The AskBart journal
Advice, guides & stories for families.
Clear, jargon-free guidance on choosing care, funding it and supporting someone you love — written by our independent care experts.
★ Editor’s pickEarly Signs and Symptoms of Dementia (2026)
The early signs of dementia, how they differ from normal ageing, and what to do if you’re worried about someone.
Early Signs and Symptoms of Dementia (2026)
The early signs of dementia, how they differ from normal ageing, and what to do if you’re worried about someone.
The Types of Dementia Explained (2026)
Alzheimer’s, vascular, Lewy body and frontotemporal dementia — the main types, how common they are, and how they differ.
The Stages of Dementia: What to Expect (2026)
How dementia typically progresses through early, middle and late stages — and how care needs change along the way.
Who Pays for Care Home Fees? A Plain-English Guide (2026)
The three ways care home fees get paid — self-funding, council funding and the NHS — and how to work out which applies to you.
How Much Does a Care Home Cost in the UK? (2026)
What care homes really cost in 2026, why prices vary so much, and the funding help that could bring the bill down.
Benefits You Can Claim in a Care Home (2026)
The benefits that can help with care home costs — including Attendance Allowance — and how moving into care affects them.
How to Choose a Care Home: A Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
A calm, step-by-step way to choose the right care home — from working out the level of care needed to visiting and deciding.
Residential vs Nursing Home: What’s the Difference? (2026)
The difference between a residential care home and a nursing home, what each costs, and how to tell which one you need.
Types of Care Homes Explained (2026)
Residential, nursing, dementia and respite care — plus assisted living and retirement villages — explained in plain English.
When Is the Right Time for a Care Home? (2026)
The signs that suggest it may be time to consider a care home, and a calm way to make the decision as a family.
What Is a Care Needs Assessment? (2026)
What a local authority care needs assessment involves, who can have one, and what happens afterwards.
Care Home or Home Care? Pros and Cons (2026)
How a care home compares with care at home — the benefits, the costs and how to work out which suits you.
Lasting Power of Attorney, Explained (2026)
What a Lasting Power of Attorney is, the two types, how to set one up — and why doing it early matters so much.
What Rights Do Care Home Residents Have? (2026)
The rights of care home residents — dignity, choice, privacy and safety — and what to do if they aren’t being met.
Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), Explained (2026)
What DoLS means, when it applies in a care home, and how it protects people who can’t consent to their care.
Moving Into a Care Home: A Checklist (2026)
What to pack and prepare for a move into a care home, and how to make the first days as smooth as possible.
What Is Respite Care? Benefits and How to Arrange It (2026)
What respite care is, how it helps both the person and their carer, and how to arrange a short stay.
Settling Into a Care Home: How to Help (2026)
Practical ways to help a loved one settle into a care home, what to expect in the early weeks, and when to seek help.
10 Inspiring Dementia Care Home Decorating Ideas For 2025!
Explore dementia care home decorating ideas to create a safe, calming, and familiar environment that supports residents' well-being
Dementia Live In Care - An Expert Guide For 2025!
Discover everything you need to know about dementia live-in care, from benefits to caregiving tips, ensuring the best support for your loved ones.
Care Home Contracts - An Expert Guide For 2025!
Understand care home contracts with this guide, ensuring clarity on terms, fees, and rights before making important decisions for your loved ones.
State Pension Payment Date to Change for Millions
Your state pension payment might arrive unexpectedly early in April 2025 - learn why this crucial change affects millions of retired Brits.
Survey Shows 58% Of Care Workers Are Currently Paid Below The National Living Wage
Despite soaring demand for care services, most workers earn poverty wages - exposing a shameful reality in an industry dominated by women and minorities.
UK First’ Health and Social Care Bill to Receive Royal Assent in Wales
Wales defies British healthcare norms with a groundbreaking Health Bill while England's £86,000 care cost cap crumbles away. What changed?
5 Amazing Black and White Kitchen Ideas You Need to See
Never settle for a dull kitchen when these stunning black and white designs can transform your space into a masterpiece.
Can I Get A Mobility Car On Standard Rate Pip - An Expert Guide
Find out why standard PIP mobility payments won't qualify for Motability cars, but discover alternative solutions that could transform your transportation options.
Best Best Mobility Scooter Uk
Browse top-rated UK mobility scooters from leading brands, discovering essential features that guarantee comfort and independence for your lifestyle.
20 Amazing Lake Aesthetics Decor Ideas You Need to See
Stunning lake house decor transforms ordinary spaces into waterfront retreats with these 20 nature-inspired design elements perfect for coastal living.
20 Amazing Korean House Decor Ideas You Need to See
Modern Korean decor transforms homes with minimalist beauty, from elegant hanji screens to peaceful pottery - discover these stunning design secrets.
20 Amazing Kitchen Wall Ideas You Need to See
Kitchen wall transformations that'll stun your guests, from bold geometrics to botanical murals—discover design ideas that redefine your cooking space.
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Latest articles
The Types of Dementia Explained (2026)
Alzheimer’s, vascular, Lewy body and frontotemporal dementia — the main types, how common they are, and how they differ.
The Stages of Dementia: What to Expect (2026)
How dementia typically progresses through early, middle and late stages — and how care needs change along the way.
When Should Someone with Dementia Move into a Care Home? (2026)
The signs it may be time for dementia care, how to weigh up staying at home, and how to plan the move with less stress.
Caring for Someone with Dementia: How to Cope (2026)
Practical tips for supporting someone with dementia day to day — and, just as importantly, how to look after yourself.
Sundowning and Dementia: How to Manage It (2026)
What sundowning is, why it happens in dementia, and practical ways to ease late-afternoon agitation.
How to Talk to Someone Living with Dementia (2026)
Practical, kind ways to communicate with someone who has dementia — and the things it helps to avoid.
Who Pays for Care Home Fees? A Plain-English Guide (2026)
The three ways care home fees get paid — self-funding, council funding and the NHS — and how to work out which applies to you.
How Much Does a Care Home Cost in the UK? (2026)
What care homes really cost in 2026, why prices vary so much, and the funding help that could bring the bill down.
Benefits You Can Claim in a Care Home (2026)
The benefits that can help with care home costs — including Attendance Allowance — and how moving into care affects them.
Care Home Top-Up Fees, Explained (2026)
What third-party top-up fees are, when they’re allowed, and when a care home top-up is unlawful.
The Care Home Means Test, Explained (2026)
How the local authority financial assessment works, the £23,250 and £14,250 thresholds, and what counts as your money.