How to find a Parkinson's care home

Finding the right care home can be challenging—especially when you’re looking for one with experience in supporting Parkinson’s. It’s not just about finding a place with a room and a bed; it’s about making sure your loved one is in safe, expert hands with people who truly understand the condition and the changes it brings.

That kind of specialist support can make all the difference—not only to the person living with Parkinson’s but to everyone who loves them. When the right care is in place, daily life becomes calmer, more comfortable, and a little less uncertain.

If you're starting to explore options, or even just wondering what’s out there, this blog is here to guide you. We’ll walk you through what to look for in a Parkinsons care home, the questions worth asking, and how to make use of tools like Autumna to find support that’s right for your family.

What to look for in a Parkinson’s care home

Not all care homes are created equal, especially when Parkinson’s is part of the picture. It’s a condition that shifts and changes over time, so the support around it needs to be just as responsive. One of the most important things to look for is a team that truly understands Parkinson’s. That means staff who are specially trained, not just in general care, but in the specifics of how Parkinson’s affects movement, speech, and everyday routines. The little details really do matter.

Therapies can make a huge difference too. Physiotherapy to maintain strength and balance, speech and language therapy for voice or swallowing challenges, and occupational therapy to support daily tasks can all help someone stay independent and engaged in life for longer. A good Parkinson’s care home will offer access to this kind of tailored support, woven into daily routines.

You’ll also want to see evidence of thoughtful care planning. That means personalised plans that aren’t set in stone but adapt as needs change. Medication management is crucial too, getting the timing and dosage right can have a big impact. And mealtimes? They should be safe, relaxed, and enjoyable. Ultimately, it’s about finding a place that balances gentle structure with respect, choice, and dignity.

How to begin your search

Starting the search for a Parkinson’s care home can feel like a big step—but beginning early can make the journey much smoother. You don’t have to wait for a crisis or a sudden change in health to start exploring options. In fact, looking ahead gives you the breathing space to make thoughtful decisions, rather than rushed ones. It means you can take the time to understand what’s available and what feels right for you or your loved one.

Autumna’s online directory is a good place to begin. It allows you to search specifically for care homes that specialise in Parkinson’s, so you’re not wading through irrelevant results.

Once you’ve entered your location into the search bar, you will be directed to a list of search results. You can then use the ‘Additional Filters’ tab and under ‘Nursing Specialisms’, select ‘Parkinson’s Disease.’ After that, click the yellow ‘Search Again’ button.

You will then be able to view a list of Parkinson's care homes in the chosen area.

Alternatively, you can use our shortlisting tool to answer a few quick questions and receive a list of care homes based upon your location.

Questions to ask care providers

When you start visiting or speaking with Parkinson's care homes, it helps to go in with a few key questions in mind. These conversations aren’t just about what looks nice on the surface, they’re your chance to really understand how the care works day to day, and whether it aligns with your needs or your loved ones.

Begin by asking whether the staff receive regular training specifically in Parkinson’s care. This kind of knowledge isn’t just helpful, it’s essential for providing safe, effective support. It’s also worth asking how the home handles the ups and downs that often come with the condition, like changes in mobility, energy, or mood.

Therapies can be life-enhancing, so don’t be shy about asking which ones are available and how often they’re provided. You might also want to understand how family members are involved in shaping care plans over time. And finally, check how the environment itself supports safety, especially around things like fall prevention and clear, calm spaces.

Location, cost, and practical considerations

Choosing a Parkinson’s care home is often about finding the right balance. Location matters—being closer to loved ones can make all the difference to emotional wellbeing, especially during a big life transition. But the home also needs to offer the right kind of specialist support, and of course, it has to work within your budget.

Specialist Parkinson’s care can sometimes cost more due to the additional expertise and resources involved. That’s why it’s important to understand what financial support might be available. Depending on the situation, local authority funding for NHS Continuing Healthcare may help cover some or all of the costs. It’s worth exploring this early on.

Autumna makes these decisions easier by giving you the tools to compare care homes side by side. You can check prices, filter by location, and see inspection ratings, all in one place. Their OpenScore feature adds extra transparency, helping you make a confident, well-informed choice.

Trust your instincts (and the data)

Choosing a Parkinson’s care home is a big decision, and while the facts are important, never underestimate the power of your gut feeling. When you walk into a care home or speak to the staff, you’ll likely get a sense of whether it feels right. That feeling, whether it’s a warm sense of reassurance or an uneasy instinct, shouldn’t be ignored. Trusting your instincts helps guide you toward the place where your loved one will feel the most comfortable and cared for.

That said, it’s important to blend those instincts with solid, objective information. Inspection reports, verified ratings, and reviews from families who’ve been through the process can give you a clearer picture. These details are like the pieces of a puzzle, helping you see the full picture of care quality, staff training, and the home’s overall environment. Remember, specialist care isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s an essential part of providing the right support for someone with Parkinson’s, ensuring their comfort, safety, and quality of life.

You are not alone

You don’t have to figure all of this out on your own. When a loved one is living with Parkinson’s, the search for care can feel emotional, confusing, and at times, overwhelming. But there is help available—support that’s not just compassionate, but tailored specifically to the challenges Parkinson’s brings. Knowing that your family member will be looked after by people who truly understand the condition can lift a huge weight off your shoulders.

That’s where a Parkinson’s care home can make all the difference. These settings aren’t just about providing meals and medication, they’re designed with the condition in mind. From staff trained in neurological care to regular access to specialist therapies, everything is geared towards helping residents live more comfortably, safely, and with greater independence. The right environment can ease physical symptoms, support emotional wellbeing, and offer a sense of stability that makes everyday life feel a little more uplifting.

It also gives families peace of mind. When you know that your loved one is in a place where their needs are recognised, respected, and responded to with expertise, it becomes easier to focus on simply being family again, rather than feeling like a full-time carer.

You’re not alone—and you don’t have to rush. But when the time feels right, take that first step with confidence. The right care is out there, and it can make all the difference.

Our friendly and knowledgeable team at Autumna are also on hand to help you with any additional queries you may have. Simply call us on 01892 335 330.