Many people feel even closer to their faith in later life, while for others it’s always been an essential part of their lifestyle. Christian care homes incorporate religious practice and spiritual care into day-to-day life for their residents.
Page contents
All care homes are legally required to support residents to practise their faith if they wish to. In specifically Christian care homes, this is a central part of life at the home.
There are a variety of different types of Christian care homes, such as Catholic, Methodist and non-denominational. Some are not-for-profit, some are run by charities, some are run by monks or nuns.
Some well-known groups that run Christian care homes include:
- Pilgrims’ Friend Society
- MHA
- Grace and Compassion Benedictines CIO
- Sisters Hospitallers of the Sacred Heart of Jesus CIO
At a glance
- Christian care homes combine professional care with faith-based support. Alongside providing person-centred care, accommodation, meals and activities, Christian care homes place a strong emphasis on Christian values, worship and spiritual wellbeing as part of everyday life.
- Residents are supported to practise their faith in ways that suit their individual needs. Care plans can include support for attending services, prayer, dietary preferences, same-gender personal care, Communion, Confession and other religious practices, ensuring faith remains an important part of residents’ lives.
- Spiritual care is a central part of life in Christian care homes. Homes often offer chapels or prayer spaces, regular church services, Bible study groups and faith-based activities, while also providing emotional and spiritual support for residents and their families, particularly during illness or end-of-life care.
What Christian practices do Christian care homes support?
When anybody moves into a care home, care professionals create a care plan for them. The care plan is built on the person’s medical and support needs and how they want to live their life. Religious and spiritual needs are included in this.
In a care plan, this may look like:
- Support to attend regular worship and somewhere peaceful to pray.
- Personal care that’s only provided by a carer of the same gender.
- Accommodating any dietary needs related to their Christian faith. These vary by denomination and personal preference, but examples might be not eating meat on Fridays or restrictions during Lent.
Expert advice straight to your inbox
Join our growing community for clear, expert guidance on finding, choosing and paying for a care home.
What is life like in a Christian care home?
Christian care homes, like any other, provide person-centred care in a safe, accessible and stimulating environment. They can support people with a range of needs, from frailty to dementia to learning disabilities. Each home is different, but all are regulated and provide personal care, accommodation, food and activities.
Additionally, Christian care homes have a greater focus on Christian values in the care they provide and incorporating Christian practice into daily life. They are often run by charities or not-for-profit organisations.
Facilities
Christianity-focused facilities in a care home may include a private chapel, a prayer room or specially designed reflection area in the garden.
Church services
Regular Mass or Eucharist is an important part of life for many Christians. Plenty of care homes offer Sunday services, but Christian care homes often offer these in their own on-site chapel and/or additional services each week.
Communion or Confession brought to residents
The local priest or vicar may visit the care home to perform Mass or the Eucharist. For residents who are unable to leave their room due to health reasons, or simply want more privacy, they may be able to have Holy Communion or Confession with the vicar or priest in their room.
Bible study groups
Many people find regular Bible study groups a sociable and intellectually stimulating way to engage with their faith. Some Christian care homes offer these as a weekly or regular activity.
Activities centred around the Christian year
Care homes offer a wide range of activities, usually organised by a dedicated activities coordinator.
In a Christian care home, these often include key festivals and dates in the Christian calendar, such as Advent, Christmas, Lent, Holy Week, Easter and Harvest Festival.
These activities might include arts and crafts, baking, singing sessions or visiting live music acts, additional Church services, lectures and visiting speakers, or day trips.
Looking for a care home?
Search for care homes near you, compare fees, and read reviews from families to help you choose.
How do Christian care homes provide spiritual care?
Spiritual care is an important part of any Christian care home. At this time of life, particularly if they are living with an illness or facing end-of-life care, residents can feel more drawn to their faith than ever before.
Spiritual care is for both the resident and their loved ones. It differs greatly depending on each person’s needs, and may focus on current emotions as well as those about the past or future. Some people need to feel closer to their faith on a day-to-day basis while others may have fears, guilt, regret or anger that they wish to reflect on and work through.
Spiritual care in a Christian care home may involve:
- One-to-one time to talk with a vicar, priest or counsellor.
- Plenty of time to talk with carers.
- Regular Communion, Confession or worship.
- Support to continue activities that bring the individual peace and fulfilment.
- Support to stay connected with friends and family.
Do I have to be a Christian to move into a Christian care home?
Each care home or company has its own policy on this.
Some Christian care homes only accept, or prioritise, practising Christians. “Practising” in this context usually means baptised, possibly confirmed and regularly attending church, though the home would take people’s mobility and independence into account.
Other Christian care homes accept people of any faith, including people with no faith.
FAQs
How do Christian care homes support residents’ spiritual wellbeing?
Christian care homes provide spiritual care through worship opportunities, pastoral support and one-to-one conversations with priests, vicars or counsellors. They also help residents maintain meaningful connections with their faith, family and community, particularly during times of illness or end-of-life care.
What faith-based activities are available in a Christian care home?
Many Christian care homes offer regular church services, Holy Communion, Bible study groups, prayer sessions and celebrations linked to the Christian calendar, such as Christmas, Easter and Harvest Festival. Some homes also have on-site chapels or dedicated prayer spaces.
Do you have to be a Christian to live in a Christian care home?
Not always. Some Christian care homes welcome people of all faiths and those with no religious beliefs, while others may prioritise or only accept practising Christians. Admission policies vary between providers, so it’s important to check with the individual home.
