Care Homes in Lancaster: A 2026 Guide for Families
Everything you need to know about finding the right care home in Lancaster — from CQC ratings and specialisms to costs and what to look for when visiting.
CQC Ratings Overview
Lancaster has 14 care homes registered with the Care Quality Commission. 13 homes are rated Good, meaning most families in Lancaster have access to well-rated care options.
8 homes offer nursing care (with qualified nurses on-site), while 6 are residential care homes providing personal care without nursing. 11 homes in {data.name} specialise in dementia care. The total capacity across all homes is 535 beds.
Top-Rated Care Homes in Lancaster
| Name | Rating | Type | Beds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laurel Bank | Good | Nursing | 67 |
| Ashton Manor Care Home | Good | Residential | 67 |
| Hillcroft Nursing Home Carnforth | Good | Nursing | 64 |
| Hillcroft Nursing Home Slyne | Good | Nursing | 49 |
| Dolphinlee House Home for Older People | Good | Residential | 46 |
| Hillcroft House Galgate | Good | Nursing | 43 |
| Nazareth House - Lancaster | Good | Nursing | 43 |
| Hillcroft Nursing Home Caton Green | Good | Nursing | 31 |
| The Sands Meadows | Good | Residential | 23 |
| Moorside Hall | Good | Nursing | 22 |
| Hillcroft Nursing Home Lancaster | Good | Nursing | 20 |
| The Thorns Retirement Home | Good | Residential | 15 |
| Longcroft | Good | Residential | 15 |
Showing top-rated homes. See all 14 care homes in Lancaster →
Nursing vs Residential Care in Lancaster
Nursing Homes (8)
Qualified nurses on-site 24/7 for residents with complex medical needs, post-surgical recovery, or conditions requiring regular clinical care.
Browse nursing homes in Lancaster →Residential Homes (6)
Personal care support for daily living — meals, washing, dressing, social activities — in a homely setting without on-site nursing.
Browse residential homes in Lancaster →Dementia Care in Lancaster
11 care homes in Lancaster specialise in dementia care. These homes typically offer secure environments, specialist training for staff, and activities designed for people living with dementia.
How to Choose a Care Home in Lancaster
- 1Check CQC ratings — Start with homes rated Outstanding or Good. 13 homes in Lancaster meet this standard.
- 2Match the care type — Decide between nursing (8 homes) and residential (6 homes) based on medical needs.
- 3Visit at least 3 homes — Use our visiting checklist to compare homes in person.
- 4Understand the costs — Care home fees in England average £800–£1,200/week. See our funding guide.
- 5Save and compare — Use the shortlist feature on each care home page to save and compare your favourites side by side.