The AskBart journal
Advice, guides & stories for families. – page 5
Clear, jargon-free guidance on choosing care, funding it and supporting someone you love — written by our independent care experts.
Types of Care Homes Explained (2026)
Residential, nursing, dementia and respite care — and how they compare with assisted living and retirement villages — explained in plain English.
Deferred Payment Agreements: Using Your Home to Pay for Care (2026)
A Deferred Payment Agreement lets you delay selling your home to cover care fees, with the council recovering the cost later — usually from the sale.
Sheltered Housing Explained
Sheltered housing gives you your own front door plus a scheme manager, alarm and community — but not personal care. Here's how it works, what it costs, and when it's the right fit.
Making Your Money Last as a Self-Funder
Paying for your own care doesn't mean going it alone. Here's what self-funders can still claim, what protections apply, and how to make the money last.
Care Support for Veterans and Ex-Service Personnel
Veterans and their families can often claim extra funding and support that sits alongside standard care funding — here's what exists and how to claim it.
Local Authority Care Funding: How to Apply (2026)
Council funding for care isn't automatic — you have to apply. Here's how the needs assessment and financial assessment work, and what they mean for your contribution.
Finding a Care Home for Couples (2026)
Many couples fear being separated by care. With the right home and some planning, staying together is usually possible — here's how to find one that works for both of you.
The Care Home Viewing Checklist: Questions to Ask (2026)
A visit tells you far more than any brochure. Here's exactly what to ask, what to look for, and how to spot the signs of good — and poor — care.
Care Jargon Explained: an A–Z Glossary
A plain-English A–Z glossary of the terms, abbreviations and acronyms you'll meet when arranging care — from CQC and DoLS to means tests and top-up fees.
NHS Continuing Healthcare: Could the NHS Pay for Your Care? (2026)
NHS Continuing Healthcare can cover the full cost of your care, with no means test. Here's who qualifies, how the assessment works, and how to appeal a refusal.
How to Read a CQC Report (and What the Ratings Mean) (2026)
CQC ratings are a starting point, not the whole picture. Here's how to read a full report properly before you choose a care home.
Assisted Living vs a Care Home: What’s the Difference? (2026)
Assisted living and care homes both offer support in later life, but they're built for different levels of need. Here's how to tell which one fits.