The Pastures
InadequateThe Pastures is a 13-bed care home in Hales, Norfolk, operated by Elizabeth Fitzroy Support.
Care homes in Hales
Hales is a well-established area with a notably higher share of over-65s than the national average, suggesting a mature retirement community. Care provision is available, and there's a good range of social and dining venues to explore — though services are more limited than in a larger town.
Living in Hales
High Retirement Community
What do these badges mean?
- High Retirement Community — An above-average share of residents are aged 65 and over (ONS Census) — often a sign of established later-life communities and services.
Green SpacesC
Limited — parks, playing fields & outdoor space nearby
Based on Norfolk data (town-level not yet available)
Daily ConveniencesB
Good — shops, supermarkets & places to eat nearby
Based on Norfolk data (town-level not yet available)
How we grade areas
Grades are relative, comparing this area against others of the same type across the UK. Amenity grades are based on OpenStreetMap counts within a fixed radius. The Safety grade ranks recorded police crime — per head of population where ONS figures are available, otherwise by total recorded crime. Figures are estimates to aid research, not a substitute for visiting an area.
Sources — crime: Police.uk, April 2026; amenities: OpenStreetMap, updated June 2026.
How care costs compare
Estimated from published weekly fees for homes in the area. Actual costs vary by care needs and room type.
Care homes in Hales on the map
- Good
- Inadequate
Care homes (2)
Kittens Lane
CQC GoodKittens Lane is a 10-bed care home in Norwich, Norfolk.
Is Hales a good retirement location?
Hales suits people looking for a quieter setting with an active older population nearby. The area has a solid social scene and parks to walk in, but everyday amenities like shops are sparse, so a car or good transport links matter. It's not a bustling hub, but the established retirement presence means you'll likely find others in a similar life stage.
Health & support
- Medical access: You'll need to establish where your nearest GP surgery and pharmacy are; check journey times carefully, as local provision may be limited.
- Safety: Recorded crime in the area is low, though violent crime and anti-social behaviour do feature in reported offences.
- Family & connection: Consider how near family support networks are — with fewer shops and services on foot, proximity to help can be important.
Finances & daily life
- Cost of care: Compare local care-home fees with the national average; check directly with providers to understand what's available and whether costs fit your budget.
- Transport: Look into local bus services and any rail links to nearby cities; many residents will benefit from having a car or reliable community transport.
- Housing options: A range of care homes operates in the area; visit and compare to find one suited to your needs and finances.
Lifestyle & environment
- Green space & hobbies: With 35 parks nearby, there's good opportunity for walks and outdoor interests; explore what clubs and groups meet locally.
- Community: A good choice of restaurants, cafes and pubs supports social life; ask care homes about memory cafés and activity groups they run or connect to.
- Climate: Typical East of England weather — cool winters, mild summers, frequent rain; prepare for changeable conditions.
Things to weigh up
- Limited everyday shopping: Only one supermarket is listed locally, so you or your support network will need to plan errands or arrange deliveries.
- Sparse day-to-day services: With few shops and services within easy walking distance, independence without a car may be limited — important if mobility becomes an issue.
Common questions
How many care homes are there in Hales?
There are 2 care homes listed in and around Hales on AskBart. You can filter them by care type, CQC rating and facilities to find the right fit.
Which care homes in Hales are rated Outstanding or Good by the CQC?
1 of the 2 care homes in and around Hales are rated Good or Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission. Ratings are published by the CQC following regular inspections.
Can I get council funding for care in Hales?
If the person needing care has savings and assets below £23,250, Norfolk Council may contribute towards fees. You can request a free care needs assessment and financial assessment through the council's adult social care team before choosing a home.
What's included in a care home's weekly fees in Hales?
A care home's weekly fee in Hales usually covers accommodation, all meals, day-to-day personal care, housekeeping, laundry and activities. Extras such as hairdressing, chiropody, outings and one-to-one care are often charged separately, so ask each home for a full breakdown of what is and isn't included.
What's the difference between residential and nursing care?
Residential care homes help with everyday personal care — washing, dressing, meals and prompting medication. Nursing homes provide the same support plus a qualified nurse on site around the clock for residents with ongoing medical needs. Homes in Hales may offer one or both, so check each listing for the care types it provides.
Could the NHS pay for care in Hales?
If a person's needs are primarily health-related rather than social, they may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare, which can fully fund a care-home placement regardless of their savings. Eligibility is decided by the local NHS integrated care board after an assessment — it's separate from means-tested council funding.
How do I choose a care home in Hales?
Start by shortlisting homes in Hales by the type of care needed and their CQC rating, then visit in person. On a visit, read the home's latest CQC report, ask about staffing levels and fees, and see how residents are supported day to day. AskBart lists each home's rating, facilities and fees so you can compare before arranging a visit.
Who regulates care homes in Hales?
Care homes in Hales are regulated and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England. The CQC rates each home as Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, or Inadequate following regular inspections — you can read each home's latest report on the CQC website.
What other nearby areas have care homes in Norfolk?
If you're widening your search beyond Hales, nearby areas with care homes include Breckland, Bungay, Cromer, Downham Market and East Dereham. You can browse each from the list of nearby locations on this page.
Talk to a Hales care expert.
Our independent advisors know the local homes inside out. Get free, friendly guidance with no obligation — just clear answers when you need them.