by Gavin Thompson, The Bristol Post
But while the web is now first port of call for property hunting for yourself, it hasn’t been such a common tool when looking for a care home place for a loved one.
That could now be about to change as Clare Fraser, from Filton, in Bristol, has launched the first dedicated self-service letting agency for England’s 17,000 care homes.
The teacher found it challenging to find care homes when helping her mother-in-law a few years ago.
Clare, 46, said: “I have personal experience of dealing with the care system. I know what a tortuous and stressful process it can be. Anything aimed at making the process easier is to be welcomed.
Large numbers of care home beds go empty, hitting profits, and Clare believes there is a gap in the market to help fill them quickly and make sure the public are aware of the space.
She said: “In the current financial climate we know that up to 20 per cent of a care home’s profit can be lost when the last few rooms are unoccupied.
"We also understand that it can be a struggle to fill them, so we’ve designed a site that is specifically tailored for care providers who need to fill these spaces.”
She added families and health professionals often needed to find homes at short notice, so her business would help them too.
Clare said: “Care Homes Now will be a quick and easy way to find up-to-date accommodation for families, friends and the NHS looking for good quality care for loved ones within their chosen location.
“There are thousands of brilliant, caring establishments out there, working around the clock, every day of every week, delivering superb care and showing huge commitment to residents and their family members.”
Users will be able to leave recommendations on the website, carehomesnow.com, as is common practice with holiday websites or when buying goods.
Clare said this would help people make a more informed decision, but added nothing could take the place of visiting the home in person.
She said: “Our website is just a stepping stone to help along the way. This is often an emotional time for all involved and it is definitely not a ‘one size fits all’.”
Despite a public service career, Clare has always had an entrepreneurial streak.
Now her website launches next month with care homes offered a free trial, after which they would pay a subscription.
Five per cent of profits will go to charities supporting the elderly.
Clare said: “It is a modern, simple and affordable solution which will save people both time and money.”
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