an elderly loved one at home can be exhausting for family members. Respite care is designed to give unpaid family carers a much-needed break, while ensuring their loved one is still cared for. In Gloucestershire, respite support can take a few forms. One option is arranging a short stay in a care home or nursing home for the older person – many local care homes offer temporary stays or respite breaks; in fact, over 70 care homes in Gloucestershire accommodate short-term residents for respite. This could be a stay of a few days or a couple of weeks while the family goes on holiday or simply rests. Knowing that professional staff are looking after your relative in a safe environment can bring great peace of mind.
Respite support can also be provided at home. Several home care agencies offer a respite service where a carer comes to the house to take over duties for a certain period (for example, a care worker might come each afternoon so the spouse who is the primary carer can have time off). There are also specialist charities like Crossroads Care in Gloucestershire, which for decades has focused on giving unpaid carers breaks. Crossroads Care can send trained support workers to look after the person at home, allowing the usual carer to relax and recharge, knowing their loved one is in good hands. This kind of sitting service or regular break can really help sustain family carers over the long term. Additionally, day care centers and social clubs in the community (some run by charities or churches) provide daytime respite – the elder can attend a day program with activities and meals, while the carer gets a few hours to themselves. It’s worthwhile to reach out to local carer support organizations (like the Gloucestershire Carers Hub or Age UK’s carer support team) to learn about respite options and maybe get funding for them (the council sometimes provides free respite hours after a carer’s assessment).
You’re Not Alone – Support is Available
Navigating elderly care in Gloucestershire may seem daunting at first, but remember that you are not alone and there are many resources to help. The county is rich in services – from friendly care homes where seniors can thrive, to in-home care packages that keep people safe in their own beloved homes. The key is to consider your family’s specific needs and preferences. Take advantage of local advice services: for instance, Age UK Gloucestershire and the council’s Adult Social Care helpdesk can provide free information tailored to your situation. Talk with your GP or social worker if you have one, as they can refer you for assessments (like a care needs assessment or occupational therapy visit) to get the ball rolling.
Most importantly, involve your elderly relative in the decisions as much as possible. Whether they choose the camaraderie of a residential home or the independence of staying at home with support, there is no right or wrong – only what works best for them. Gloucestershire’s community of public services, private providers, and charities is there to ensure older adults are cared for with dignity and compassion. By exploring these care home and home help options, you can find the right balance of care that gives everyone peace of mind. Elderly care is a journey, but with the plentiful options in Gloucestershire, you can feel reassured that help is at hand every step of the way.
