User guide
Finding your way around the guide
To navigate between pages, click or tap the arrows to go forwards to the next page or backwards to the previous one. The arrows can be found either side of the page and at the bottom, too (circled in green, below).
Menu/table of contents
Click or tap on the three horizontal lines in the top-right of your screen to open the main menu/table of contents. This icon is always visible whether you're using a computer, tablet or smartphone. The menu will open on top of the page you’re on. Click on any section title to visit that section. Click the cross at any time to close the table of contents.
Text size
On a computer, you'll see three different sized letter 'A's in the top-right of your screen. On a smartphone or tablet these are visible when you open the menu (see above). If you’re having trouble reading the guide, click or tap on each of the different 'A's to change the size of the text to suit you.
Pictures
On some images you'll see a blue double-ended arrow icon. Clicking or tapping on this will expand the picture so you can see more detail. Click or tap on the blue cross to close the expanded image.
Where we think a group of images will be most useful to you, we've grouped them together in an image gallery. Simply use the blue left and right arrows to scroll through the carousel of pictures.
Links
If you see a word or phrase that's bold and dark blue, you can click or tap on it to find out more. The relevant website will open in a new tab.
Jargon
If you see a word or phrase underlined, click or tap on the word and small window will pop up with a short explanation. Close this pop-up by clicking or tapping the cross in the corner.
Help
On a computer, you'll see a question mark icon in the top-right of your screen. On a smartphone or tablet this is visible when you open the menu (see above).
Clicking or tapping on the question mark will open this user guide. It opens on top of the page you're on and you can close it any time by clicking or tapping the cross in the top-right corner.
The best options for later life care
Many people will, at some point, need to arrange care for one or more of their loved ones or themselves. It’s an important, emotional decision – and everyone wants to know they’re making the right choices.
Which? Later Life Care provides in-depth guides, checklists and step-by-step advice on everything from staying independent at home in later life, to paying for a care home. It’s free to use for members and non-members.
For those who aren’t quite sure where to start, our Getting started page gives a simple overview of the main care options to consider, plus signposts to your potential next steps.
And if you're starting to explore ways to cover the costs, our Cost of care and eligibility tool helps to make sense of the options. The tool enables users to find out more about care home fees in England, paying for home care and funding options, as well as eligibility for local authority support, in a few short steps.
With our Care Services Directory, people can search for and compare care homes, carers who come to their own home, and local authority services anywhere in the UK. We also list local support groups for people living with dementia.
Arranging care can be emotionally draining, so we know that those who are making the decisions need support, too. They can find out what government benefits they could be entitled to, how to choose respite care, and what their rights are at work. Visit our site to find out more.