Best Care Homes in Merseyside

Top-rated care homes providing exceptional residential and specialist care across Merseyside

Finding the right care home in Merseyside can feel overwhelming with so many options available. We’ve researched the top care homes across the region to help you make an informed decision. Here are the five best care homes in Merseyside, based on CQC ratings, facilities, and family feedback.

Our Top 5 Care Homes in Merseyside

1. Elmtree House Care Home, Newton-le-Willows

Living Developments | 32 Crow Lane West, Newton-le-Willows, WA12 9YG

Elmtree House stands out as Merseyside’s premier family-style care home, offering genuine boutique care in a beautifully converted Edwardian villa. With just 20 residents, this intimate setting ensures everyone receives truly personalised attention.

Key Features:

• Small, family environment with just 20 residents ensuring personal attention
• Beautiful Edwardian villa setting with period charm and character
• Specialist EMI care for dementia and related conditions
• Three large communal lounges including bright conservatory diner
• Hi-Lo bath, walk-in bath, and adapted shower facilities
• Secure gardens with greenhouse and charming fishpond
• Direct access to management and ownership for family concerns
• Four-week trial period to ensure suitability

Why Families Choose Elmtree House:

• Genuine home-from-home atmosphere impossible to replicate in larger facilities
• Staff who truly know each resident’s personality and preferences
• Excellent transport links serving St Helens, Warrington, and Liverpool areas
• Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
• Warm welcome guaranteed with tea and cakes during visits

Contact: 01925 291492 | elmtree@livingdevelopments.com

2. St Helens Hall, St Helens

Specialist dementia care home | 54 beds

St Helens Hall is a purpose-built specialist dementia care home that has consistently won awards for dedicated resident care. Built in 2008, it offers a modern approach to dementia care in peaceful surroundings.

Key Features:

• 54 bedrooms with light, airy feel
• Specialist dementia residential and respite care
• Quiet setting overlooking St Helens Cricket and Football grounds
• Two-minute walk to bus routes and local amenities
• Modern purpose-built facility designed for dementia care

Best For:

• Families seeking specialist dementia care
• Those preferring modern, purpose-built facilities
• Residents who benefit from structured dementia programmes

3. Broadoak Manor, St Helens

Mixed care facility | 120 beds

Broadoak Manor is a large care home offering nursing, residential, and memory care in a peaceful residential area of St Helens. The facility provides comprehensive care options for varying needs.

Key Features:

• 120 beds offering nursing, residential, and memory care
• Located in peaceful residential area of St Helens
• Multiple sitting rooms and communal spaces
• Comprehensive care for dementia residents
• Larger facility with varied care options
• Good accessibility for family visits

Best For:

• Families wanting nursing and residential care options in one facility
• Those who prefer larger care communities
• Residents requiring different levels of care over time

4. Victoria Care Home, Rainford

Four Seasons Care Group | Residential, nursing, dementia and respite care

Part of the established Four Seasons care group, Victoria Care Home provides high-quality care in the village of Rainford, convenient for St Helens, Warrington, and Liverpool.

Key Features:

• Residential, nursing, dementia, and respite care options
• Located in attractive village of Rainford
• Part of established Four Seasons care group
• Single occupancy rooms, most with private toilet facilities
• Good transport links to M62 motorway
• Close to local shops and amenities

Best For:

• Families preferring established care group reputation
• Those wanting village setting with good transport links
• Residents requiring flexibility between care types

5. Westvale House, Warrington

Barchester Healthcare | Residential and nursing care

Westvale House is a purpose-built care home providing residential and nursing care, as well as specialist care for younger people with physical disabilities.

Key Features:

• Purpose-built modern facility
• Residential and nursing care options
• Care for younger adults with physical disabilities
• Personalised nursing care approach
• Fresh, home-cooked food and homely environment
• Dedicated gardens and outdoor spaces
• Various outings and activities programme

Best For:

• Families seeking modern purpose-built facilities
• Those requiring nursing care with medical support
• Younger adults with physical disabilities needing specialist care

What to Look For When Researching Care Homes

When evaluating care homes in Merseyside, focus on these essential factors to ensure you make the right choice for your loved one.

Quality and Safety Standards

CQC Ratings: Look for homes rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission. Check recent inspection reports for detailed insights into care quality.

Staff Training: Ensure staff receive ongoing training in areas relevant to your loved one’s needs, particularly dementia care if required.

Safety Features: Look for appropriate safety measures like call systems, adequate lighting, non-slip flooring, and secure outdoor spaces.

Care Approach and Environment

Person-Centred Care: The best homes focus on individual preferences, maintaining routines, and respecting residents’ choices about daily life.

Atmosphere: Visit during normal operating hours to observe staff interactions with residents and the general atmosphere of the home.

Family Involvement: Choose homes that welcome family involvement, offer flexible visiting, and maintain regular communication about care.

Practical Considerations

Location: Consider proximity to family for regular visits and access to local amenities, healthcare, and transport links.

Size: Smaller homes like Elmtree House offer more personalised care, while larger facilities may provide more varied services and social opportunities.

Specialist Services: Ensure the home can meet specific needs like dementia care, nursing support, or physical disabilities.

Trial Periods: Look for homes offering trial stays to assess suitability before making long-term commitments.

Questions to Ask During Care Home Visits

Getting the right information during visits helps you compare options and make confident decisions.

About Daily Life and Care

Daily Routines: What does a typical day look like? How flexible are meal times and daily schedules?

Activities Programme: What activities are available? Are they tailored to individual interests and abilities?

Personal Care: How is personal care provided with dignity? What’s the approach to maintaining independence?

Healthcare: How are medical needs managed? What’s the relationship with local GPs and healthcare services?

About the Environment and Facilities

Accommodation: Can residents personalise their rooms? What facilities are included in bedrooms?

Communal Areas: Are there varied spaces for different activities and preferences?

Outdoor Access: Are there safe, accessible outdoor areas for residents to enjoy?

Safety Features: What safety measures are in place, particularly for residents with dementia?

About Costs and Contracts

Fee Structure: What’s included in fees? Are there additional charges for services?

Fee Increases: How often do fees increase and by how much typically?

Contract Terms: What notice periods apply? What happens during hospital stays?

Funding Support: Can the home help with funding applications and benefit claims?

Making Your Final Decision

After researching and visiting care homes, use these steps to make your final choice with confidence.

Compare Your Options

Create a simple comparison focusing on factors most important to your situation:

• Quality of care and staff interactions
• Suitability for specific needs (dementia, nursing care, etc.)
• Location and accessibility for family
• Cost and value for money
• Overall atmosphere and feeling

Trust Your Instincts

While practical factors matter, don’t underestimate your gut feeling about whether a place feels right for your loved one. The best care homes create a sense of warmth and welcome that’s immediately apparent.

Involve Your Loved One

Where possible, include them in visits and decision-making. Their comfort and preferences should guide your choice, balanced with practical safety and care considerations.

Why Elmtree House Stands Out

Among Merseyside’s care homes, Elmtree House consistently receives outstanding feedback from families for several key reasons:

Genuine Family Atmosphere: With just 20 residents, staff know everyone personally and can provide truly individualised care that larger homes cannot match.

Beautiful Setting: The converted Edwardian villa provides character and charm while maintaining all modern safety and care standards.

Transparent Approach: Direct access to management and ownership means concerns are addressed promptly and personally.

Specialist EMI Care: Expert dementia care delivered by trained staff in a secure, supportive environment designed to reduce confusion and promote wellbeing.

Flexible Trial Period: Four-week trial admissions allow families to ensure the home is right before making long-term commitments.