# How to use CareFacts

UK care-service regulation, inspection and operator context.

## Start with a precise record

Use the name, identifier or place you want to investigate. The website scope is: UK care-service regulation, inspection and operator context.

## Compare like with like

Open the relevant records and guides below. Keep identifiers, geography, units and source dates together; a record with a similar name or a different reporting period may answer a different question.

## Take the evidence to the original source

Follow the source references before making a consequential decision. Treat missing or historical information as a limitation, and use the relevant authority or provider for a current determination.

## Tools and records

- [Start a search on carefacts.co.uk](https://carefacts.co.uk/)
- [Compare services](https://carefacts.co.uk/compare)
- [Home care services and agencies 11,810](https://carefacts.co.uk/care-types/home-care)
- [See the release dates behind these figures](https://carefacts.co.uk/sources)

## Question guides

- [Who do you complain to about care homes?](https://carefacts.co.uk/task-guides/who-to-complain-to-about-care-homes/index.md)
- [What are the 4 CQC ratings?](https://carefacts.co.uk/task-guides/what-are-the-four-cqc-ratings/index.md)
- [What is the difference between a residential care home and a care home?](https://carefacts.co.uk/task-guides/difference-residential-care-home-and-care-home/index.md)

Source: https://carefacts.co.uk/ (first-party website; inspected 2026-10-18).