What is the difference between small and large care homes?

Small homes typically have 1-10 beds and offer more personalised care with consistent teams. Large homes have 50+ beds and offer more facilities and amenities but may have less continuity.

Which type of care home has better CQC ratings?

According to CQC State of Care 2016-17 data, small homes (1-10 beds) achieved Good/Outstanding in 89-92%, while large homes (50+ beds) achieved Good/Outstanding in 63-72%.

What are the advantages of small care homes?

Small homes offer consistency with smaller, stable teams who know residents deeply, calmer environments preferred for dementia or anxious residents, and flexibility for bespoke routines and personalised activities.

What are the advantages of large care homes?

Large homes offer clinical breadth with on-site nursing, more amenities (salons, cafés, activity rooms, larger gardens), and more social variety with larger peer groups and scheduled events.

Small vs Large Care Homes in Poole

CQC data comparison (State of Care 2016-17)

Small homes (1-10 beds): Good/Outstanding in 89-92%.
Large homes (50+ beds): Good/Outstanding in 63-72%.
Takeaway: small homes often sustain personalised care more consistently; large homes offer more facilities but watch staffing/process consistency.

Strengths of large homes

Clinical breadth: on-site nursing, sometimes physio/OT links, more specialist equipment.
Amenities: salons, cafés, activity rooms, larger gardens, potentially more group activities.
Social variety: larger peer group, more scheduled events; good for residents who enjoy bustle.

Watch-outs in large homes

Continuity: bigger teams can mean more turnover; ask about keyworkers and handovers.
Response time: check call-bell performance and staff-to-resident ratios by shift.
Personalisation: ask how they tailor routines, meals, and activities to individual preferences.

Strengths of small homes

Consistency: smaller, stable teams often know residents deeply; closer relationships.
Calmer environment: lower sensory load, often preferred for dementia or anxious residents.
Flexibility: faster decisions, bespoke routines, and personalised activities/menus.

Watch-outs in small homes

Facilities: fewer on-site amenities; check outdoor access, equipment, and activity variety.
Clinical scope: may rely on community nursing/GP more—ask how they coordinate and escalate.
Respite capacity: limited beds can mean less flexibility for respite/step-up care.

Decision prompts

If complex nursing needs are high and social variety matters, a well-run large home can fit.
If personal continuity, calm atmosphere, and “Caring” quality are priorities, shortlist small homes with strong CQC reports.
Match personality: outgoing residents may enjoy larger groups; quieter residents may prefer a small, homely setting.

Poole/BCP local tips

Frequent visits: Parkstone (rail + 7A/7B/7C/15/18), Hamworthy (rail + 8/9/10), Broadstone (3/4/18/32).
Check CQC "Caring" and "Well-led": strong small homes often excel here.

FAQ

What is the difference between small and large care homes? Small homes typically have 1-10 beds and offer more personalised care with consistent teams. Large homes have 50+ beds and offer more facilities and amenities but may have less continuity.
Which type of care home has better CQC ratings? According to CQC State of Care 2016-17 data, small homes (1-10 beds) achieved Good/Outstanding in 89-92%, while large homes (50+ beds) achieved Good/Outstanding in 63-72%.
What are the advantages of small care homes? Small homes offer consistency with smaller, stable teams who know residents deeply, calmer environments preferred for dementia or anxious residents, and flexibility for bespoke routines and personalised activities.
What are the advantages of large care homes? Large homes offer clinical breadth with on-site nursing, more amenities (salons, cafés, activity rooms, larger gardens), and more social variety with larger peer groups and scheduled events.