How We Build and Verify Our Directory
Transparency is fundamental to trust. This page explains exactly how we source, verify, rank and update the care home listings on HomeCare UK. If you have questions about our methodology, please contact us.
Data Sources
Our listings are built from multiple independent data sources to ensure accuracy and completeness:
- Care Quality Commission (CQC) — The independent regulator of health and social care in England. We cross-reference CQC registration data, inspection ratings and enforcement actions.
- Google Business Profiles — We pull verified business information including addresses, phone numbers, opening hours and Google review ratings.
- Care home self-reporting — Registered care home managers can add their care home or claim an existing listing to provide first-party information.
- User reviews — Families, residents and visitors can leave reviews on our platform. These are moderated before publication (see our editorial policy).
- Public records — Companies House data, charity registers and local authority published information.
Verification Process
Before a care home appears in our directory, it must pass our verification checks:
- Identity verification — We confirm the care home exists as a registered entity with the CQC or equivalent regulator.
- Contact verification — Phone numbers, addresses and websites are checked against at least two independent sources.
- Service verification — The types of care listed are cross-checked against regulatory registration categories.
- Active status — We remove care homes that have closed, been deregistered or had their registration suspended.
Our Ranking System
When you browse care homes in a specific location — for example, care homes in London or care homes in Norwich — listings are ranked using our proprietary ranking score calculated from:
- Rating (50% weight) — A blended rating combining Google review score and on-platform user reviews. We use a Bayesian average to prevent care homes with very few reviews from being unfairly ranked.
- Review volume (30% weight) — Care homes with more reviews rank higher, as a larger sample produces a more reliable rating.
- Data completeness (20% weight) — Listings with more complete information rank higher. This incentivises care homes to keep their profiles up to date.
What does not affect rankings: We do not accept payment to improve a care home’s ranking position. Paid or sponsored listings are clearly labelled and never mixed into organic rankings.
Update Frequency
- Daily — Automated checks flag listings with data older than 180 days for re-verification.
- Weekly — Ranking scores are recalculated across all listings to reflect new reviews and updated information.
- Monthly — Manual spot-checks on a rotating sample of listings in each region.
- On change — When a care home manager updates their listing via our claim system, changes are reviewed within 24-48 hours.
Limitations
- We are an information directory, not a regulated care adviser. Our listings are for informational purposes only.
- Fee information is indicative and may vary based on the level of care required.
- We strongly recommend that families visit care homes in person and consult their local authority before making a decision.
- If you spot an error, please let us know and we will correct it promptly.