Care homes in Wells

Wells is a historic market town in Somerset with a notably older population — over a quarter of residents are aged 65+, well above the national average. It offers a quieter pace, good everyday access, and genuine community roots, though you'll want to factor in how close family support is and what the local care provision really suits your needs.

Average residential fee in Wells: £1,399/weekabove the UK average of £1,279

Living in Wells
High Retirement Community
What do these badges mean?
  • High Retirement CommunityAn above-average share of residents are aged 65 and over (ONS Census) — often a sign of established later-life communities and services.
SafetyB

Goodsafer than 60% of similar areas

Green SpacesB

Goodparks, playing fields & outdoor space nearby

Daily ConveniencesB

Goodshops, supermarkets & places to eat nearby

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

The estimated average residential care fee in Wells is about £1,399/week, above the UK average of £1,279.

Estimated from published weekly fees for homes in the area. Actual costs vary by care needs and room type.

Council funding & top-up in Wells

The average residential care home in Wells costs about £1,399/week, while Somerset’s published usual rate is around £805/week (2025). If you qualify for council funding, expect a likely third-party top-up of about £594/week (≈ £30,888/year) to bridge the gap.

Average fee in Wells
£1,399/wk
Somerset usual rate
£805/wk
Likely top-up gap
£594/wk

Estimate only. Councils fund care only when the person’s assets are below the means-test threshold, and actual fees, funding and top-ups vary by home, room and assessed needs. Compares the area average against Somerset’s published usual cost of residential care (2025).

Care homes in Wells on the map
  • Good
Care homes (2)

1 in Wells, 1 more within 10 miles · updated September 2026

From £1399/wk·64 beds·All en-suite·Barchester Healthcare

Nestled in the charming city of Wells, Crandon Springs is a distinguished Barchester care home that offers both residential and dementia care. The home is set…

DementiaResidentialRespite
82 beds

Torrwood Care Centre is a care home in Wells, Somerset, operated by Methodist Homes.

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What care costs in Wells
Residential (avg)
£1,399/week
Dementia (avg)
£1,399/week

Wondering if that’s cheaper than staying put? Compare a care home with care at home, or see who pays.

House prices in Somerset

The average house price in Somerset is £281,571, based on HM Land Registry data. The graph shows sold-price trends by property type over the last 30 years.

Average price by property type

All property types
£281,571
Detached
£459,097
Semi-detached
£289,125
Terraced
£233,473
Flats & maisonettes
£135,680

Source: HM Land Registry UK House Price Index, to Jun 2026 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Figures are area averages for the wider local authority, not retirement properties specifically.

Types of care in Wells

Residential care homes

1 in Wells

Residential care homes provide help with everyday living in a safe, sociable setting — the right choice when someone needs support day to day but not round-the-clock nursing.

Dementia care homes

1 in Wells

Specialist dementia care homes provide trained staff and a carefully designed, calm environment for people living with dementia — supporting safety, routine and wellbeing.

Respite care

1 in Wells

Respite care is a short stay in a care home — to give a family carer a break, or to help someone recover after a hospital stay.

Safety

81 crimes reported in April 2026, sourced from Police.uk.

  • Violent crime27
  • Shoplifting13
  • Public order12
  • Criminal damage & arson10

Is Wells a good retirement location?

Wells is established as a retirement area, with a strong older population (25.4% aged 65+, compared to 18.6% nationally). It suits those seeking a smaller, walkable town with cultural depth and a settled community, away from urban bustle. The area offers reasonable everyday services and a defined social calendar. However, it's not a major care hub, so choice of homes may be limited and family proximity matters more here than in larger centres.

Health & support

  • Medical access: Wells has GP surgeries and pharmacies within the town; Yeovil Hospital is the nearest emergency care, reachable by car or local transport.
  • Safety: Recorded crime stood at 81 offences in April 2026, with violent crime, shoplifting and public order as the most common categories. This is a relatively quiet market town, though not crime-free.
  • Family & connection: With a quarter of the population aged 65+, you'll find peers and established networks; consider whether adult children and carers can visit regularly and whether you want to be close to family support.

Finances & daily life

  • Cost of care: Care home fees in South West England sit above the national average; Wells itself is not a budget option, so check individual home fees against your budget and any local authority support you may qualify for.
  • Transport: Wells is walkable for everyday needs; buses serve the town and link to nearby centres. There is no direct rail station in Wells, though rail connections are available through Shepton Mallet or further afield. A car is useful but not essential for someone mobile.
  • Housing options: Wells has a modest range of care homes and retirement provision. Choice is narrower than in larger towns, so early enquiry and planning are important.

Lifestyle & environment

  • Green space & hobbies: The town has 3 parks and 4 allotments, plus access to the Mendip Hills for walking. Wells Cathedral and the Bishop's Palace are focal points for community interest and events.
  • Community: Wells supports a strong cultural and social calendar around its cathedral and town centre. There are 17 restaurants and cafes and 18 pubs and bars, many traditional gathering places. Local groups and memory cafés exist, though you should confirm current provision with individual homes.
  • Climate: South West England has a mild, maritime climate with higher rainfall in winter and reasonable summers — typical for the region.

Things to weigh up

  • Limited care-home choice: Wells is not a major care hub, so the number of homes and schemes is smaller than in larger towns or dedicated retirement destinations; plan visits and enquiries well ahead.
  • Distance to rail: Wells has no direct railway station; if regular rail travel matters to you or visiting family, this is a practical trade-off to weigh.
  • Above-average fees: Care costs in the South West run higher than the national average; budget carefully and explore what financial support or schemes each home offers.
Common questions
How many care homes are there in Wells?

There are 2 care homes listed in and around Wells on AskBart. You can filter them by care type, CQC rating and facilities to find the right fit.

How much does a care home in Wells cost?

Care homes in Wells range from around £1,399 per week, with averages of £1,399 for residential, £1,399 for dementia care. Fees vary by home, care type and the level of support required.

How do care home fees in Wells compare to the national average?

The average residential care fee around Wells is about £1,399 per week — above the UK average of £1,279. Individual fees depend on the home, room and level of care.

Which care homes in Wells are rated Outstanding or Good by the CQC?

2 of the 2 care homes in and around Wells are rated Good or Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission. Ratings are published by the CQC following regular inspections.

What types of care are available in Wells?

Homes in and around Wells offer dementia (1), residential (1), respite (1). Availability varies by home — use the filters above to find homes offering the specific care type you need.

How many care homes in Wells offer dementia care?

1 care home in and around Wells offer specialist dementia care. Use the dementia filter above to see them, and check each home's CQC report for its record on caring for people living with dementia.

Do any care homes in Wells offer respite care?

Yes — 1 care home in and around Wells offer respite (short-stay) care, for recovery after a hospital stay or to give a regular carer a break. Availability changes often, so contact the home directly to check.

How safe is the Wells area?

Wells is graded B for safety on AskBart — safer than 60% of similar areas. This is drawn from police-recorded crime data and compared against similar areas.

Can I get council funding for care in Wells?

If the person needing care has savings and assets below £23,250, Mendip 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 Wells?

A care home's weekly fee in Wells 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 Wells may offer one or both, so check each listing for the care types it provides.

Could the NHS pay for care in Wells?

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 Wells?

Start by shortlisting homes in Wells 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 Wells?

Care homes in Wells 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 Mendip?

If you're widening your search beyond Wells, nearby areas with care homes include Frome and Shepton Mallet. You can browse each from the list of nearby locations on this page.

Talk to a Wells care expert.

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