Lottie Awards 2025 is live! Click here to view the winners including the UK’s Top 100 care homes!
Lottie Awards 2025 is live! Click here to view the winners including the UK’s Top 100 care homes!
Welcome to the Lottie Blog, the one-stop-shop for everything you need to know about elderly care. From easy-to-understand care guides to insight on the most sought-after care home facilities, there's nothing about elderly care we don't know or love (well the second part isn't completely true).
Click here for a checklist of questions to ask when viewing a care home. Our checklist will guide you through the process so you can make a confident choice.
Click here for a checklist of questions to ask prospective home care agencies, including about their carers and how evolving care needs will be supported.
We’ve explained the key differences between home care agencies and self-employed carers to help you make the right choice for you or your loved one.
We sat down with Trixi Koos, Unilever’s Senior Reward & Benefits Manager, to learn more about how they support employees juggling work and unpaid care.
Click here for insights about carer leave policies across Europe. Our analysis shows that the UK offers minimal support for employees who look after loved ones.
Discover 11 of the UK's best care homes for rehabilitation. These homes support people to recover and regain independence following an operation or illness.
Here are the different options for care homes and home care, advantages, other key considerations, and the cost of both, to help you choose the right option.
Discover care homes offering support for people living with Parkinson’s disease here. We've also explained how these homes look after people with Parkinson's.
We've partnered with four care home residents to celebrate London Fashion Week, showing that age and dementia are no barriers to creativity and self-expression.
Care home residents across the UK have shared their ultimate relationship advice to celebrate Valentine's Day 2025, acting as Agony Aunts and Uncles.
Discover invaluable information for care seekers, including the average age people go into care homes, and how to know the right time to enter a care home.
Here are Lottie's retirement homes to watch in 2025. Luxurious facilities and friendly communities of like-minded individuals make these homes so desirable.
Lottie has been crowned winner of the prestigious Startups 100 Index for 2025. Learn more about Startups 100 here, and how we’ve grown to achieve 1st place.
Learn more about the care home residents who starred in our ‘A Carers Christmas’ campaign video, shot on location at Chorleywood Manor Care Home.
This Christmas, 7.3 million people in the UK will balance caregiving with festivities. "A Carers Christmas” celebrates their invaluable contributions.
The government has unveiled their 2024 Autumn Budget, with several key callouts for older adults and unpaid carers. Here are the most important points.
Our research shows that unpaid carers across the UK face an average annual shortfall of £2,551, despite Carer's Allowance earnings threshold increasing to £181.
Here are the findings of our care seeker survey, including how finding care in 2024 works and what care seekers consider most important when searching for care.
This article explains whether you’re eligible for six weeks of free intermediate care after a hospital stay, how intermediate care works and what happens after.
We’ve explained care funding in Scotland, including whether you or your local council will pay for care, and whether you could be eligible for NHS funding.
This article explains care funding in Wales, including whether you or your local council will pay for care, both in a care home and through home care.
When moving from one care home to another in a different country or local authority, funding rules can change. We've explained what happens when moving.
You may need home adaptations to continue living safely in your own home. This article explains adapting your home, including what these adaptations are.
Sandwich carers often struggle to care for both their elderly loved ones and children. We've explained the challenges they face and the support available.
We’re delighted to announce that we’ve teamed up with The Joy Club - an award-winning online community for people on their retirement journeys.
The total value of your savings and income (and assets for care in a care home) determines whether you'll pay for care. Here's how self funding care works.
The lack of support for the care sector is leading to a caregiving crisis. That's why we've explained Labour’s plans for carers and the care sector as a whole.
Direct payments provide support for carers, and allow care seekers to arrange their own care. Learn more about direct payments and whether you're eligible here.
We've explained if people living with Parkinson's have to pay for care, including home care and care in a care home, and if you're eligible for NHS funding.
This article explains whether people living with dementia have to pay care home fees, along with other funding support and benefits you could be eligible for.
McCarthy Stone is one of the biggest retirement resale property providers, so we’ve rounded up the best McCarthy Stone Resales retirement properties in the UK.
If you or your parents are going into care, you might be wondering how this will be paid. We've explained the different care funding options available.
Whether you’ll pay for your home care depends on the results of a financial assessment. This article explains when you have to pay for carers in your own home.
The 7-year rule for care home fees relates to giving away your assets. We've explained how this works and whether they'll be counted in an assessment.
Ahead of the Taylor Swift UK Eras Tour, we’ve analysed each of Taylor Swift’s songs to reveal the ultimate dementia-friendly Taylor Swift playlist.
With a shared love of Taylor Swift, the UK's "Senior Swifties" have recreated the singer's most famous album covers ahead of the UK Eras Tour on 7 June 2024.
Through tenancy in common, you and your partner each own a portion of your home. Here, we've explained how tenants in common care home fees works.
Here's the average cost of respite care across the UK for 2025, both in care homes and through care at home. This includes residential and nursing respite care.
Here are the average dementia care home costs across the UK for 2025, including residential dementia care and nursing dementia care.
People with dementia usually have to pay for their own care, depending on the value of their capital. We've explained the dementia tax and how it affects you.
There are lots of people and organisations you should tell when entering care. We've put together a list of who to inform when moving into a care home.
We've explained if your son or daughter can continue living in your house if you go into care, if you're unsure what getting care means for people in your home.
If your loved one has a serious or terminal illness, at-home hospice care allows them to be comfortable and looked after with compassion in their own home.
We’ve spoken to care home residents who have shared their pearls of wisdom for forging long-lasting relationships, including how to keep the romance alive.
From April 2024, the Carer’s Leave Act will come into effect, meaning employees who provide long-term care can get up to one week’s unpaid leave per year.
If you think you or your loved one could have dementia, it's important to get it diagnosed early. Here, we've explained how to get a dementia diagnosis.
Through overnight care at home, a dedicated carer will stay with your loved one throughout the night to ensure their care and support needs are met.
Comfort care is a key part of end-of-life care, ensuring your loved one is cared for with dignity and compassion. Here's what it is and how to arrange it.
If your loved one has been given a dementia diagnosis, knowing what to do next can feel overwhelming. We've rounded up support available and the next steps.
In a luxury care home, your loved one will enjoy a stylish setting and state-of-the-art facilities. We’ve gathered 11 of the best luxury care homes in the UK.
Nursing care at home allows your loved one to receive professional care from a registered nurse, without having to leave the comfort of their own home.
There are four different stages of dementia: Pre-clinical, early-stage, mid-stage and late-stage. We've explained these stages and what they mean.
If your loved one has dementia but wishes to remain in the comfort of their own home, dementia care at home may be the best option. We've explained this here.
There are numerous types of care to choose from. We've explained the different care homes and home care options for older adults, along with alternatives.
If your loved one has dementia, the safest environment for them could be a care home. We’ve explained when someone with dementia should go into a care home.
A care needs assessment works out what kind of care you or your loved one requires. Here, we’ve explained how to arrange an assessment and what it involves.
In October 2025, new rules for care payments were due to be introduced, affecting whether and how much you'd pay for care. These rules have now been scrapped.
Residents at Brookwater House Care Home in Enfield, London, have shared their secrets to helping younger generations find self-confidence in the modern world.
Here's our guide to help you choose a care home, including questions to ask when viewing a care home and the steps you should take to make your decision.
From public transport links to cultural attractions, retiring in the city can be a brilliant decision. We’ve rounded up 10 of the best city retirement homes.
In the lead-up to the Southampton International Boat Show, residents at Alston House Care Home in Eastleigh have been by creating and racing their own boats.
Our research has revealed the biggest myths about caring for someone with Alzheimer’s. These can affect those living with the condition and their caregivers.
We’ve rounded up some of the best retirement homes in the countryside and have explained the numerous benefits of a countryside retirement lifestyle.
Living in a care home with a wonderful garden will benefit your loved one’s wellbeing. That’s why we’ve rounded up the UK's best care homes with gardens!
Portsdown View Care Home in Havant recently hosted a ‘Coachella’ inspired festival! Here, the local community enjoyed fun and age-friendly activities.
The Lionesses' football journey has inspired people across the nation - both young and old. Care home residents have shared their advice ahead of the final.
Through palliative care at home, your loved one will receive comforting support within a familiar setting, surrounded by the people they cherish the most.
If you live in Havant, get ready to groove, sing and celebrate as Portsdown View Care Home presents Carechella - a family-friendly and age-inclusive festival.
Through respite care at home, you’ll be looked after on a short-term basis within your own home. Here, we’ve explained how this works and how to arrange it.
Depending on your savings, you may be eligible for support with paying care fees in England. Here, we've explained what you need to know about care funding.
Home care costs vary throughout the UK, and we've highlighted how much you might pay. You could also be eligible for financial support from your council.
ARCO represents the UK’s Integrated Retirement Community sector. We’ve explained what ARCO do and have highlighted some amazing ARCO-partnered retirement homes.
To reminiscence about wonderful memories, families in Birmingham care homes have recreated their favourite childhood photos and brought these back to life.
Independent living allows you to continue leading an independent lifestyle in later life. We've highlighted independent living properties throughout the UK.
Assisted living facilities and homes support residents with day-to-day tasks, along with personal care if needed. Find assisted living properties here.
Being an informal carer is rewarding and challenging alike. So, we’ve explained everything informal carers need to know, including what resources are available.
Through adult day care, you'll take part in meaningful activities within comfortable surroundings. Here's how you can use our service to find a day care centre.
There’s a range of benefits available to pensioners. We’ve gone over each of these benefits here, including whether you’re eligible and how to claim.
From Riverstone Living to McCarthy Stone, we've rounded up the 6 best retirement flats to rent in the UK, including in the hotspots of Devon and Yorkshire.
We've gathered up 10 of the best retirement flats for sale in the UK. Here, you’ll have lots of opportunities to socialise with similarly-aged residents.
Retirement bungalows offer a brilliant environment for older adults to unwind. Here, we’ve gathered 12 of the best over 55 retirement bungalows to rent or buy.
To mark the coronation of King Charles on the 6th of May, care home residents across the UK have come together to share their words of wisdom for the new King.
The Care Inspectorate Wales is the regulator of social care (including care homes) and childcare in Wales. Learn more about the services they regulate here.
Disability Living Allowance is a benefit for people with a disability who need financial support. Though this is being replaced, many people still claim it.
Found CRM has transformed the digital healthcare and care home software sectors, making it easier for homes to manage care enquiries, staff training and more.
We’ve explained what Norovirus is, how to protect yourself from it, and the procedures care homes have in place to keep their residents safe.
Sensory gardens stimulate the senses while also having a calming effect on the mind, often for people with dementia. Here's how you can create a sensory garden.
To mark Valentine’s Day 2023, care home residents across the UK have shared their words of wisdom and ‘First Date Dos and Don’ts’ for younger generations.
Pension Credit is a benefit you can begin receiving once you pass the State Pension age. It’s aimed at older adults who require financial support.
We’ve highlighted some of the most promising care homes that have recently opened or are due to open at some point in 2025, including when they'll be opening.
Social care supports disadvantaged adults, older adults or children. Social care can include things like personal care, social work and emotional support.
Specifically designed for older adults, sheltered housing allows you to stay independent while knowing that help and support are available if required.
A Disabled Facilities Grant ensures the needs of disabled people are met in their day-to-day home life. These grants are available throughout most of the UK.
There are 5 stages of palliative care that can take place over several years. Understanding each stage will help you decide how to best put care into place.
Person-centred care is about making sure people who use care services are at the centre of everything, with their individual circumstances considered.
If you care for someone, a carer’s assessment looks at what help can make life easier. This assessment is for carers of people who are disabled, ill or elderly.
The responsibilities that come with caring for a loved one means many carers worry over the festive period. Here are seven ways to manage Christmas anxiety.
As Lottie has grown, so has Lottie's wonderful team of Care Experts! Find out more about them and life at Lottie.
Christmas is a wonderful time, but can be tough for those with dementia. As more people search for support, here's how to have a dementia-friendly Christmas.
Sometimes, a person can leave the hospital but isn't well enough to go home. Instead, they may enter a nursing care home through a Discharge to Assess pathway.
The popularity of retirement properties and homes has surged in recent years. Here, we've highlighted 11 of the best retirement rental properties in the UK.
Postoperative care is the care that you receive after a surgical procedure. We've explained what postoperative care at home and in the hospital is.
Companionship care services provide support for those who can still live independently within their own homes, but could do with some extra social interaction.
Our new research has analysed several lifestyle factors (including affordability, air pollution and wellbeing) to reveal the best places to retire in Scotland.
Warden-controlled housing is an option for older adults who require additional care. Here, we’ve explained exactly what warden controlled housing is.
Palliative care offers support to people with a terminal illness. This type of personalised care aims to make people feel supported and comfortable.
Our research has identified the biggest misconceptions about ageism that urgently need to be challenged in society. Here's what ageism is and examples of it.
Convalescent care is for people recovering from an illness or injury, or after having had an operation. Personal care and help with daily tasks are given.
The groundbreaking approaches adopted in dementia villages - including Hogeweyk in the Netherlands - have caught the eye of scientists and the media alike.
Through reminiscence therapy, photographs, personal possessions and music can all help stimulate fond thoughts of the past for individuals with dementia.
A deferred management fee becomes payable when you permanently vacate a retirement home. We’ve explained what deferred management fees are and how they work.
There are around 564,000 care home beds across 17,600 care homes in the United Kingdom. A large number of these homes sit within care home groups/providers.
We have a range of care homes for people with mental health conditions. Here, we’ve highlighted nine of the best care homes for mental health in the UK.
The Care Inspectorate regulates and inspects Scottish care services to ensure they’re up to scratch. Learn more about the Care Inspectorate here.
With social care experiencing a workforce crisis, we’re proud to be a founding member of the £500 Challenge – a campaign launched by The Care Workers’ Charity.
Care homes for young adults can support various needs, including physical and learning disabilities. Here are nine of the best care homes for young adults.
Many homes across the UK offer care for couples so they can stay together. We've highlighted 10 of the very best care homes for couples in the UK.
Only 3.5% of care homes in England are rated as ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission. Here are 12 amazing 'Outstanding' rated care homes in England.
Many residential and nursing care homes across the UK welcome people with various learning disabilities. Here are eight Lottie learning disability homes.
When juggling caregiving with work, providing care for a loved one can be a challenge. Here are our tips for looking after your wellbeing as a carer.
If your loved one requires regular care but they’d still prefer to continue living in their own home then live-in care could be the perfect solution.
New ONS research has found a substantial increase in fraud and computer scams involving older adults. Keep reading to learn more about avoiding pension scams.
With an ageing population, the UK is quickly becoming a multigenerational country. Our research has revealed the most age-friendly places in the UK.
EMI stands for Elderly Mentally Infirm and refers to care home residents with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. EMI units offer specialist care.
Music has long been thought to provide profound benefits to those with dementia. Lottie reveals its ultimate Spotify playlist for people living with dementia.
Personal care refers to any personal form of support and includes tasks that are essential for daily living like bathing, getting dressed and preparing meals.
Carer’s Allowance is the main benefit that carers can receive. We’ve explained everything you need to know about Carer’s Allowance, including how to claim it.
The purpose of a 12-week property disregard is to provide enough time to decide how your property will help you fund any care costs in the future.
As the colder months approach, more older adults than ever before are struggling to keep up with the cost of living and energy crisis.
Advocates in health and social care will support you through complex processes, including arranging a needs assessment and organising your personal budget.
As a carer, there are several state benefits that you may be entitled to. Read on to learn what each of these benefits is, how they work and how much they pay.
To ensure care providers offer an excellent level of support, the NHS introduced the six C’s of care. Learn more about these and why they're important here.
When researching and choosing a care home, you should be clued up on the exact costs and fees. For more information, read our handy guide on care home costs.
Our research has found that online searches from young carers looking for help have significantly increased. Learn more about available support here.
England boasts some idyllic seaside resorts. If you're nearing retirement and love the coast then check out our 10 best retirement villages by the sea!
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is England’s independent regulator of health and social care. The CQC ensures excellent care is provided to residents.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit that helps people with extra costs caused by living with a long-term health condition or disability.
If you or your loved one quickly require a regular income to pay for care fees then an immediate needs annuity for care costs could be the right option.
Independence is key to helping the elderly maintain a good quality of life. It’s crucial then that care services are able to promote independence in care.
Through domiciliary care, you or your loved one can receive care whilst remaining in the place where you likely feel most comfortable - at home.
Whether you’ve been looking after a family member for a while now or you’re just starting out, our article will explain how best to care for your loved one.
As we get older, our ability to deal with hot weather diminishes. When looking after an elderly loved one, you should know the symptoms of dehydration.
Care homes can improve the health and wellbeing of their residents through meaningful activities that improve quality of life and provide structure.
A financial assessment decides whether your local authority should help with care fees. This article explains how to get a financial assessment for care fees.
New research has found a surge of older workers returning to work after retiring. The cost-of-living crisis and a desire to keep busy has led ‘unretirement’.
Social services will create an elderly care package that lists the care and support required to meet your needs. This package will be part of a care plan.
Launching with over 250 retirement homes across 25 partners, our retirement marketplace has a range of affordable and luxury retirement homes to suit everyone.
To mark this year’s International Day of Friendship, care home residents have been sharing their wisdom with the younger generations on forming friendships.
Sundowning in dementia is common - yet the signs, symptoms and causes can be hard to spot. Read our guide on sundowning and dementia here.
Caring for someone with dementia can be challenging yet often rewarding. Better understanding dementia and how it progresses will make caring easier.
Respite care is a short-term solution where a different carer takes over your responsibilities. Learn about emergency respite care and taking a break from care.
Warm weather is a chance for many to enjoy the outdoors. Spending time outdoors can be valuable for health. However, too much heat poses a risk to the elderly.
Our new research has analysed several lifestyle factors that are crucial later in life to reveal the happiest and best retirement locations across the UK.
What are the best UK cities for over-60s to fall in love? Lottie reveals where's your best shot at finding the one.
Discover in which areas of the country you will find UK centenarians and how the data compares for UK men and women.
Memory care provides housing and 24/7 care for those living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Learn what memory care is and its benefits.
We’ve explained what a care home is and the different types, how to choose a care home, how much they cost and what they're like to live in.
We visited care homes across the country for Father's Day. In doing so, residents enthusiastically shared words of wisdom for new fathers and dads-to-be.
Here's how much retirement homes cost up and down the UK, along with the additional fees that go with owning a retirement home.
In this article, we’ve looked at whether or not you can take pets into a care home, the benefits of pets for elderly people and how to find a pet-friendly home.
Here, we’re taking a look at whether retirement homes are a good investment and what the future of UK retirement living looks like.
Retirement homes can provide a safe and luxurious environment for retirees. Learn more about the different types of retirement homes and their benefits.
Retirement villages are bespoke and carefully designed dwellings that help retirees enjoy a fulfilled later life. Learn more about retirement villages here.
Here are 15 of the best retirement villages in the UK that you should check out!
We have analysed steepness, amenities and sunshine hours to determine which are the best short walks in the UK for seniors to boost their well-being.
From home furnishings to your favourite music, there are endless ways to make your care home room feel cosy and familiar. Here are our top tips.
In a survey by The National Poll on Healthy Aging, over 1,000 pet-owners aged 50 to 80 were asked about the difference their pets made to their lives.
This article tackles deferred payment agreements - an arrangement with your local council where they'll pay for your care and you'll repay later on.
Looking at factors like amenities, accessibility and scenery, Lottie ranked the best areas in the UK for older people to go for a leisurely walk.
NHS continuing healthcare covers the full cost of an individual’s care and residential accommodation as a result of a disability, accident or illness.
We've taken a look at what happens to your state pension when you enter a care home, along with other benefits that you may receive.
Also known as extra-care housing, assisted living allows you to remain independent whilst receiving various levels of personal care.
We all feel lonely from time to time - but what do you do when you consistently feel lonely and isolated? Read on for our tips and solutions.
Though end-of-life care is usually associated with a hospice, under certain circumstances, it can also be received at home. This is what it involves.
There are plenty of fun and social activities the elderly can take part in! Here are 18 of our favourites.
With a rapidly ageing population, the UK's need for quality elderly care is greater than ever. But which cities have the best elderly care?
Many people consider solutions like selling their family home or putting this home in a trust to avoid care home fees - but is this allowed? Learn more here.
If your parents are entering a care home, you may be wondering whether next of kin are responsible for care home fees. We've answered this here.
Find out how a jointly owned property can affect your care home fees and whether you'll need to sell this property to pay for your fees.
What is NHS-funded nursing care and who is eligible for it? Learn more about this type of care and what it involves here.
Popular music has changed dramatically throughout the decades, with each era seeing different styles and genres rise in popularity as others fade away.
When a loved one goes into care, it can be difficult to figure out how often to visit them. Here are
In a care home, the term 'dignity' is one that often crops up. But do we understand the true meaning of dignity in care?
Being a care assistant in a care home involves a wide range of tasks and responsibilities. It's a challenging yet extremely rewarding job. Learn more here.
We've explored independent living and how it can help older or disabled people to live full and free lives.
Care home managers are responsible for running a care home in accordance with laws and regulations, including that of the Care Quality Commission.
While we hope you never find cause to complain about your care home experience, it's best to be prepared if you do need to make a complaint. Learn more here.
Care home fees can be pricey - 91% of UK care seekers think that care homes are expensive. We've explained what these fees cover and how to pay less.
Though care homes have an old-fashioned reputation, the reality has left this stereotype in the dust. Here's a flavour of what living in a care home is like.
There are several types of care homes, including privately owned, council-owned and charity-run care homes. We've explained the types of care home ownership.
Your loved one going into a care home can be a difficult experience for all involved. This article offers advice on every step of the process.
How do TV licences work in a care home and do you need to get one? Check out our guide to TV licences in a care home and get all the information you'll need.
It's not uncommon for people to move into a care home and find themselves feeling unhappy in their new surroundings. Learn about changing care homes here.
Things tend to go smoother in life when you have a plan - and your elderly care is no exception. Care plans highlight the level of support a person requires.
There are several benefits and allowances you can claim in a residential or nursing home to help you out with care costs.
Our UK-wide Care Seeker Survey aimed to uncover what people really want from a care home, including the culture, catering, activities and experiences on offer.
A 'top up' is required when the amount of money the council is willing to contribute, along with your own funding, isn't enough to pay for your care.
While care homes and nursing homes seem similar at first glance, there are several key differences. One will likely be better placed to meet your care needs.
A good care home will have several types of employees; from front-of-house staff to caterers, nurses, care workers, activity coordinators and managers.
Nursing care is designed to help people with limited mobility, physical disabilities, complex medical conditions or those in the advanced stages of an illness.
