What are the 6 c's of care?

If you are searching for care, the one thing you want to know is that you are going to receive high quality support that is based on your unique needs and circumstances.

This is why the 6 c’s of care are so important.

The 6 c’s of care are Care, Compassion, Competence, Communication, Courage and Commitment. These values form the foundation of good care practice in the UK. They ensure the support you receive is not only clinically sound but also deeply human.

Originally shaped for NHS nursing staff, these values have grown far beyond their roots. Today, they’re seen as essential for anyone involved in delivering or managing person-centred care. Whether you’re choosing a home care service or exploring residential options, these six words offer a powerful way to understand what truly matters.

Why are the 6 c’s of care important?

We’ve all heard the horror stories of care that feels impersonal, rushed, or downright neglectful where people are treated like just another number rather than as an individual.

Indeed, several studies show that care home staff often struggle to build personal relationships with residents. Constant staff rotation, inadequate training, and rigid routines can make it difficult for some to provide respect for personal identity.

Separate research from the Personalised Care Institute (PCI) showed that although 90% of staff said they aimed to treat the “whole person,” only 54% felt it actually happened.

The bottom line is nobody wants to feel as though they are not getting the care they deserve. This is what makes the 6 c’s of care so important, because they take a more holistic approach in ensuring that every aspect of an individual's care is beneficial to them.

A deep dive into the 6 c’s of care

Now that we know what the 6 c’s of care are and why they matter, let’s dive deeper into what each of the guiding principles entail.

1. Care

Naturally providing good care should be at the heart of what every provider aims to do. However, it is more than just offering support when you need it. It also means putting you at the centre of the decision making. Early intervention, prevention and ensuring that you feel valued are equally as important in the process. Care, in this sense, is a mindset, not just a medical set of protocols.

2. Compassion

Compassion doesn’t just refer to professionals feeling sympathetic towards you. It’s also being proactive in ensuring that you feel cared for and free from suffering. Part of compassion is actively listening to you and any loved ones that are supporting you, showing kindness, and treating you with dignity regardless of the circumstance or situation.

3. Competence

Regardless of the type of care that is being provided, it needs to be done well. It means that you benefit from knowing that those who care for you have the right training and experience to ensure your care is safe and effective.

Health and social care professionals should stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the industry so that they are making decisions that work in your best interests.

4. Communication

Excellent communication clears up confusion and ensures that everyone feels heard. Great communication in care isn’t about using complicated words. It’s about honest, clear and respectful conversation, whether that’s with you the careseeker, your family, or fellow carers. Care professionals should also ensure that your information is handled securely and sensitively to keep it confidential.

5. Courage

Ultimately, good care often involves making the hard decisions and standing up for what is right, even when that decision is difficult. This means speaking up whenever concerns come up and upholding ethical standards without being afraid to ask for help when needed.

In many respects, having courage is all about accountability and transparency. That is only possible when those in charge of your care serve your best interests at all times regardless of the outcome.

6. Commitment

Commitment in this context can be summed up as having the perseverance and consistency to develop your skills and knowledge continuously. Caregivers should go above and beyond by showing up again and again with the same level of dedication and attention, even on the tough days.

How to spot the 6 C’s of care

It’s one thing to read about values like compassion or competence but how can you be sure that the care you receive will be guided by these principles?

This section walks you through practical signs to look for. These include tone of voice, staff consistency, dignity in routines, willingness to answer questions among other things.

Communication is key

Start by noticing how you’re spoken to. Do you feel like a person with a story, or just another name on a list? Tone, warmth, and genuine interest speak volumes.

Pay attention to how staff interact with each other too - good communication behind the scenes often means better care for you. If the atmosphere feels rushed or tense, trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to ask more questions.

Ask questions

Ask about staff qualifications and how they manage complex or challenging conditions. If you have specific needs, check that the team is trained to support them safely and confidently.

Providers who welcome questions and offer clear, honest answers show strong communication and competence. Openness about both strengths and challenges also reflects true courage and commitment.

Read their reviews and ratings

Reviews offer a valuable glimpse into everyday life at a care home. Personal feedback reveals how people feel and being treated with respect which matters just as much as official ratings.

In terms of ratings, it is prudent to remember that while CQC ratings provide a snapshot, many are outdated, and the regulator has admitted it could take up to two years to address these delays.

That’s where OpenScore comes in. If you’re looking for care that truly reflects the 6 c’s of care, OpenScore offers more than a number. It brings together multiple data points to give a clearer, more balanced view of a provider’s quality helping you make more confident, informed decisions.

Observe the atmosphere and routines

Dignity is often shown in the little details. Take note of how people are supported during mealtimes or how private moments, like personal care, are handled. Are routines built around the individual, or does it feel like everyone is expected to fit into the same rigid schedule? A service that puts people first will be respectful and attentive to personal preferences. This is where you see care and compassion in motion.

You deserve the care that sees the whole you

Whether you're just beginning your search or narrowing down options, let the 6 c’s of care guide you. These values help you find care that builds trust and truly meets your needs.

Autumna is here to make that journey easier. Visit our homepage, select the type of care you need, and browse a list of providers. For care homes, you’ll also see their OpenScore - a quick way to gauge quality at a glance. The higher the score, the more confidence you can have in their care.

Want an even more tailored approach? Try our free shortlisting tool which can find providers for you. Or speak to our friendly team on 01892 335 330. We're here to help you find care that truly feels right.